Bertelsmann Signs Partnership With ‘Sandbox’ Network

They describe themselves as "the foremost global community of extraordinary young innovators" and the goals of the members of the "Sandbox Network" are correspondingly ambitious: to make a difference in the world before they are 30 years old. The community founded in Zurich has more than 600 ambitious, often socially minded young entrepreneurs in over 50 countries – and now has a strong partner in Bertelsmann which, as the Sandbox Network puts it, shares its own core values of creativity and entrepreneurship.

“This partnership brings together two organizations committed to supporting entrepreneurial talent," reads an announcement by the Sandbox Network. Christian Busch, co-founder of Sandbox, stresses that Bertelsmann is one of the few global companies characterized by its entrepreneurial as well as value-driven approach. "We are very happy to be able to work with such a strong partner," says Busch.

The enthusiasm is completely mutual, says Nico Rose, Director of Corporate Management Development at Bertelsmann – after all, the partnership enables Bertelsmann to join forces with a very interesting target group. "This helps us to network with people all over the world who are potential candidates for our Bertelsmann Entrepreneurs Program, which targets highly qualified young executives with start-up experience of their own." The direct contact will also give Bertelsmann fresh impetus and inspiration, even including complete business ideas or fledgling companies, often started by the young creative managers themselves, says Rose. And finally, he says it will help Bertelsmann present itself as an innovative and attractive partner to an extremely active target group - with a corresponding multiplier effect.

An important milestone in the new partnership was the first Sandbox Global Summit, held in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon on 20 to 22 January, and partly funded by Bertelsmann. "It is precisely these kind of meetings, where around 200 Sandbox members from around the world come together to discuss business ideas and other exciting matters of the future, that offer us an ideal environment for personal interaction," says Rose. Which is why he and two other colleagues were guests at this first summit, which took place just before the World Economic Forum in Davos, with which Sandbox members have a special relationship.

Not only is the meeting of major industrial leaders of the world held annually in the network’s home country; some founding members of Sandbox participate in and even help organize the Davos Forum. The young under-30’s express their optimistic and ambitious claim in an edifying almost rhetorical question: "What would happen if the leading minds, the potential ‘game changers’ hadn’t met when they were in their 50s, but already when they were in their 20s?" "I am very happy that we have established ties with this extraordinary community of unusual people – now we look forward to a fruitful collaboration," says Rose.