The first edition of THE EDGE organized by the Monaco Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (MVCA) in partnership with the International University of Monaco (IUM) took place at the Oceanographic Museum.

Jean-Philippe Muller (IUM) Julie Meyer (Ariadne Capital) & Zsolt Lavotha (MVCA) surrounded by the participants in the entrepreneurial Challenge. (Photo courtesy of MVCA/IUM)

This highly successful full day event was attended by 300 people composed of investing companies, family offices, private investors, business angels, university alumni from top international universities and of course entrepreneurs. The objective of this global forum was to take the discussion on business models and global sustainability to a higher and more inclusive sphere, and the exchange of new and radical ideas on socially responsible businesses. HSH Prince Albert opened the conference with an interesting presentation confirming his firm belief in social responsible investing. The Prince came accompanied by Mr Bernard Fautrier of the Albert II Foundation and his nephew Pierre Casiraghi. Also present were Mr Laurent Nouvion, President of the Monaco National Council accompanied by Marc Burini, President Finance and National Economy of the National Council. The winner of the Challenge among the selected entrepreneurs was Karibu Solar Power from Tanzania an innovative social enterprise that makes high quality solar lighting and mobile phone charging affordable. Skilled conference moderator Julie Meyer, founder & CEO of Ariadne Capital and founder of Entrepreneur Country, stated that capital follows ideas and society should be organized around the entrepreneur.  Social entrepreneurs break the concrete; they are tenacious and never give up because they have the vision to see the solution. They used to work on their own and now they see themselves as part of a larger group, they have gained a collective identity and they are not isolated anymore. Entrepreneurs can change the world for the better but for that they need the concerted support from governments, policy makers and the big industries.

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Mr. Zsolt Lavotha, Chairman of MVCA is interviewed by CNBC