A number of business founders, leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs gathered for the latest Future Founders Plus event to discuss what it takes to start and scale a business in Malta in 2026.
The discussion session, held on 29th January at DiHubMT, featured Tonio Zarb of KPMG Malta, Director of Business Innovation at Melita, Kenneth Spiteri, and Fran Moisa, Founder and talent advisor at FM Search.
It was moderated by Mario Xuereb, CEO of the Malta Business Bureau and FPEI Chair.
Beyond external pressures such as inflation and bureaucracy, the speakers discussed cultural attitudes to failure, the realities of access to finance, the discipline required for sound governance and the leadership behaviours that shape company culture.
Other key topics, such as presenting to angel investors, whether startups should immediately prioritise both local and international markets, the value of networking, the importance of an adaptable strategy and the rise of AI in business, were also discussed.
“There is a clear appetite for open discussion and real-world perspectives on what it takes to build a resilient business in Malta,” said Giselle Borg Olivier, Foundation Manager at FPEI.
“We believe growth depends as much on mindset and structure as it does on funding or market conditions. Entrepreneurs want practical insights they can apply immediately. Future Founders Plus events aim to equip them with the clarity and confidence to make better decisions for their business.”
Future Founders Plus is an initiative by the Foundation for the Promotion of Entrepreneurial Initiatives (FPEI), sponsored by Creditinfo Malta.
The next in-person event, Navigating Malta’s Tax and Legal Requirements for Startups, will take place on Wednesday 25th February at Rocksalt, Msida. It will feature a Q&A-style panel with legal expert Matthew Galea Debono and tax specialist Shawn Galea, offering founders practical guidance on compliance, structuring and regulatory considerations.
