We are pleased to announce that Joaquín Cuenca Abela, Co-founder and CEO of Freepik, will take the stage at the upcoming EU-Startups Summit, which will take place for the third time in sunny Malta on May 7 to 8, 2026.
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Málaga, Spain, Freepik has evolved into a global all-in-one creative platform used by designers, marketers, and creative teams worldwide. Today, the company serves more than 900k subscribers and brings together AI-powered creation and editing tools with a library of over 250 million stock assets.
Under Joaquín Cuenca Abela’s leadership, Freepik has expanded from a stock content marketplace into a full creative suite, supporting image, video, and audio creation through generative AI and professional-grade editing tools. The company has remained largely bootstrapped while scaling internationally, earning a place in the Financial Times ranking of Europe’s fastest-growing companies, and continuing to strengthen its international presence.
At the EU-Startups Summit 2026, Joaquín will deliver a keynote titled “When execution is worthless, vision is everything: how to start a business in the age of infinite AI.” Drawing on Freepik’s journey, he will explore how, in a world where AI handles 99% of execution, the remaining 1% entrusted to humans defines success. That critical margin includes setting the right objectives, validating outcomes and exercising sound judgment. This session will offer sharp insights for founders, operators and investors navigating a landscape where knowing what to do increasingly matters more than knowing how to do it!
Further details about the programme and additional speakers will be shared via the official EU-Startups Summit event page.
OUR EVENT SPONSORS
Malta Enterprise is Malta’s economic development agency, facilitating economic growth, investment, and innovation by offering a range of support services for local and foreign enterprises setting up a productive presence in Malta. As a key player in Malta’s economic landscape, it contributes to the nation’s prosperity by attracting investments, supporting businesses, and driving innovation, thereby reinforcing Malta’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Malta Enterprise actively cultivates a vibrant startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and offering tailored support and incentives to empower emerging businesses.
M. Demajo Group is a leading business player in Malta, with a successful history spanning 115 years. The Group’s growth and diversification have resulted in a wide coverage of business sectors through a commitment to long-term results. M. Demajo Group’s workforce is 500 strong and their various activities have been developed through organic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Its strong financial situation and ethical standards, its business reputation, and its renowned track record as a business partner are all key factors in its continued expansion.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2026/01/joaquin-cuenca-abela-co-founder-ceo-of-freepik-will-speak-at-this-years-eu-startups-summit/
