Sigma Squared: The Power of a Next-Generation Movement

When communities come together around shared values of curiosity, innovation, and courage, something extraordinary happens. That is precisely what Sigma Squared has created: a truly global network of young founders and changemakers who are not just building companies, but reimagining what leadership can mean in the 21st century.

A unique community

Sigma Squared is more than an organisation, it’s a movement. Founded with the belief that the world’s most pressing challenges will be solved by bold, young entrepreneurs, Sigma Squared unites founders under the age of 26 who are building ventures with impact at their core. Today, the community spans over 30 countries and more than 1,000 founders, representing industries from technology and healthcare to sustainability, education, and beyond.

What sets Sigma Squared apart is its DNA of purpose. Every member commits to building companies that not only achieve commercial success but also contribute positively to society. This shared commitment creates a culture where collaboration replaces competition, and where ideas are exchanged freely across borders and disciplines.

Each connection sparks new possibilities, and each gathering builds momentum for the kind of leadership that is collaborative, purposeful, and bold.

At Forming Impact, we feel a deep resonance with this ethos. Many of our members are also active within Sigma Squared, and we’ve seen first-hand the value of these overlapping networks. When communities with aligned missions intersect, they don’t just grow larger- they grow stronger.

Leadership through people

Sigma Squared has benefited from a lineage of thoughtful, people-centred leadership. Under the presidency of Michael Kowatschew, with whom we continue to partner closely, the organisation built strong foundations and a culture of collaboration that set the stage for future growth.

Now, under the leadership of Julia Zhou, Sigma Squared has flourished in remarkable ways. Julia’s tenure as President has been defined not only by vision but by her instinct for nurturing others. She listens deeply, creates platforms for fresh perspectives, and ensures that every voice feels valued. It’s this human-centred leadership- strategic yet empathetic- that has set the tone for the organisation’s current trajectory.

The road to Valencia

The momentum is now building towards the Sigma Squared Summit 2025, set for October 24–25 in Valencia, Spain, with a VIP dinner the evening before. Over 400 founders, thought leaders, and investors from across the globe will gather in an environment designed to ignite new ideas and collaborations.

What makes the Summit unique is not just the scale but the intimacy of its purpose. It’s an invite-only space where people arrive not to impress, but to connect; bringing their most honest challenges and boldest visions. Whether through keynote talks, fireside conversations, or spontaneous discussions over dinner, the Summit promises to be a crucible for creativity and community.

Why it matters now

As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, the role of young, purpose-driven leaders has never been more critical. Sigma Squared embodies the idea that entrepreneurship can, and should, be a platform for systemic change. By giving a stage to bold new ideas and by weaving together a global web of innovators, it offers a glimpse of what the future of leadership can look like: collaborative, courageous, and relentlessly hopeful.

Forming Impact is proud to stand alongside Sigma Squared as they continue this journey. Together, we are shaping spaces where authentic leadership can flourish and where the next generation of founders can be empowered to turn their ideas into lasting impact.

Learn more and explore the Summit here: Sigma Squared Summit.