Caracas, February 2026.– As part of the launch of the book “Venemergencia: 20 Years of a Disruptive Health System with Social Impact,” Venemergencia organized the forum “Being an Entrepreneur in Venezuela: Past, Present, and Future of a Transformative Role,” a space for reflection that brought together entrepreneurs, academics, students, and opinion leaders to analyze the role of the private sector in building the country.
The forum, hosted by María Laura García, who moderated the event, took place in the Alberto F. Vollmer Auditorium at IESA and fostered an open conversation about leadership, innovation, strategic alliances, and social commitment, within a context marked by the challenges and opportunities of the Venezuelan environment.
A space to reflect on the transformative role of the business community
The forum was moderated by Professor Nunzia Auletta, academic director and tenured professor at IESA’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and featured the participation of Gustavo Roosen, president of IESA; Rafael Arráiz Lucca, historian and author; and Andrés Simón González-Silén, founding partner and executive president of Venemergencia.
During his remarks, González-Silén highlighted the importance of rethinking collaboration models in the country: “We must consider alliances that seem impossible—those that will allow us to provide greater access to people, not only in healthcare but in any other sector of the economy, and that will enable us to strengthen our country.”
For his part, Gustavo Roosen underscored the value of the forum as a space for analysis and collective action: “This forum is an ideal space to address the current challenges facing the country’s various sectors, so that, with a clear picture, we can seek real and meaningful solutions for the country we all want.”
The speakers agreed on the need to strengthen purpose-driven companies capable of generating economic and social value in a sustainable manner, supported by innovation, ethics, and collaboration as drivers of transformation.
Book Launch: Venemergencia: 20 Years of a Disruptive Health System with Social Impact
As a central part of the event, the book launch for “Venemergencia: 20 Years of a Disruptive Healthcare System with Social Impact” took place, a moment that invited reflection on the organization’s journey, lessons learned, and social impact.
The book chronicles the history, evolution, and lessons learned by Venemergencia over two decades of operation in Venezuela. During the event, Rafael Arráiz Lucca highlighted the symbolic and social value of the publication: “This is a very important book due to the significance of this organization, which, through its values and commitment, has managed to bring about significant change in the Venezuelan healthcare system.”
In his remarks, Dr. Luis Enrique Velásquez Díaz, founding partner and chief operating officer of Venemergencia, highlighted the vision that has guided the organization since its inception: “Despite the difficulties we faced when launching this great idea that is Venemergencia, we always aimed to build a company with values and purpose. That is what allows us today, after 22 years, to serve Venezuelans and capture the story of these first 20 years as an example of overcoming adversity and resilience in this book.”
The book was produced through the collaborative efforts of Rafael Arráiz Lucca and Guadalupe Burelli, the authors; edited by Andrés Simón González-Silén and Luis Enrique Velásquez Díaz; with editorial coordination by Isabela Iturriza Soulés; graphic design by Pedro Quintero; and printed by Editorial Arte.
A forum with an eye toward the future
With this initiative, Venemergencia reaffirms its commitment to promoting strategic thinking, responsible leadership, and the creation of spaces for dialogue that contribute to the country’s economic and social development, inviting reflection on the role of the entrepreneur as a key player in Venezuela’s transformation.
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Communications and Institutional Relations Manager: Isabela Iturriza Soulés
WhatsApp: 0424-1064782
