WBAF Rings the Traditional Bell in Istanbul to Mark the Opening of World Business Angel Investors Week 2025. A Global Call for Smart Capital and Financial Inclusion Echoes Across 140+ Countries.
The Istanbul Bell Ceremony set the tone for a week of action, partnership, and vision. It underscored WBAF’s leadership in building a global investment ecosystem that prioritizes impact, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Istanbul — The World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), proudly inaugurated the World Business Angel Investors Week 2025 with its iconic Bell Ceremony, held at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce in Türkiye. The ceremony marked the conclusion of the WBAF Financial Inclusion Conference 2025 and signaled the official commencement of a global movement to accelerate access to smart capital, foster inclusive finance, and unlock entrepreneurial potential in every corner of the world.
This year’s Global Theme — “Entrepreneurship Without Borders: Advancing Partnerships for a Sustainable Future” — sets the tone for a week-long series of high-level events, campaigns, and policy dialogues that will be celebrated in over 132 countries between June 23 and 29, 2025.
“The traditional bell-ringing is more than symbolic — it is a global rallying cry to mobilize smart capital for a fairer, more inclusive economy,” said Baybars Altuntas, Executive Chairman of the WBAF. “This year’s Bell Ceremony unites voices from every corner of the world around the shared purpose of enabling entrepreneurial success and expanding financial inclusion.”
An Exclusive Invitation to the Grand Opening Ceremony
The Grand Opening Ceremony of the World Business Angel Investors Week 2025 will take place online on Monday, June 23 at 2:00 PM GMT. Open to all, this ceremony brings together global leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in a virtual celebration of innovation, partnership, and impact. Secure your free registration now and access all Week events via the WBAF Financial Inclusion Center: www.id.wbaforum.org
Coordinated globally by the WBAF, the Week will engage over 200,000 participants from around the world, including entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, policymakers, thought leaders, and academics. As a strategic platform endorsed by key stakeholders across the United Nations, European Union, G20, ASEAN, OECD, and others, the initiative aims to shape the global conversation on early-stage equity markets, capital access, and startup economy challenges.
The 2025 edition was officially launched on June 16 at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, with a prestigious gathering of WBAF leaders including Baybars Altuntas, Global Chair of the Week 2025, and the Country Chairs of the Week. The event reaffirmed WBAF’s commitment to building a more inclusive global entrepreneurial ecosystem by promoting cross-border investments and smart capital strategies.
Get involved – Represent your country
If you are passionate about shaping the future of entrepreneurship and innovation, you can apply to represent your country at the World Business Angels Investment Forum as an International Partner or Senator. Apply here: www.wbaforum.org/represent
A Global Platform for Action:
World Business Angel Investors Week 2025 will feature:
- 300+ keynote speeches and roundtables
- Engagements with Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Ministers across multiple countries
- Initiatives promoting financial literacy, innovation hubs, and digital finance inclusion
- Cross-border investor networking events and startup showcases
To learn more about the events and partners of World Business Angel Investors Week 2025, visit: www.angelsweek.org
