clubWAW! Connecting Entrepreneurs at Supernova 2025

In the heart of Antwerp, SuperNova Festival 2025 is set to bring together visionaries, innovators, and entrepreneurs for a celebration of technology and business. Among its key partners is Mediafin. Not just a leading financial news publisher, but a driving force in fostering entrepreneurship in Belgium. Presenting clubWAW!, an initiative designed to connect, inspire, and propel ambitious entrepreneurs forward.

The Evolution of clubWAW!

clubWAW! is the next evolution of WAW!, an initiative by De Tijd aimed at supporting fast-growing businesses. Peter De Groote, Editor-in-Chief of De Tijd, explains, "WAW! was created to provide more content tailored to young, fast-growing companies. Not necessarily young in age, but young in spirit – smaller businesses with big ambitions." Recognizing that entrepreneurs don’t only need information but also a network, clubWAW! was born. It offers an exclusive space where members can access high-quality events, connect with the right people, and find the inspiration they need to take their businesses to the next level.

Beyond Journalism: Building a Community

Julie Vens - De Vos, Head of New Business Development at Mediafin, describes clubWAW! as "a step further than WAW!.” While De Tijd provides essential news and analyses, clubWAW! aims to create a direct link between entrepreneurs and a powerful network. "These entrepreneurs don’t just need content on our site or in our newspaper," she says. "They need to be physically brought together. They look to De Tijd as a high-quality intermediary that can connect them with the right people and place meaningful conversations at the forefront."

A Network That Goes Beyond Superficial Connections

This emphasis on quality connections is what sets clubWAW! apart from other business networks in Belgium. "Every network claims to offer valuable connections," De Groote acknowledges. "But what we’re offering is something more refined. Entrepreneurs don’t have time to waste, and many end up spending too much of it on superficial networking. We know precisely what they are looking for and provide top-quality content alongside well-curated interactions."

“It’s those interactions that really set us apart,” says Vens - De Vos. “De Tijd offers critical insights, but you can’t have a debate with the newspaper you’re holding. And that’s where clubWAW! comes in. We facilitate discussions and conversations, so our members can enter the debate themselves.”

Adapting to a New Era of Business Journalism

The initiative comes at a time when business journalism itself is evolving. Traditionally, a journalist would attend a press conference, write a report, and move on. Today, expectations are different. "People want more than just top-notch content," says De Groote. "They expect intelligent engagement. They want us to be part of the conversation, to justify our choices, and to show the reasoning behind our editorial decisions." clubWAW! allows Mediafin to foster these discussions beyond the printed page, creating a space where ideas can be debated and entrepreneurs can share their experiences in a meaningful way.

The Challenges of Launching clubWAW!

Of course, launching such an initiative has its challenges. One of the biggest, according to Vens - De Vos, is maintaining journalistic neutrality while actively engaging with the entrepreneurial community. "A journalist has a responsibility to remain objective," she explains. "We can support and inspire entrepreneurs, but if one of them does something questionable, they might still find themselves in the newspaper the next day. Balancing that neutrality while building a close-knit network is a challenge we constantly navigate."

Another challenge is ensuring diversity and inclusivity within the network. "It’s something we are highly conscious of," says De Groote. "Before clubWAW!, when we curated events, we made a deliberate effort to ensure diverse representation. In February, our speaker lineup was 35% female, which is notable in a startup world that is still largely male-dominated. It’s something we continue to work on – both in terms of the entrepreneurs we feature and the audience we attract."

Sustainability and the Future of clubWAW!

Sustainability is another important aspect of the clubWAW! mission. Mediafin has already demonstrated its commitment through initiatives like the Changemakers Awards, a competition that recognizes companies making significant progress toward European climate goals. "clubWAW! integrates this sustainability focus as well," De Groote explains. "Members of clubWAW! have access to the Changemakers Awards, and we make sure to highlight sustainable businesses within our network."

Looking beyond Belgium, clubWAW! also has aspirations to expand its reach internationally. "Right now, we are still in the early stages," says Vens - De Vos. "But we know that Belgian entrepreneurs need access to global networks. We are already in discussions with international media partners to see how we can create valuable connections abroad. It’s something we will develop organically, always with the needs of our members in mind."

SuperNova 2025: The Perfect Stage for clubWAW!

At SuperNova Festival 2025, clubWAW! will be present, aligning perfectly with the festival’s focus on innovation and ambition. "It’s not just about presenting clubWAW!," says Vens - De Vos. "SuperNova is a space where entrepreneurs come to be inspired. Our WAW! entrepreneurs will be there, engaging in discussions and sharing ideas. We believe in working together rather than organizing competing events because, in the end, what matters most is helping entrepreneurs move forward."

As SuperNova 2025 approaches, clubWAW! represents a new chapter for Mediafin, one that extends beyond journalism to create a living, breathing community of ambitious entrepreneurs. By combining high-quality content with real-world connections, clubWAW! is set to become an essential resource for business leaders looking to take their next big step. At a festival dedicated to the future, this initiative embodies the spirit of growth, innovation, and collaboration that defines SuperNova itself.