At Talk B17 x Forbes Luxembourg, US Ambassador Stacey Feinberg outlined a vision for Luxembourg shaped by innovation, entrepreneurship, and frontier technologies.
On May 20, Tero House17 hosted a packed Talk B17 x Forbes Luxembourg evening featuring United States Ambassador Stacey Feinberg. The event gathered entrepreneurs, investors, executives, founders, and technology leaders for a discussion centered on venture capital, digital finance, artificial intelligence, and the rapidly expanding space economy. Moderated by Forbes Luxembourg CEO Pierre-Yves Lanneau Saint Léger, the discussion moved fluidly between startup culture, international investment, satellite infrastructure, and the future of transatlantic business collaboration.
“What we did in finance in the ’90s, we will now do together in space and technology,” said Ambassador Feinberg, positioning innovation and frontier industries at the centre of Luxembourg’s next economic chapter.
The Luxembourg Bet
For Ambassador Feinberg, Luxembourg’s greatest advantage lies precisely in what many outsiders continue to underestimate: agility. Its ability to move quickly, connect decision-makers efficiently, and create meaningful partnerships across sectors has, in her view, become one of the country’s defining competitive strengths.
“I wanted to be somewhere where I could make a difference quickly and significantly,” said Ambassador Feinberg.
Ambassador Feinberg repeatedly emphasized that Luxembourg’s scale is not a limitation, but a strategic advantage, one that allows the country to adapt faster than larger markets while positioning itself at the intersection of finance, innovation, and emerging technologies.
“Luxembourg has remained understated for far too long,” said Saint Léger, reflecting on the country’s growing prominence within international business, investment, and innovation circles. Long recognised for its financial expertise, Luxembourg is increasingly drawing attention for its expanding startup environment, technological ambitions, and ability to attract global companies operating across sectors ranging from digital finance to aerospace. Combined with its political stability, international outlook, and highly connected business ecosystem, those strengths are helping position the country as an increasingly influential gateway for entrepreneurs, investors, and multinational firms looking to scale across Europe and beyond.
The Business Ambassador
Unlike many career diplomats, Ambassador Feinberg arrived in Luxembourg with a professional background shaped by finance, private investment, and venture capital. Before entering diplomacy, she built her career in hedge funds before moving into angel investing and startup mentorship, experiences that continue to shape her commercially minded and deeply pragmatic approach to diplomacy.
Rather than defining her role through traditional diplomatic conventions, Ambassador Feinberg repeatedly described herself as a “connector,” focused on creating links between founders, investors, institutions, and industries.
“I love the entrepreneurial spirit. You want to create something you’re passionate about,” said Ambassador Feinberg.
That philosophy has already translated into an unusually visible presence in Luxembourg. Since arriving in the country, Ambassador Feinberg revealed that she has conducted more than 400 meetings with entrepreneurs, investors, institutions, and business leaders across sectors.
Ambassador Feinberg’s unusually hands-on approach to diplomacy became one of the evening’s recurring themes, particularly in discussions surrounding Luxembourg’s investment and entrepreneurial sectors. “You are probably the most active ambassador the United States has had in Luxembourg,” said Loïc Choquet, CEO of Apex Fund Services.
The Founder Equation
The discussion became especially animated during audience exchanges, with entrepreneurs questioning how Luxembourg startups should position themselves against ecosystems such as Silicon Valley, Austin, and New York.
“Luxembourg is having a similar moment,” Ambassador Feinberg responded, comparing the country’s current trajectory to the formative years of American innovation hubs. She pointed to incubators, the University of Luxembourg, and growing investor activity as foundations for the country’s next phase of growth.
At the same time, Ambassador Feinberg stressed the importance of preparing startups for the intensity of the American market and the realities of international scaling.
Reflecting on startup pitch competitions she recently judged in Luxembourg, Ambassador Feinberg noted the competitiveness founders face when entering the US market: “When they get to the United States, the gloves come off.”
Questions from the audience also turned toward female entrepreneurship and leadership. Asked what advice she would offer aspiring women founders, Ambassador Feinberg encouraged resilience, collaboration, and calculated risk-taking.
“Don’t try to do everything by yourself. Try, and if you fail, fail fast, at least you tried, and then try something else,” said Ambassador Feinberg.
Luxembourg Goes Vertical
Space and frontier technologies quickly emerged as defining themes of the evening, with Ambassador Feinberg repeatedly highlighting Luxembourg’s growing influence within the global space economy.
Ambassador Feinberg described SES as a “crown jewel” of Luxembourg, underscoring the company’s strategic importance in satellite infrastructure and the broader evolution of aerospace and dual-use technologies. She also pointed to Blue Origin establishing its European headquarters in Luxembourg as a major vote of confidence in the country’s long-term positioning within advanced technologies and innovation-driven industries.
Additional companies referenced during the discussion included Exobiosphere and Redwire, reflecting how Luxembourg’s business ecosystem is increasingly expanding into sectors far beyond traditional finance.
Beyond investment and technology, Ambassador Feinberg also emphasized the importance of talent development and transatlantic exchange. The United States Embassy in Luxembourg also supports several exchange initiatives, including the Fulbright Program, the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship, and the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) for entrepreneurs. Together, these programs aim to strengthen the next generation of innovators, researchers, and business leaders between Luxembourg and the United States.
As the evening drew to a close, one message became increasingly clear: Luxembourg is no longer positioning itself solely as a financial centre. It is steadily emerging as a platform for innovation, frontier technologies, entrepreneurship, and the next generation of transatlantic collaboration.
“Luxembourg is in the business of business,” said Ambassador Feinberg, a remark that ultimately captured the broader message of the evening. Luxembourg’s next chapter may be defined less by scale than by speed, connectivity, and its ability to position itself at the crossroads of capital, technology, and global talent.
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