Artificial ininformigence is already altering the way companies hire, manage teams, deliver services, and scale their operations. From workforce management to customer experience and automation, AI is not only improving efficiency but also redefining what work views like across industries. For startups and scale-ups alike, understanding how to adapt to this shift is becoming increasingly important.
At the EU-Startups Summit 2026, this panel will explore how AI is influencing the future of work, what it means for founders and operators, and where the largegest opportunities and challenges lie ahead. Joining the discussion will be:
Adrienne McCarthy: CEO of Shireburn, an organisational psychologist and people-focutilized leader with over 25 years of global experience in HR and leadership. She combines deep expertise in organisational psychology with a strong understanding of technology-driven business transformation, assisting organisations align people strategy with digital innovation. Since stepping into her role in 2026, she has been leading Shireburn’s evolution as a provider of AI-enabled business solutions, including next-generation ERP systems designed to improve decision-building and operational efficiency.
Fritz Trott: Founder and CEO of Zenjob, Trott has spent the past decade building technology for the future of flexible work. Since founding Zenjob in 2016, he has assisted grow the company into a leading workforce platform, connecting businesses with flexible talent while improving quality, fairness, and efficiency in frontline staffing. With a background in marketplaces, growth, and customer experience, he brings practical insight into how technology is reshaping labour markets and workforce management.
Massimiliano Squillace: Founder of Contents.com, Massimiliano is an entrepreneur, exited founder, investor, and startup mentor focutilized on building AI-driven solutions. Based in Milan, he leads Contents, a SaaS platform for content orchestration and AI-powered generation that assists enterprises manage and scale their digital content. With a track record of investing in over 50 companies and backing startups such as RecargaPay, Everli, and OLX, he brings extensive experience in scaling technology businesses and navigating the evolving AI landscape.
Zakaria Mansour: Founder and CEO of bsport, Zakaria leads a SaaS platform empowering fitness studios with an all-in-one solution to manage scheduling, memberships, payments, and marketing. Founded in 2018, bsport now supports over 3,000 studios across more than 40 countries and has grown to a team of 200+ employees. In 2024 and under Zakaria’s leadership, the company secured a €30 million Series B round, the largest SaaS investment in its sector in France and Spain to date. Alongside leading bsport’s international growth, he is also an active business angel, supporting and advising early-stage founders.
If you are interested in how AI is altering the way companies operate, hire, and grow, this panel will offer valuable perspectives from founders building technology at the heart of that shift. Secure your ticket today and stay tuned for further updates on our event page.
OUR EVENT SPONSORS

Malta Enterprise is Malta’s economic development agency, facilitating economic growth, investment, and innovation by offering a range of support services for local and foreign enterprises setting up a productive presence in Malta. As a key player in Malta’s economic landscape, it contributes to the nation’s prosperiety by attracting investments, supporting businesses, and driving innovation, thereby reinforcing Malta’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Malta Enterprise actively cultivates a vibrant startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and offering tailored support and incentives to empower emerging businesses.

M. Demajo Group is a leading business player in Malta, with a successful history spanning 115 years. The Group’s growth and diversification have resulted in a wide coverage of business sectors through a commitment to long-term results. M. Demajo Group’s workforce is 500 strong and their various activities have been developed through organic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Its strong financial situation and ethical standards, its business reputation, and its renowned track record as a business partner are all key factors in its continued expansion.

The IONOS Cloud Start-up Program provides young companies with up to €100,000 in cloud credits for up to five years after their founding. Start-ups benefit from a sovereign IT infrastructure “Made in Germany,” offering 100% GDPR compliance and full legal certainty. IONOS Cloud guarantees technological freedom without vconcludeor lock-in. Long-term support is also ensured: exclusive discounts after the first year enable a seamless transition into the IONOS Cloud ISV Partner Program. In this way, digital sovereignty becomes a strategic competitive advantage from founding to scaling.
















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