TEDxBrussels

What TEDxBrussels does

TEDxBrussels (legally IDXchange ASBL, registered in Belgium under BE 0635.673.662) is a Brussels-based non-profit association that organizes independently licensed TEDx conferences. Founded in 2009 under the TEDx program, the organization has been led by a new volunteer-driven team since 2021 under Licensee Martin Nera. The organization curates and produces a portfolio of themed events — including Countdown (climate action), Into the Wild, Draw the Change (participatory citizen walk), Datawareness (AI/data ethics), Reset (urban reimagination), All Inclusive! (DEI), Breaking the Walls, Brussels is Back!, All Aboard! (mobility), A Foodprint Story, and Perspectives — featuring live speakers, artistic performances, and interactive formats at iconic Brussels venues (Muséum des sciences naturelles, Théâtre National, Flagey, Palais du Coudenberg).

The organization operates with a small core team of approximately 14 staff organized across seven departments (Curation, Admin & Logistics, Production, Sales & Partnerships, Design & Communication, Impact, and Coaching), supplemented by volunteers. Revenue is generated through two primary streams: ticket sales for events (distributed via the Billetweb platform) and sponsorship/partnership contributions from public institutions and private companies. The partner ecosystem of 60+ recurring sponsors includes the European Commission, the Region of Brussels-Capital, Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, BECI, BNP Paribas Asset Management, Hitachi Energy, Deloitte, Solvay, Polestar, Mountainview, Baxter, and the Muséum des sciences naturelles.

TEDxBrussels does not build proprietary technology. Its product surface is event-based, with content distribution via email newsletters (Mailchimp), social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook), and post-event recorded talks on YouTube, amplified through media partnerships (Forbes Belgium, Monocle Radio's Foreign Desk). The sole technology-adjacent feature is AI-powered real-time transcription offered during events for French/English multilingual accessibility. The core audience comprises Brussels residents, international professionals, climate-concerned citizens, and DEI advocates; corporate and institutional partners seek brand visibility and thought leadership positioning through association with the globally recognized TEDx brand.

Name

TEDxBrussels

Legal name

IDXchange ASBL

Website

https://tedxbrussels.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

TEDxBrussels is a Belgian non-profit association (IDXchange ASBL) that organizes independently licensed TEDx conferences in Brussels, producing themed live events on climate action, urban innovation, DEI, and AI ethics, funded by ticket sales and institutional and corporate sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Conference and Event Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

akta.pro primary industry

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies) (THAHACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technology & Developer Conferences (MPAGAGAE), Government & Public Sector Conferences (MPAGAGAH)

Keywords

• Event management services
• Conference organization
• Non-profit events
• Ticketed conferences
• Brand sponsorships

Headquarters

HQ city

Uccle, Brussels

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket sales: Revenue is generated through ticket sales for TEDxBrussels events. Tickets are sold via the Billetweb platform (billetweb.fr). Prices are listed in euros, all taxes included. All sales are final with no 14-day retraction right under Belgian commercial law.
2. Sponsorship and partnership programs: TEDxBrussels generates revenue and operational support through partnerships with public institutions (EU Commission, Brussels region, Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles), private companies (BNP Paribas Asset Management, Solvay, Deloitte, Hitachi, Polestar, Mountainview, Baxter, BECI, etc.), and non-profit organizations. Partners receive visibility at events, in promotional materials, and via digital channels.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

TEDxBrussels organizes independently licensed, themed TEDx conferences and salons in Brussels, featuring live speakers, TED Talk videos, artistic performances, and interactive workshops. Events are held multiple times per year with curated themes spanning climate action, technology, diversity, mobility, urban innovation, and youth. Revenue is generated through ticket sales (via Billetweb) and corporate/institutional sponsorships, while recorded talks are published on YouTube to extend reach.

Product overview

TEDxBrussels is a non-profit event organization operating under TED's global Ideas Change Everything initiative. The organization produces a portfolio of themed conference events including the flagship Countdown series (climate action), Into the Wild (innovation and exploration), Datawareness (AI and data ethics), Draw the Change (participatory climate walk), Reset (urban reimagining), All Inclusive (DEI), Breaking the Walls (urbanism), Brussels is Back, and specialized salons on mobility, food, and youth perspectives. These events feature live speakers, TED Talk videos, artistic performances, and interactive workshops. The organization also offers a newsletter service and AI-powered simultaneous transcription for accessibility. The product portfolio functions as a unified event platform with individual themed events serving different audience segments and topical focuses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Countdown Climate-focused TEDx event initiative under the global TED Countdown program, transforming ideas into tangible actions to address the climate crisis through discussions on energy transition, water management, biodiversity, and climate justice. Held at the Muséum des sciences naturelles Dinosaur Gallery. Targeted at citizens, scientists, activists, and economic actors.
• Into the Wild TEDxBrussels event exploring innovative ideas where diversity, creativity, and transformation meet in the heart of Brussels, celebrating the city's international influence and cultural diversity.
• Draw the Change Participatory citizen walk through Brussels exploring contemporary climate challenges across four thematic stops on water management, biodiversity, climate justice, and AI & climate.
• Datawareness Immersive exploration of data collection in public spaces and the impact of artificial intelligence, combining urban data walks with critical reflection and artistic performances. Hosted with FARI AI Institute.
• Reset TEDxBrussels event focused on rethinking Brussels through urbanism, infrastructure development, community engagement, public policies, and cultural, artistic, technological, and scientific initiatives.
• All Inclusive! TEDxBrussels event dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), exploring how differences can unite and enrich society through discussions on gender diversity, disability inclusion, equal opportunity, and LGBTQIA+ community.
• Breaking the Walls Intimate TEDxBrussels exploration of urbanism and architecture issues held at Palais du Coudenberg, examining how urban planning influences lives, health, and behaviors with focus on sustainability.
• Brussels is Back! Celebration of Brussels's return to its roots while reinventing its future with audacity and creativity, covering themes including ecological transition, education, diversity, culture, governance, mobility, technology, and housing.
• All Aboard! Immersive mobility-themed TEDxBrussels event aboard a vintage tram exploring challenges and opportunities of urban transport in Brussels through discussions with qualified speakers.
• A Foodprint Story Culinary and reflective TEDxBrussels journey into eco-responsible consumption, exploring the impact of food choices on the planet through cooking workshops, tastings, and inspirational talks.
• Perspectives TEDxBrussels event primarily aimed at Brussels youth exploring questions about the future, reconnecting with aspirations and envisioning new possibilities in a constantly changing world.
• TEDxBrussels Newsletter Email-based communication service providing updates and practical information about upcoming TEDxBrussels events and workshops to subscribers.

Quantifiable outcome

• TEDxBrussels Countdown 2021 gathered 150 young people, citizens, scientists, activists, and workers to reflect on climate issues and envision new perspectives for Brussels.

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BECI (Brussels Enterprises Chamber of Commerce and Industry)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBECI is listed as a recurring partner across multiple TEDxBrussels events (Into the Wild, All inclusive!, Datawareness, Countdown 2023, Reset), providing institutional support and visibility for the business community in Brussels.
• Bruxelles (Region of Brussels-Capital)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Region of Brussels-Capital is a recurring institutional partner across all TEDxBrussels events, providing public endorsement and visibility within regional government and citizen networks.
• European CommissioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe European Commission is a partner across multiple events (Draw the Change, Brussels is Back!, Reset) and contributes to events related to climate, digital policy, and innovation. The EU Climate Pact is also a partner for Countdown 2025.
• DeloitteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDeloitte is listed as a partner for Brussels is Back! (2022) and Reset (2023), providing professional services and visibility support.
• BNP Paribas Asset ManagementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBNP Paribas Asset Management is a partner for Countdown 2023 and Reset (2023), supporting climate-themed events aligned with sustainable finance themes.
• Hitachi EnergycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHitachi Energy is a partner for Countdown 2025 and appears in the general partner list. CEO Andreas Schierenbeck is a featured speaker at Countdown 2025, highlighting a strategic energy transition partnership.
• SolvayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSolvay is listed as a partner for Reset (2023), aligning with the company's focus on chemistry, sustainability, and industrial innovation.
• PolestarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPolestar (electric vehicle brand) is a partner for Reset (2023), aligning with sustainability and clean mobility themes.
• MountainviewminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMountainview is a recurring partner across Countdown 2023 and Reset (2023), aligned with sustainability and impact themes.
• BaxterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBaxter (healthcare/medical products company) is a partner for Reset (2023), listed in the general partner logos.
• Fédération Wallonie-BruxellescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFédération Wallonie-Bruxelles is a partner for Countdown 2023 and Reset (2023), providing cultural and institutional support for French-language programming.
• VO GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVO Group is a partner for Countdown 2023 and Reset (2023), supporting events logistics and production.
• Muséum des sciences naturellescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Natural Sciences Museum is the venue partner for Countdown 2021, 2023, and 2025, held in the iconic Dinosaur Gallery. It is also listed as a general partner.
• Cronos WalloniaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCronos Wallonia is a partner for Brussels is Back! (2022), providing IT and digital expertise.
• CowboyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCowboy (electric bike company) is a partner for All Aboard! (2021), aligning with urban mobility themes.
• Forbes BelgiumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerForbes Belgium is listed as a media partner for Into the Wild (2024), providing editorial visibility and credibility.
• FARI AI InstitutecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFARI (AI Institute Brussels) is the venue partner and collaborator for Datawareness (April 2024), hosting the event and providing AI expertise and thematic alignment.
• Global Shapers Brussels HubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal Shapers Brussels Hub (World Economic Forum initiative) is listed as a partner for Countdown 2021 and Perspectives (2021), providing youth and civic engagement networks.
• TEDx ULBminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTEDx ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) is listed as a partner, representing a collaborative relationship within the broader TEDx ecosystem in Brussels.
• MailchimpminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMailchimp is listed as a partner across Countdown 2023, Reset, and Datawareness, providing email marketing platform support.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Aspen Ideas Festival: Large-scale ideas festival featuring prominent speakers on policy, science, and culture. Operates at significantly greater scale and institutional weight, but shares TEDxBrussels's positioning as an ideas-driven, thought-leadership event platform.
• SXSW: Major annual conference and festivals convergence in Austin covering technology, music, film, and culture. A much larger incumbent operating in a similar thematic intersection (tech, culture, ideas), but with a global, multi-track footprint rather than a curated single-city model.
• World Economic Forum (Annual Meeting / Davos): Global institutional convening focused on policy, climate, and ideas with extensive public-private sponsorship. Comparable in mobilizing institutional and corporate partners around climate and societal themes, but operating at a vastly larger, geopolitically-oriented scale.
• Web Summit: One of the world's largest technology conferences, originally founded in Dublin and now operating globally. Comparable in drawing European institutional and corporate sponsorship for ideas-and-tech programming, but at vastly larger scale and commercial orientation.

Direct peers

• The Moth: Storytelling-focused nonprofit that organizes live curated spoken-word events in cities worldwide, with recorded content distributed digitally. Comparable mission and nonprofit, community-driven model with episodic ticketed events plus a content archive.
• Creative Mornings: A global community-driven talks series with monthly events in dozens of cities, free or low-cost, focused on creativity and ideas. Comparable mission and grassroots community-led operating model, though at smaller per-event scale than TEDxBrussels's flagship conferences.
• TEDxAmsterdam: Another independently licensed TEDx chapter organizing curated, themed idea conferences in a major European capital. Highly comparable in format (themed events, sponsor model, speaker curation), differing primarily by geography and thematic focus.

Emerging players

• The School of Life: A London-based organization offering talks, workshops, and events on culture, relationships, and self-development. Comparable in offering curated intellectual programming to a general audience, though with a stronger commercial retail and content-publishing component.
• DO Lectures: An independent ideas/design conference held annually in Wales, featuring a small group of curated speakers on creativity and purpose. Comparable in scale and curated, intimate format, though more niche than TEDxBrussels's institutional positioning.

Others

• FARI AI Institute: Brussels-based AI research institute that is an active venue and content partner for TEDxBrussels's Datawareness event. Adjacent rather than directly competing, but operates in the same Brussels institutional ecosystem around AI, data ethics, and societal impact.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TEDxBrx
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tedxbrussels
• Instagraminstagram.com/tedxbrussels

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TEDxBrussels