What happens when two IESE MBA classmates – one a lawyer from Madrid, the other a banker from Barcelona – decide to leave corporate careers behind and become entrepreneurs?
In this interview, Javier de Ros (MBA’16) and Juan Miguel Goenechea (MBA’16) reflect on the personal and professional moments that shaped their journey, the influence of IESE’s MBA program, and the values behind their firm. From classroom insights to co-founder chemistry, discover what drives their entrepreneurial vision – and what advice they have for others looking to take the leap.
Can you tell us about your background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
JdR: I am from Barcelona and studied Law. I started my career at BBVA in New York. After that, I did my MBA at IESE and went on to work at Nomura in London, focusing on leveraged finance and acquisitions. A few years later, I found in Juanmi the perfect friend and partner with whom to launch GOROS.
JMG: I am from Madrid and graduated from College with a Dual Degree in Law and Business Administration. I started out as a lawyer at Freshfields in the Madrid Office. After 5 years, I enrolled at IESE and then worked for a couple of years at Houlihan Lokey, doing investment banking in their restructuring team. Finally, Javi and I, who became good friends during our MBA, decided to take the leap and start GOROS Investments.
In what ways did IESE’s MBA program influence your path as entrepreneurs?
JdR: I was particularly influenced by the wide array of peers I met with so diverse backgrounds, outlooks and interests, who made me realize that there is a whole world of opportunities out there. I also need to credit one class, “Analysis of Business Problems,” where we were placed in real business scenarios, acting as entrepreneurs and executives, and had to analyse challenges and come up with solutions. It sparked something in me.
JMG: At IESE, the biggest influence came from the many talks and meetings we had with professionals with different backgrounds, including entrepreneurs and business owners. Listening to their stories, full of risk and creativity, made entrepreneurship feel tangible and real, not just a theoretical path.
What inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship?
JdR: I come from a family of business tradition. I always felt pride in what my family had built and wanted to, someday, also build something of my own. After my MBA and my professional experiences, I thought I was ready.
JMG: I wanted to build something of my own, take full responsibility for it, and be empowered to make decisions that matter. I wanted to be in the driver’s seat, not just work advising or assessing someone else’s business.
Tell us about Goros Investments – how and when did it come to life, and what’s its core value proposition?
GOROS is a firm that invests in, manages, and supports small and medium-sized companies in Spain and Portugal. We’re not a traditional fund—we originate, analyse, and back each opportunity independently. The firm was founded nearly six years ago after we met during our MBA at IESE.
GOROS (an acronym of our surnames) was born from a simple realization: Spain is full of impressive SMEs with great products, loyal clients, and talented teams, but many need support to scale, transition, or professionalize. For business owners, we offer the confidence that their company is in the hands of a long-term partner with skin in the game. For investors, we provide access to direct deals with identity -businesses with a name, a face, and real potential – and the chance to be part of a community of entrepreneurs helping to generate value.
Looking ahead, what key trends do you think will shape the investment space in the coming years?
We see three key trends shaping the future: growing opportunities in niche, undercapitalized sectors; strong value creation through the professionalization of SMEs; and increasing demand for active, aligned investment partners. We believe long-term returns will come from backing great teams, scaling solid models, and building companies with a clear identity.
How has IESE’s entrepreneurship ecosystem supported you along the way?
IESE has been a key pillar throughout our journey. We’ve always felt we could reach out to professors – whether to discuss doubts, strategic questions or complex situations – and they’ve always made themselves available. The alumni network has also been invaluable: whether to explore investment opportunities or connect with potential investors, the level of support is extraordinary. If someone is an IESE alum, there’s a 99.9% chance they’ll reply and offer help.
What advice would you give to current IESE students – or anyone – considering the entrepreneurship path?
Find a great partner or partners, someone who shares your vision but most importantly your values, and who has skills and strengths that complement your own. Also, toughen up, because entrepreneurship is about resilience and hard work.
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Now, for the speed round:
What do you do in your free time?
JdR: I just had my third baby, so my free time is devoted to my wife and kids. When I do get some time for myself, I like to blow off some steam biking or jogging.
JMG: I mostly spend time with my family. I had twins last year, so they (and their older brother) pretty much keep me busy 24/7. When I have some time, I go to the gym and love running.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
JdR: Calm, empathetic, detailed-oriented.
JMG: Charismatic, joyful, determined.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to these days?
JdR: I just finished the book “Miracle at the Andes”, by Nando Parrado, about his personal experience surviving a plane crash and then literally climbing the Andes without any food or gear. What a story!
JMG: I am not ashamed to say that I am very much into romantic comedies, so I watch them all. I also love reading. I want to pick up some pending readings I have by Mario Vargas Llosa, one of my favourite writers who recently passed away.
Something that makes you happy?
JdR: Family.
JMG: My family, of course, but also watching Real Madrid win titles.
Favourite place?
JdR: Our family place in Raimat, Lérida.
JMG: El Puerto de Santa María, near Cádiz.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in life so far?
JdR: I have learned that, at the end of the day, both life and business are about people. In this regard, I always try to have enough empathy to put myself in other people’s shoes and understand how they approach a specific decision or view a specific situation.
JMG: In business, I have learned not to listen to the nay-sayers but to trust our own analysis, perspective and judgement.