Property developer and CEO Tim Gurner: "We need to see unemployment rise. Unemployment has to jump 40, 50 percent in my view. We need to see pain in the economy. We need to remind people that they work for the employer, not the other way around."

Julius Caesar was once kidnapped by pirates during the year 75 BC. He laughed when they demanded a ransom, saying they didn't know who they had captured, and insisted they ask for more. The pirates, who were based in Cilicia, demanded a ransom of twenty talents of silver for his release. However, Caesar, known for his wit and confidence, laughed at the pirates' demands, saying that he was worth at least fifty talents. He even joked with the pirates, telling them that when he was released, he would come back and capture them all. During his captivity, which lasted for approximately 38 days, Caesar maintained a friendly and confident demeanor with the pirates. He participated in their games and exercises, forming an odd camaraderie. Additionally, he utilized his time by writing poetry and speeches, which he read to his captors. Eventually, the ransom was paid, and Caesar was released. True to his word, after his release, he gathered a fleet and embarked on a mission to capture the pirates who had held him captive. He successfully apprehended them and had them executed as he had joked while in captivity. This event stands as a testament to both his resourcefulness and determination.

For over a decade, we've brought entrepreneurs from all over Europe and beyond to Cologne to create meaningful connections. In June, we will do so one final time. It will be the end of a journey that started more than a decade ago. piratesummit.com/the-last-bu…