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Spain's startup ecosystem is growing, with Barcelona and Madrid being major hubs for innovation. As of 2023, Spain is home to around 10,000 startups. The Spanish government supports innovation through initiatives like the Spanish Startup Law, which provides tax incentives and funding for startups. In 2022, Spanish startups raised approximately €2.5 billion in venture capital. These factors collectively highlight Spain's dynamic and evolving startup landscape.
As of 2023, Spain's startup ecosystem includes around 10,000 startups. In 2022, these startups attracted approximately €2.5 billion in venture capital funding. This substantial investment underscores the ecosystem's growth potential and robust nature. The market's size and financial backing reflect its capacity to foster innovation and sustain a competitive edge within Europe and beyond.
Spain's startup ecosystem is characterized by several key strengths, including a favorable climate for business, a high quality of life, and a strategic location in Europe. The country excels in sectors such as travel tech, fintech, and healthtech. These strengths are bolstered by Spain's robust industrial base and government support, positioning it as a leader in the European startup scene.
Barcelona and Madrid are the primary hubs of Spain’s startup ecosystem. Barcelona is renowned for its strengths in travel tech, fintech, and healthtech, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Notable startups like Glovo and Wallapop have emerged from this vibrant city. Madrid, on the other hand, is a financial hub with a growing tech scene, particularly in fintech and enterprise software. These cities are instrumental in driving Spain's economic growth and technological advancements.
In addition to Barcelona and Madrid, emerging hubs like Valencia, Bilbao, and Malaga are gaining prominence in Spain’s startup ecosystem. Valencia is known for its strengths in agtech and biotech, Bilbao for its industrial tech and engineering sectors, and Malaga for its focus on digital technology and smart cities. These emerging hubs are expanding the reach and diversity of Spain’s entrepreneurial landscape, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth.
Spain’s startup ecosystem benefits from a strong network of incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces that provide essential support and resources for entrepreneurs. Initiatives like Barcelona Activa and Wayra have significantly boosted the ecosystem by offering mentorship, resources, and international exposure. This supportive infrastructure is crucial for nurturing early-stage companies and fostering a collaborative entrepreneurial environment.
Despite its strengths, the Spanish startup ecosystem faces challenges such as high unemployment rates, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited access to late-stage funding. Navigating these hurdles can be time-consuming and complex for startups. Addressing these issues requires strategic efforts and supportive policies to sustain growth and competitiveness in the global market.
Spain has significant opportunities for growth in sectors like travel tech, fintech, and cleantech. The country's strong focus on sustainability and green technology drives innovation in renewable energy and environmental technologies. Spain's strategic location in Europe provides startups with opportunities for international expansion, particularly within the European Union. With continued investment and innovation, Spain's startup ecosystem is poised for further growth, contributing significantly to the European and global markets.
Spain's startup ecosystem demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability. The country's commitment to innovation, coupled with strong government and institutional support, enables startups to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The diverse talent pool and vibrant culture attract entrepreneurs and investors alike, ensuring sustained growth and success in the face of global economic shifts and market dynamics.
Spain's startup ecosystem benefits significantly from the support of influential angel investors who provide crucial early-stage funding and mentorship. Notable figures include Carlos Blanco, founder of Encomenda Smart Capital, and Javier Faus, founder of Meridia Capital. These investors typically contribute between €25,000 and €500,000 per deal, offering not only capital but also strategic guidance and industry expertise. Their involvement is vital for the growth and development of early-stage companies, helping them navigate initial challenges and scale effectively.
Spain's venture capital landscape is driven by leading firms that provide substantial investments into high-growth startups. Firms such as Seaya Ventures, Kibo Ventures, and Nauta Capital are at the forefront, funding sectors including technology, health, and fintech. Seaya Ventures, for instance, has a diverse portfolio that includes companies like Glovo and Cabify. These firms typically engage in Series A to Series C funding rounds, with investment sizes ranging from €1 million to €50 million, facilitating significant scaling opportunities for startups.
The size and scope of investments in Spain's startup ecosystem vary, catering to different stages of business growth. Early-stage investments, often provided by angel investors, range from €25,000 to €2 million. For growth-stage companies, venture capital firms offer larger funding rounds, typically between €5 million and €50 million. The scope of these investments spans various sectors, including AI, biotechnology, fintech, and cleantech, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of Spain's entrepreneurial landscape.
Spain's venture capital and angel investment activity are robust, with a significant number of deals annually. In 2022, over 300 venture capital deals were recorded, amounting to approximately €2.5 billion in investments. This high level of activity underscores the vibrancy of the Spanish startup ecosystem, with both angel investors and venture capital firms actively seeking out and funding promising startups across a broad spectrum of industries.
The future outlook for Spain's investment market is highly optimistic. With a continued emphasis on innovation and technology, sectors such as AI, biotechnology, and clean technology are expected to drive substantial growth. Government support through initiatives like the Spanish Startup Law further bolsters the ecosystem. As global interest in sustainable and innovative solutions increases, Spain's startups are well-positioned to attract significant international investments, fostering an environment ripe for continued expansion and success.
Support and mentorship are critical components of Spain's startup ecosystem. Angel investors and venture capitalists often provide more than just financial backing; they offer strategic advice, industry connections, and operational support. Programs like Barcelona Activa and Wayra enhance this support, offering structured mentorship, resources, and access to capital. This comprehensive support system helps startups navigate early challenges and scale effectively.
The Spanish government and various institutions play a pivotal role in nurturing the startup ecosystem. Initiatives such as the Spanish Startup Law and support from entities like ENISA provide substantial financial support and incentives. Additionally, organizations like ICEX offer grants, loans, and advisory services. This extensive support infrastructure is vital for fostering innovation, reducing financial barriers, and promoting sustainable growth within the startup community.
Spain's startup ecosystem is bolstered by top angel investors, leading venture capital firms, and extensive support systems. With a diverse range of investment sizes and scopes, the market is poised for significant growth. The future outlook remains positive, driven by innovation, government support, and a collaborative environment. As Spain continues to attract global investments and foster entrepreneurial talent, it stands to become a key player in the global startup landscape, contributing to advancements across various high-growth sectors.
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London, U.K. - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland, Monaco
Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Future Of Work • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Mobility
Partner at Index Ventures
Martin Mignot serves as a Partner at Index Ventures. He also serves as Advisory Board Member at TheFamily. He specialises in SaaS, marketplaces, bitcoin and mobile. He worked on 50+ transactions to date, including Assistly, Auxmoney, BaseCRM, Cloud.com, Codecademy, DimDim, Factual, Farfetch, Flipboard, Funding Circle, Gluster, HouseTrip, Just Eat, Lookout, Nasty Gal, Notonthehighstreet, onefinestay, PeoplePerHour, TrustPilot, Soluto and SoundCloud. He is actively looking after Index's investments in Algolia, Capitaine Train, Drivy, Rad and Swiftkey. Prior to joining Index, Martin was in the TMT team at UBS Investment Bank and cofounded the beauty subscription business Boudoir Prive (acquired by Joliebox/Birchbox) and a student web radio service.
Menlo Park - San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A. - Israel - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Icelan
BioTech • Businesses Solutions • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • IoT (& Wearables) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Robotics
Riverwood Capital is a globally-focused private equity firm that invests in high-growth businesses in the technology and services industries, across a variety of verticals and geographies. Riverwood has offices in Menlo Park, CA and New York, NY and currently has more than 20 investments in North America, Latin America and Asia. The firm's current fund has $780 million of committed capital. The final fund close was in April 2011. Riverwood invests in mid-market technology and technology enabled products and services. The firm defines mid-market as approximately $100-$500 million in revenue for product companies, and approximately $25-$150 million in revenue for software and services. Riverwood occasionally invests outside these ranges. Riverwood invests on a global basis, having already invested in the U.S., Israel, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. The firm's normal investment size ranges from $25-75 million.
Barcelona, Spain
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Real Estate (& Construction)
Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Encomenda Smart Capital
Founder of Akamon Entertainment and Grupo ITnet. Cofounder of Conector Startup Accelerator. Founder of First Tuesday Spain and First Tuesday BAN.
San Francisco Bay Area, Germany - U.S.A. - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Icela
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • FinTech (& Financials services) • Blockchain (& Cryptos)
Dr. Marek Olszewski is a Co-Founder of Celo. He is a Co-Founder and served as the Chief Technology Officer at Locu. Prior to Locu, Marek was a senior PhD candidate at MIT CSAIL. He is a Facebook Fellow and the recipient of the J. Edgar McAllister Fellowship. He has prior work experience at a number of technology companies including Google, Microsoft (Research) and Sun (Labs). He is also an angel investor.
New York - Newark, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • Entertainment (& Sports)
CEO of FUBU and The Shark Group | TV Personality on ABC Shark Tank
Daymond John is a Co-Founder and serves as President & Chief Executive Officer at Fubu. John served as an Advisor at Innovation Capital Advisors. Previously, he served as a Board Member at Resultly. In 2009, Daymond became co-star on ABC's hit series Shark Tank, where aspiring entrepreneurs present their companies to a panel of successful business icons to raise capital. Daymond invested in several of the companies on the show and has emerged as a spokesman for active angel investing. In 2007, Daymond released his first book, Display of Power, the story of how he built FUBU into a global fashion power. In 2010, his second book, The Brand Within, examines the loyalty-based relationships that brands and celebrities seek to establish with their customers and fans.
, Spain
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • Consumer
General Partner at All iron VC
, U.S.A. - Switzerland - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, I
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Mobility • Woman Focused
Most Interested In
FinTech, FreightTech, Future of Retail and Life Sciences Focused on European teams
San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Media • Online Social
Digital Platforms, Services, Brands and Lifestyle
Gordon Rubenstein serves as Managing Partner at Raine Ventures. He was a Board Member at Plexchat. He serves as the Board Observer at Amuse. Gordon is the Managing Partner of Raine Ventures where he leads Raine's venture capital group. Prior to joining Raine in 2013, Gordon founded and managed Pacific Partners, an operationally-focused venture capital partnership with backing from George Soros, Sam Zell, leading technology executives and entrepreneurs as well as partners from KKR, Silver Lake and Freeman Spogli. In addition, Gordon co-founded Astro Gaming (acquired by Skullcandy (Nasdaq: SKUL)), and Rave Digital Media (acquired by AMC Entertainment). Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors of Tastemade Inc. and Prism Skylabs and was involved at the board level and / or actively involved with Machinima, ZEFR, eHarmony, VivaReal, Audience Science, BigMachines (acquired by Oracle) and Convio (listed publicly on Nasdaq, then acquired by Blackbaud (Nasdaq: BLKB)). Gordon has an A.B. from the University of Michigan.
Annapolis - Ann Arbor - Michigan, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Online Social
Investor at Banana Capital
Madrid, Spain
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Businesses Solutions • CleanTech • Gaming (& eSports) • Consumer
Partner at JME Ventures | Kauffman Fellow
Partner at JME Ventures
San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - France - Luxembourg - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg,
Advertising
Most Interested In
Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, SpaceTech, DeepTech, AI, ML
Not Interested In
FinTech, AdTech, Ecommerce, CleanTech, BioTech
London, U.K. - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland, Monaco -
Cosmetics (& Fashion) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Advertising • Food & Beverage • DeepTech • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer • Woman Focused
Ian Scarffe is a born Entrepreneur and since the age of 17 founded more than twenty companies and is acting board positions of the Entrepreneurs' Organisation.
