Valencia reaffirms its position as one of the most promising startup ecosystems in Europe, according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 (GSER 2025) produced by Startup Genome. This report, internationally recognised as a leading reference for analysing innovative ecosystems, studies more than 350 tech hubs worldwide and draws on data from over four million startups. Its aim is to provide a comprehensive, rigorous and up-to-date view of the state of innovation on a global scale.
In this year’s edition, Valencia again appears among the top 100 emerging ecosystems worldwide, specifically in positions 81 to 90. This ranking reinforces its image as a strategic destination for entrepreneurs, investors and tech talent. Valencia also stands out in two key indicators: “Affordable Talent” (Top 35 in Europe), which measures access to qualified tech talent at competitive costs, and “Performance” (Top 30 in Europe), which evaluates the ecosystem’s overall growth, funding and impact.
These results not only consolidate Valencia’s place as a tech hub in the Mediterranean but also demonstrate an expanding model based on sustainability, sector specialisation and the ability to generate innovative projects with international reach.
A constantly growing ecosystem
According to the GSER 2025, Valencia currently has 1,517 active startups, representing year-on-year growth of 15.45%. These startups have generated more than 20,000 qualified jobs, contributing significantly to the city’s economic and social dynamism. This organic growth reflects the increasing maturity of the ecosystem and its capacity to attract and retain tech talent and international investors.
The report estimates that the total value of Valencia’s tech ecosystem has already reached 3.9 billion dollars, with a compound annual growth rate of 10% between 2021 and 2023. This places Valencia competitively among mid-sized European ecosystems, consolidating its image as fertile ground for creating and scaling startups.
A key differentiator is Valencia’s access to high-quality talent with an excellent cost-quality ratio. Thanks to its universities, a dynamic entrepreneurial community and a cost of living lower than other European hubs, Valencia attracts professionals in sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and biotechnology.
Sector diversification and impact orientation
The GSER also highlights the ecosystem’s sector diversification, one of its main strengths. According to the report, 21% of Valencian startups operate in deep-tech fields, with a strong focus on AI, nanotechnology and cybersecurity. This shows an ecosystem committed not only to rapid growth but to developing advanced tech solutions with high added value.
Emerging technologies are complemented by established sectors like digital health, smart mobility, sustainability, gaming and biotechnology, each with nationally and internationally leading companies. This blend fosters cross-disciplinary innovation, where collaboration accelerates solutions with social, economic and environmental impact.
The next leap is towards an AI-native model, in which artificial intelligence is organically integrated into every startup process. This will allow Valencia to position itself as a European benchmark for digital transformation based on proprietary technology rather than relying solely on imported solutions.
Investment, public policy and strategic collaboration
The Startup Genome report also reviews the structural conditions enabling ecosystem growth. In Valencia’s case, it emphasises active public policies, institutional support for innovation and stronger public-private partnerships.
The GSER 2025 notes that between 2022 and 2024, Valencia mobilised 124 million dollars in early-stage financing (seed and Series A). While significant, this still trails comparable European ecosystems, indicating a clear room for improvement.
Another challenge is the average exit time: in Valencia it is 14.4 years, versus a global average of 11.2 years. Enhancing scale-up and exit mechanisms and increasing acquisition or international-market opportunities are essential.
Despite challenges, Valencia’s growth potential is undeniable. The ecosystem boasts a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, investors, universities, accelerators and innovation centres increasingly working in concert. The task now is to build a co-ordinated, ambitious strategy to boost global positioning and deliver transformative innovation.
A pivotal moment to lead change
The 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report delivers a clear message: ecosystems that take risks, think long-term and support purpose-driven innovation will lead the next global transformation wave. Valencia is ready to play a leading role.
Consolidating its identity as an open, sustainable, impact-oriented tech ecosystem, emphasising strategic sectors, facilitating access to capital and talent, and fostering collaboration among institutions, startups and corporates will be key accelerators.
Valencia already has the necessary ingredients—a solid ecosystem, a connected community and a shared vision. Now is the time to take the next step and lead Mediterranean innovation into the future.
