As fate would have it, Paloma Mas professional career took a turn towards the tech ecosystem 11 years ago. Since then, she has been involved in promoting and energising it, and has emerged as one of its prominent figures.
In addition, during her more than 6 years with Plug and Play, she has observed the company’s evolution, along with the world of technology and innovation. Today, the company has transformed into a global enterprise that supports more than 500 corporations in their growth and transformation, with a vast network of more than 50,000 startups.
How would you explain what Plug and Play does to a complete stranger?
Plug and Play is an open innovation platform that offers three primary services: we invest in startups, making us one of the most active venture capital firms in the world; we assist large corporations in identifying and implementing innovative solutions, and we seek out the best tech talent to help them grow. And we do this in over 50 locations worldwide. But above all, what I love to say is that at Plug and Play, we are dedicated to predicting the future to assist those who are shaping the world.
Can you tell us about your industry background? You studied Audiovisual Communication and Advertising and PR, what led you to make the leap into the technology ecosystem?
The same degree that I studied helped me enter the technology ecosystem. I was awarded a scholarship for young talents to work in a company by my university, CEU Cardenal Herrera. I wanted to apply to the most exotic one they had and they asked me if I knew what a startup accelerator was. Although I was not sure why at the time, I had a feeling I would enjoy it tremendously.
Ever since, I have been doing everything possible to improve and learn from the tech ecosystem: organising hackathons, events, talks, participating in promotional and visibility activities, and mentoring entrepreneurs. My ultimate goal has always been to unify and strengthen the ecosystem. So, I am more than grateful that fate led me to this field.
During your six and a half years at Plug and Play, you have gone through various stages. First as Relationship Manager and now as Events and Culture Manager. How has your role evolved within the organisation?
When I think about how I’ve been at Plug and Play for almost seven years, I struggle to believe it. Initially, I joined the company to provide support and assistance to the startups in our investment portfolio. Today, I am responsible for managing the company’s brand across the Iberian peninsula. Not only that, but I am also dedicated to preserving the internal culture and ensuring the wellbeing of our more than 120 employees in Spain alone. Although my role has become much more strategic, I still enjoy being involved in the “action”.
I would say that my biggest evolution has been in my development as an investor, particularly in sectors such as foodtech, agritech, sustainability and retail. These are areas that I never thought I would have the level of expertise in that I have today.
In what direction has Plug and Play evolved over the last few years?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being at Plug and Play for so long is witnessing the company’s constant evolution. We are not the same we were when we started, as the world of technology and innovation has undergone a complete transformation, and we have adapted accordingly. However, our vision of open innovation for everyone, everywhere has remained unchanged, enabling us to progress without losing focus.
Today we are a global company that helps over 500 corporations grow and transform through innovation, while still recognising that without entrepreneurial talent, progress is impossible. That is why we continue to invest in startups, as we did from the beginning, but from a more corporate perspective.
You have successfully built a network of over 50,000 startups. What are your next goals?
You look at the numbers, and it’s awe-inspiring to see what we’ve achieved. We’re currently exploring new lines of business, such as launching funds that will enable us to invest in more mature startups. This will not only allow us to expand our service offerings but also allow us to double down on tech talent from around the world, including Valencia.
How do you work together with Startup Valencia to promote innovation?
Our collaboration with Startup Valencia is aimed at opening Valencia to the world. As we have a strong global presence, we leverage our network to attract international agents and talent to our city to boost our ecosystem. We actively participate in events, performances, and activities we are invited to. Sometimes, I wonder how they manage to put up with me always being around!
As someone who has witnessed the growth of the Valencian innovation ecosystem for over a decade, how do you see it continuing to evolve in the future, and what challenges do you think it will face in the medium term?
I think Valencia is in a great position at the moment despite the turbulence in the industry. We have been doing our homework for years, and now we can start to reap the benefits while still pushing forward.
In terms of the city’s future, I believe Valencia will become a real innovation powerhouse in the Mediterranean, attracting even more international talent than we currently have. We still face the challenge of making the city’s qualities more visible, particularly when it comes to investing and attracting foreign investment. But overall, I am confident that we are moving in the right direction.
You have also seen the birth and growth of Valencia Digital Summit. Could you share your experience at the tech event and your expectations for the upcoming 2023 edition?
I can’t help but laugh when I think that I was the first presenter at Valencia Digital Summit! Having witnessed the birth of this event, I may not be the most objective person to evaluate it since I know firsthand the careful planning and intentionality that went into it from the beginning.
The 2022 edition marked a turning point for the event, elevating it to the national stage. However, we still have yet to make the leap to the international level, and I am confident that the upcoming edition will be the one to achieve this milestone.
It appears that the La Terminal project in La Marina de Valencia will finally come to fruition in 2023. What impact do you anticipate it will have on the local ecosystem?
As someone from Cabañal, with my father running his business in Grao de Valencia for his entire life, and my family being part of the Falla Dr.J.J.Dómine–Port, the significance of the La Terminal project becoming the epicentre of Valencian entrepreneurship is not lost on me. The mere thought of it fills me with excitement and anticipation of the possibilities it will bring in terms of setting a benchmark.
Admittedly, there is a lot of work to be done to ensure that it is efficiently utilised, financially viable, and sustained over time as an active and vibrant innovation centre. However, the conducive environment of the Marina de València and the enthusiastic collaborators are exceptional resources that will help us achieve these objectives, we won’t manage with only desire and hard work.
Working together
makes us stronger
