Startups in the Valencian Community raised more than €234 million in investment between January and September 2026, an 88% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was accompanied by a 15.45% rise in the number of startups, bringing the total to 1,852, and an 8% increase in employment, with the sector now supporting 23,250 jobs.
These findings come from the Valencian Region Startup Observatory, prepared by Startup Valencia in collaboration with the Regional Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade of the Generalitat Valenciana. Covering data up to September 2026, the report highlights the growth and consolidation of the Valencian technology industry, with an increasing capacity to attract investment, create jobs and develop new business ventures.
The Valencian technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem now comprises 2,376 entities, up 6.14% from 2025, including startups, investors, universities, research centres, accelerators and other organisations supporting entrepreneurship.
The findings were presented during the ninth edition of VDS, held at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, at a gathering in the Fundación LAB Pavilion. The session also featured the presentation of the Investment Observatory by BIGBAN Inversores and the LAB Observatory of R&D&I, Technology and Entrepreneurship, prepared by Ivie in collaboration with Fundación LAB Mediterráneo.
As Nacho Mas, CEO of Startup Valencia and VDS, explained, “What matters is not just that there is more investment or more startups, but that an increasing number of companies are growing, generating revenue and creating jobs. That is the sign of maturity we want to strengthen: a technology industry capable of competing in international markets and continuing to create value from the Valencian Community.”
More investment and startups generating higher revenue
The increase in investment has been accompanied by positive developments across key business indicators. A total of 69% of the startups analysed have received funding, with early-stage investment playing a particularly important role, especially at the pre-seed and seed stages.
Revenue growth has also been significant. The number of startups generating more than €500,000 in annual revenue has doubled compared to 2025, while the number of companies exceeding €1 million in annual revenue has increased by 16%. In addition, more than half of the startups surveyed report annual revenues of over €100,000.
Mónica Payá, Director General for Entrepreneurship and Internationalisation at the Generalitat Valenciana, highlighted that “The Observatory’s findings reflect the growth of innovative entrepreneurship in the Valencian Community and the importance of supporting startups at every stage of their development. At the Generalitat, we want to foster an environment that facilitates access to funding, talent and new markets, while strengthening collaboration between public authorities, universities, investors and businesses.”
Artificial Intelligence gains ground in Valencian entrepreneurship
Artificial intelligence continues to drive the creation and development of startups in the Valencian Community. According to the Observatory, AI is present in more than 22% of startups, while new companies founded in 2026 are primarily focused on developing software powered by this technology.
By industry, Advertising and Marketing accounts for 11.39% of Valencian startups, followed by Education at 10.65%. The report links the growth of both sectors to the rise of generative artificial intelligence and the development of new technological solutions.
Business models targeting other companies are also gaining prominence. Nearly two-thirds of Valencian startups develop B2B or B2B2C solutions, reflecting the growing importance of technology and services designed for other businesses.
A technology ecosystem with an international outlook
Internationalisation is another defining characteristic of the Valencian technology ecosystem. More than half of startups operate in international markets, while 37.48% primarily serve the domestic market and 8.85% focus their activities on the regional market.
The report also highlights startups’ commitment to sustainability and social impact. Among the companies surveyed, 80% state that they pursue a triple bottom line encompassing social, environmental and financial impact, while 85% report alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Download the 2026 Valencian Region Startup Observatory report by clicking here.
