In recent years, the remarkable efforts of the Valencian ecosystem have propelled Valencia to the forefront of Spain’s most prominent innovation hubs. This position has been consolidated by impressive investment figures and the emergence of thriving startups within the city. It is evident that Valencia has secured its place in the Top 3 and is determined to climb even higher.
In terms of investment share by city, only Barcelona and Madrid outshine Valencia. According to the Bankinter Foundation’s Startup Observatory, Valencia has been the recipient of 5.9% of all investment operations conducted in Spain so far this year, amounting to around 13 operations. Notably, Bilbao follows in fourth place with 7 operations.
When it comes to investment volume, Valencia also secures third place, amassing a substantial sum of €30 millions in the first seven months of 2023. Although it falls behind Barcelona, which boasts €584 million, and Madrid, with €358 million, it has attracted almost double the investment volume of the next city in the ranking, Bilbao, which stands at €16 million.
The city’s capacity to attract investment is underpinned by the strength of its ecosystem and the startups that make it up. According to the same document, Valencia stands proudly as the third city in terms of startups invested per million inhabitants, boasting an impressive count of 177.45. Once again, Barcelona and Madrid lead the pack, while Bilbao follows closely behind.
The Spain Ecosystem Report, a collaborative effort by Kfund, Dealroom, BBVA, GoHub Ventures, and Endeavor, highlights the presence of “rising stars” such as Quibim, BigBuy, PLD Space, and Imperia, alongside unicorns such as Igenomix in the region. This report also sheds light on the trend of Latin American startups expanding into Spain and vice versa. Notably, the business bridge connecting Valencia and Miami plays a pivotal role in facilitating these connections.
The celebration of Valencia Digital Summit presents a great opportunity to attract both investment and talent to the region. Preparing for its sixth edition, the international tech event is scheduled to take place on the 26th and 27th of October at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. Organised by Startup Valencia, the summit is expected to draw more than 10,000 attendees from over 80 countries and an investment portfolio exceeding €8 billion. The programme will feature more than 250 internationally renowned speakers and will bring together more than 1,500 startups.
Furthermore, Valencia is eagerly anticipating the launch of La Terminal, the new tech hub set to invigorate its innovation ecosystem. The space aims to foster collaborative projects between startups and corporations, provide a base for entrepreneurs, and enable international investors to get to know first-hand all of Valencia’s strengths. Covering an area of over 5,000 square metres, it will serve as a focal point to drive these activities and will accommodate more than 500 highly qualified jobs.
As highlighted by Juan Luis Hortelano, the President of Startup Valencia, attaining this position within the Top 3 national innovative ecosystems “is no coincidence, nor is it a stroke of luck, it is the result of our firm and resolute commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the city, and of the work of our entrepreneurial network, which has demonstrated its immense potential”.
