VDS, the international tech event organised by Startup Valencia, has generated an economic impact of €26 million for the Valencian economy with the support of Valencia City Council through Valencia Innovation Capital, according to the report presented today by auditing firm EY (Ernst & Young) at Valencia City Hall.
This figure represents a 29% increase compared to the previous edition (€20.3 million) and reinforces the event’s role as an economic driver and as a strategic platform to attract investment, talent and international projects.
The presentation of the report took place within the framework of the business event “Valencia, Capital of Innovation: Leadership, Business and Talent”, which featured the participation of María José Catalá, Mayor of Valencia; Juan Luis Hortelano, President of Startup Valencia; Paula Llobet, Councillor for Innovation; and Nacho Mas, CEO of Startup Valencia and VDS. Representatives from organisations including Santander, IBM, Fundación LAB, Innsomnia, Nealis and NTT Data, among others, also attended.
During the event, Catalá highlighted that “these results demonstrate Valencia’s positioning as one of Europe’s leading hubs for entrepreneurship, talent, investment and innovation.”
Hortelano, for his part, underlined “VDS’s capacity to energise key sectors, attract global talent and capital, and boost the competitiveness of the business fabric.” “The latest edition of VDS marked a new milestone in the trajectory of the international tech event and reinforces its role as a strategic platform to connect innovation, investment and economic growth, with a real impact on the Valencian Community,” he stated.
EY’s report breaks down the total economic impact into €1.9 million in direct impact, €19.8 million in indirect impact and €4.4 million in induced impact. In terms of contribution to Gross Domestic Product, VDS 2025 generated an impact of more than €11.6 million and a 14-fold return on investment.
In aggregate impact terms, the event generated €2,119 per attendee and contributed to generating the equivalent of more than 2,209 full-time monthly jobs, according to the methodology applied in the study.
The event also hosted the presentation of the City of Valencia Honorary Award 2026 to David Rosa, Director of Valencia Innovation Capital. This award, promoted by VDS in collaboration with Valencia City Council and presented annually by the Mayor, recognises his career and his decisive role in consolidating Valencia as a leading tech hub in Europe.
More startups, more capital and greater international connection capacity
VDS 2025 brought together more than 3,000 startups, compared to 2,500 participants in 2024, confirming sustained growth of 20% in the entrepreneurial base of the international tech event. According to the study, the startups attending expect to raise more than €560 million in funding as a result of the connections generated during the event, of which more than €50 million are estimated to be directly linked to opportunities arising from this edition. These figures consolidate VDS as a strategic platform for access to capital, the development of partnerships and the internationalisation of innovative projects.
Investor presence also saw significant growth. The number of investors increased by 15%, from 700 in 2024 to more than 800 in 2025. Meanwhile, the assets under management represented grew from €250 billion to €300 billion, reinforcing the quality and reach of the investor profile present at the event.
Event of Exceptional Public Interest
The Spanish Government, at the request of Valencia City Council, declared VDS an Event of Exceptional Public Interest on 26 May. This is one of the highest forms of institutional recognition granted to strategic initiatives in Spain.
The declaration places the international tech event within the framework of initiatives recognised for their special economic, social and strategic relevance, and will allow a specific tax regime to be applied for collaborating entities linked to the event. This measure will encourage greater private-sector involvement in the development and international projection of the event.
The measure reinforces VDS’s positioning as an international tech benchmark and consolidates Valencia’s role as one of Europe’s innovation and entrepreneurship hubs with the greatest growth potential.
Download the full report here.
