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Spain is home to over 42,000 emerging startup ventures. Join 200+ startups already on Foundersbase - be among the first 50 joining in Spain and discover promising early-stage innovation partners today!

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Startup Ecosystem in Spain

Map of Spain

Startup Ecosystem in Spain

Startup Ecosystem in Spain

Spain has transformed its innovation landscape over the past decade, evolving from a relatively traditional business culture to one of Southern Europe's most dynamic and diverse startup ecosystems with multiple thriving regional hubs. The country has produced notable success stories such as Glovo (delivery platform), Wallbox (EV charging solutions), and Cabify (ride-hailing), alongside emerging leaders in fintech, travel tech, and increasingly deeptech applications. The funding environment has matured significantly with the emergence of venture capital firms like Seaya Ventures, Kibo Ventures, and K Fund, complemented by growing corporate venture activity from companies like Telefónica, Santander, and Amadeus. Angel investors have organized through networks like ESADE BAN, Angels Capital, and regional groups across the country, often bringing sector-specific expertise alongside capital. The accelerator landscape features programs like Wayra (one of Europe's most established corporate accelerators), Lanzadera, Barcelona Activa, and specialized initiatives targeting key sectors including tourism technology, sustainability solutions, and biotech. Government support comes through institutions like ENISA offering participative loans, CDTI providing R&D funding, and the Startup Law introduced in 2023 creating a comprehensive legal framework with tax incentives, visa policies, and regulatory simplifications specifically for innovative companies. Unlike many European countries with a single dominant hub, Spain features multiple strong innovation centers: Madrid (particularly fintech, insurtech, and enterprise solutions), Barcelona (focusing on mobile technologies, marketplaces, and gaming), Valencia (with strengths in deeptech and healthcare), and increasingly Malaga (cybersecurity and AI) and Bilbao (industrial technology). Spanish startups benefit from the country's high quality of life attracting international talent, competitive operating costs compared to Northern European hubs, strong connections to Latin American markets, and increasingly visible success stories creating mentorship and investment pathways, though entrepreneurs still navigate challenges including administrative complexity despite recent reforms, fragmented regional regulations, and sometimes limited access to later-stage growth capital.

Spain has transformed its innovation landscape over the past decade, evolving from a relatively traditional business culture to one of Southern Europe's most dynamic and diverse startup ecosystems with multiple thriving regional hubs. The country has produced notable success stories such as Glovo (delivery platform), Wallbox (EV charging solutions), and Cabify (ride-hailing), alongside emerging leaders in fintech, travel tech, and increasingly deeptech applications. The funding environment has matured significantly with the emergence of venture capital firms like Seaya Ventures, Kibo Ventures, and K Fund, complemented by growing corporate venture activity from companies like Telefónica, Santander, and Amadeus. Angel investors have organized through networks like ESADE BAN, Angels Capital, and regional groups across the country, often bringing sector-specific expertise alongside capital. The accelerator landscape features programs like Wayra (one of Europe's most established corporate accelerators), Lanzadera, Barcelona Activa, and specialized initiatives targeting key sectors including tourism technology, sustainability solutions, and biotech. Government support comes through institutions like ENISA offering participative loans, CDTI providing R&D funding, and the Startup Law introduced in 2023 creating a comprehensive legal framework with tax incentives, visa policies, and regulatory simplifications specifically for innovative companies. Unlike many European countries with a single dominant hub, Spain features multiple strong innovation centers: Madrid (particularly fintech, insurtech, and enterprise solutions), Barcelona (focusing on mobile technologies, marketplaces, and gaming), Valencia (with strengths in deeptech and healthcare), and increasingly Malaga (cybersecurity and AI) and Bilbao (industrial technology). Spanish startups benefit from the country's high quality of life attracting international talent, competitive operating costs compared to Northern European hubs, strong connections to Latin American markets, and increasingly visible success stories creating mentorship and investment pathways, though entrepreneurs still navigate challenges including administrative complexity despite recent reforms, fragmented regional regulations, and sometimes limited access to later-stage growth capital.

Spain startups in numbers

Startups in Spain on Foundersbase show a range of characteristics across different early development stages. Among the projects in this region, 43% are currently in the concept phase, exploring early validation, while 57% have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are open to forming strategic partnerships. Currently, 38.7% of startups have reached the Prototype phase, one of several indicators of how innovative founding projects in Spain are evolving. A significant share (62%) report open positions, making this a valuable space for entrepreneurial talent looking to join a team early. In terms of funding, 49% of startups are currently seeking investment, while others pursue different approaches to growth. Startups in Spain are active across a wide range of industries, with many focusing on areas such as Internet, Social Impact, and Real Estate. Alongside sector diversity, projects also address major global challenges. Notable impact innovation topics include Small Business Support, Accessibility Technology, Affordable Housing, and Carbon Footprint Reduction, adding purpose-driven perspectives to the local startup scene. Whether you’re interested in supporting founders, investing in early-stage ventures, or finding opportunities to get involved, the startup activity in Spain offers a great starting point.

Job Offerings

More than (43%) of startups in Spain are actively recruiting talent, while (57%) are focused on building with their current team.

Hiring 43%

Startup Stage

The Spain startup ecosystem spans various development stages from early ideas to profitable businesses, with most ventures (38.7%) currently at the Prototype stage.

Funding Need

About (63%) of early-stage startups in Spain are seeking external investment to scale their innovations, while (37%) are pursuing a bootstrapped growth approach.

Fundraising 63%

Top innovation sectors

Discover the industries where early-stage startups in Spain are developing innovative solutions and seeking collaboration partners.

Advertising
Internet
Social Impact
Real Estate
IoT
Property Management
Manufacturing
Professional Services

Impact Focus

Startups from Spain on Foundersbase most often focus on Small Business Support, driving innovation in this area.

Small Business Support
Accessibility Technology
Affordable Housing
Carbon Footprint Reduction

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