València is Spain’s third-largest city and the main commercial port of the Mediterranean. Home to a $3.9 billion tech ecosystem, over 1,650 startups, and 48,000+ innovation professionals, the city combines world-class technical infrastructure, exceptional quality of life, and a growing community of globally ambitious founders.
- €229M raised by Valencian startups in 2025, the ecosystem’s strongest year to date.
- Operating costs are 40–60% lower than in Madrid or Barcelona.
- 3,500+ engineers and developers graduate from UPV every year.
- Valencia ranks 7th globally for quality of life.
- The Port of Valencia provides direct connections to Europe, North Africa and the Americas.
- 1,689+ active startups, with the ecosystem growing 11.3% in one year.
- Around 30% of local startups already integrate AI.
- Health and Deep Tech are leading early-stage growth in the ecosystem.
- Flywire and PLD Space are leading examples of Valencia-born global companies.
- Valencia ranks among Europe’s Top 35 AI-native startup ecosystems.
- $3.9B ecosystem value, placing Valencia among Europe’s Top 30 startup hubs.
- Spain’s third-largest startup hub by investment volume.
- Top 35 in Europe for access to affordable talent.
- Ranked the world’s best city for expats in both 2022 and 2024.
- European Green Capital 2024 and the first Mediterranean city to receive the title.
Krloos Rivera is Senior Strategic Advisor and Special Envoy of Startup Valencia. A private, non-profit organisation connecting more than 3,000 startups and scaleups from Valencia with global capital, international talent, and strategic partnerships across Europe and the Americas.
In this role, he leads the organisation’s work at the intersection of governmental affairs, policy, global growth, and investment, opening strategic relationships with institutions, capital allocators, and decision-makers across Europe and the Americas that accelerate the internationalisation and long-term positioning of the ecosystem. An ecosystem that generates over €2 billion in annual business volume, sustains more than 22,000 jobs, and is powered by a community of 48,000+ professionals — one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in Southern Europe.
Startup Valencia
- Gateway to global markets
- Accelerating tech ecosystem ($3.9 billion startup ecosystem)
- Structural deep tech
- Built for founders and investors
- Attracting and retaining talent
Valencia’s rise as a technology hub is rooted in a distinctive combination of Mediterranean openness, technical talent and a growing belief that globally relevant companies can be built from Southern Europe. Over the past decade, the city has developed the institutions, infrastructure and community needed to turn local ambition into international growth.
Companies such as Flywire, Voicemod and PLD Space reflect that evolution. Built in Valencia or shaped by Valencian founders, they show the ecosystem’s ability to create businesses with global reach across fintech, digital entertainment and aerospace.
This progress has been supported by organisations that have strengthened every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Lanzadera has helped founders transform early ideas into growing companies, while Startup Valencia connects the ecosystem with investors, corporates and international markets. VDS brings those communities together each year, positioning the city as a meeting point for technology, investment and business.
Valencia’s model is not based solely on attracting external companies. It is designed to produce founders, support homegrown innovation and retain the value generated by successful businesses. Local investors and venture capital firms reinforce this approach by backing companies created within the ecosystem and helping them expand internationally.
The city also offers strong capabilities in areas such as AI, deep tech, life sciences, aerospace and semiconductors, supported by universities, research centres and an increasingly specialised industrial network. Through Invest in Valencia, international companies can access practical soft-landing support and connect directly with this ecosystem.
What ultimately sets Valencia apart is the balance between technological ambition and liveability. It offers the resources and connectivity required to build globally, while preserving the quality of life that helps companies attract and retain international talent.
“Fever’s success has shown us that making a successful product, a unicorn, from home, from here, is possible. We are in a perfect environment to create great projects and we have to take advantage of it.”
Pep Gómez, Founder, Fever
“Valencia is now a mature, collaborative ecosystem with international ambition. Its combination of talent, quality of life, a cohesive community and flagship events positions it as an increasingly relevant hub in Southern Europe.”
Ángel Uzquiza, Director of Corporate Innovation, Grupo Santalucía
“València looks to the future with ambition: we aim to establish ourselves as the Mediterranean hub of innovation, a vibrant city where ideas become impact, talent thrives, and investment drives startups that change the world.”
Paula Llobet, Councillor for Innovation, València City Council
Business support organisations:
- Invest in Valencia: joint initiative of Valencia City Council and the Valencia Chamber of Commerce, offering personalised support for international companies establishing in the city. hello@investinvlc.com – (+34) 963 10 39 00
- Lanzadera: Spain’s leading startup accelerator, part of Marina de Empresas (alongside EDEM Business School and Angels investment company), promoted by Juan Roig, founder of Mercadona. Founded in 2013, it has supported over 1,600 companies through incubation, acceleration, and corporate programs. Offers loans of up to €200,000 with no equity requirement.
- Startup Valencia: Valencia’s leading private non-profit organisation, supporting a community of 3,000+ startups and scaleups by connecting them with investment, talent, corporate opportunities and international partnerships. Its initiatives include Capital4Startups, VDS and sector-focused working groups in Deep Tech, Mobility and Blockchain. hello@startupvalencia.org – (+34) 623387197
- Base2 Hub: Europe’s deployment platform for urban deep tech, located at La Marina de Valencia. An initiative by Innsomnia Group in collaboration with Startup Valencia. Founders deploy in operational city infrastructure, generate verified market evidence, and access specialised capital and municipal procurement pathways — turning proof of concept into real-world adoption. contacto@base2valencia.com
- Innsomnia Group: Global Innovation Hub specialising in Fintech, Insurtech, E-Health, AgroFoodtech, Industry 4.0, and Smart Ports & Logistics. Network of 1,000+ startups from 51 countries and 40+ corporate clients including IBM, CaixaBank, and the European Commission. Offices in Valencia, Madrid, and Miami. info@innsomnia.es – (+34) 960 420 421
- CEEI Valencia: Business Innovation Centre supporting entrepreneurs, startups and innovative SMEs in the creation, consolidation and growth of sustainable businesses through specialised advice, training, networking and access to entrepreneurship resources.
- Doing Business Guide: how to set up a company in Valencia, legal requirements, business costs, and operational considerations.
- Investment Potential Guide: Valencia’s key investment factors, strategic sectors, and Mediterranean positioning.
- Valencia Welcome Guide: practical guide for professionals relocating to Valencia: housing, healthcare, education, and city life.
- VDS: One of Europe’s leading international tech events, organised by Startup Valencia at the City of Arts and Sciences. Brings together startups, scaleups, corporates, investors and public leaders to generate high-value business connections and strengthen Valencia’s position as a global innovation hub.
- GoHub Ventures: Valencia’s leading early-stage VC fund, with €90M across two funds. Invests in B2B deep tech founders from Seed to Series A across Europe, North America, and Latam.
- Valencia Innovation Capital: City platform connecting stakeholders across Valencia’s innovation ecosystem. Supports startups and projects in strategic sectors including AI, health, smart city, gaming, and sustainability.
- Plug and Play Valencia: Local branch of the world’s largest startup accelerator, operating in Valencia since 2012. Has invested in over 100 Valencian startups, with active programs in Real Estate & Construction tech.
- BIGBAN Inversores Privados: Valencia’s main business angel network, connecting innovative startups with private investors and facilitating early-stage capital throughout the Valencian Community.
- KM ZERO: Global food innovation hub connecting startups, corporations, investors and industry experts to co-create and scale solutions for the food system through open innovation, acceleration programs and specialised events.
- Fundación LAB: Initiative created by the Valencian Association of Entrepreneurs, AVE, to position the Valencian Community as a national and European benchmark in entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and research.
- Universitat Politècnica de València / IDEAS UPV: UPV’s entrepreneurship unit, supporting students, graduates and entrepreneurs from the initial business idea through startup creation and growth. Its StartUPV ecosystem provides incubation and acceleration for projects developed by the university community.
- CDTM Valencia: Selective interdisciplinary program combining technology, entrepreneurship and design. Students from different academic backgrounds work with companies on trend research, digital product development and entrepreneurial solutions to real-world challenges.
- 46 Valencia Mediterranean Tech Hub: Valencia’s first urban tech district, officially declared in October 2025. A 74,000 m² zone covering the Port of Valencia, Valencia Innovation Capital, and La Harinera – concentrating startups, innovation centres, universities, and tech companies in a single space with 95% tax discounts on construction and simplified administrative procedures.
- La Marina de Valencia: The strategic heart of Valencia’s innovation ecosystem, integrating the port area, Base2 Hub, Marina de Empresas, La Harinera, and the Startup Valencia community hub into a connected environment for startups, scaleups, corporates, and investors – the most active innovation cluster in the Mediterranean arc.
- La Harinera: Valencia City Council’s 5,000 m² innovation hub in a restored early 20th century factory in El Grao. Home to Invest in Valencia’s softlanding programs for international companies, the CitCom.ai project as Southern Europe’s AI computing node, and Valencia Activa.
- Las Naves: Valencia City Council’s centre for social and urban innovation, promoting people-centred urban innovation through European-funded projects, maker laboratories, and Col·lab a public triple-impact accelerator for social entrepreneurship. Together with La Harinera, forms over 10,000 m² of public innovation infrastructure.
- Marina de Empresas: Valencia’s flagship entrepreneurship campus at La Marina, promoted by Juan Roig. Integrates Lanzadera (1,600+ companies accelerated), EDEM Business School, and Angels Capital under one roof one of the most complete entrepreneurship ecosystems in Southern Europe.
- Base2 Hub: Europe’s deployment platform for urban deep tech at La Marina de Valencia, operated by Innsomnia Group and Startup Valencia. Flexible workspaces, private offices, open innovation programs, and direct access to capital and municipal procurement pathways. contacto@base2valencia.com
- The Terminal Hub: Innovation epicentre housed in the revitalised Old Maritime Station — 5,000 m² at La Marina. 500+ workspaces for startups, companies, and tech projects, modular event spaces for up to 200 people, and a seafront restaurant. hello@theterminalhub.com – 651 13 20 30
- BioHub VLC: Spain’s first privately managed business centre dedicated to Life Sciences scaleups — biotech, pharma, health, and technology — at La Marina de Valencia. Hosts 20+ health science companies across 3 floors with coworking, labs, meeting rooms, and open innovation spaces.
- Marina de Empresas: Valencia’s flagship entrepreneurship campus integrating Lanzadera (1,600+ companies accelerated), EDEM Business School, and Angels Capital — one of the most complete entrepreneurship ecosystems in Southern Europe under one roof.
- La Harinera: Valencia City Council’s 5,000 m² innovation hub in El Grao. Home to Invest in Valencia’s softlanding programs, the CitCom.ai Southern Europe AI computing node, and Valencia Activa. Primary landing space for international companies establishing in Valencia.
- Las Naves: Public centre for social and urban innovation, with maker laboratories, event spaces, European-funded innovation projects, and Col·lab — a public triple-impact accelerator for social entrepreneurship. Together with La Harinera, over 10,000 m² of public innovation infrastructure.
- Ciudad Politécnica de la Innovación (CPI) — UPV: Science Park of the Universitat Politècnica de València with 140,000 m² of infrastructure, 21 research institutes, and 3,000+ researchers. Ideal for companies seeking deep R&D collaboration, spin-off creation, and direct access to top engineering talent.
- Parc Tecnològic Paterna: 104-hectare technology park 7 km from Valencia hosting 600+ companies, R&D centres, and clean industries. Benchmark destination for companies requiring larger operational and research footprints close to the city.
- CEEI Valencia: European Business and Innovation Centre founded in 1991 under the initiative of the Valencian Government, part of the EU’s BIC network of nearly 200 centres across Europe. Supports innovative startups and SMEs with business incubation, mentoring, business plan development, access to funding, and consolidation advice. Located at Parc Tecnològic Paterna.
- Innsomnia Group: Global Innovation Hub specialising in Fintech, Insurtech, E-Health, AgroFoodtech, Industry 4.0, and Smart Ports & Logistics. Network of 1,000+ startups from 51 countries and 40+ corporate clients including IBM, CaixaBank, and the European Commission. Offices in Valencia, Madrid, and Miami.
Valencia’s investment climate combines a growing base of locally-rooted venture capital — with active funds including GoHub Ventures, Conexo Ventures, Draper B1, JME Ventures, and Zubi Capital.
1. Venture Capital (Seed to Series A)
The core of Valencia’s private capital stack, led by locally-rooted funds with European and transatlantic reach.
- GoHub Ventures: €90M across two funds, B2B deep tech, Seed to Series A
- Conexo Ventures: AI-driven scalable software, high-growth markets
- Draper B1: hands-on early-stage, global network
- JME Ventures: pre-seed to Series A, Spanish tech founders
2. Impact & Deep Tech Investment
- Zubi Capital: finances startups with positive social or environmental impact
- Ángela Impact Economy: impact economy and innovative tech companies
- Elewit: energy transition and connectivity tech, backed by Red Eléctrica Group
3. Business Angel Networks
- BIGBAN Inversores Privados: Valencia’s main angel network connecting innovative startups with private investors
- Angels Capital: part of Marina de Empresas, early-stage investment aligned with Lanzadera portfolio
4. Accelerator Funding (Equity-free & Equity)
- Lanzadera: loans up to €200,000 with no equity requirement, 9-month and 14-month programs
- BStartup Banco Sabadell: two vehicles: BStartup10 and Sabadell Venture Capital depending on stage
- Wayra: Telefónica’s accelerator, funding and global network access
5. Bank Innovation Programs
- BBVA Spark: tailored financial products for startups at every growth stage
- CaixaBank DayOne: connects entrepreneurs with investors, specialised startup banking
- Santander Startups: specialised managers, financing, and presence in main entrepreneurship hubs
6. Public Loans & Grants
- ENISA: participatory loans for innovative SMEs and entrepreneurs at early and growth stages
- CDTI: R&D&i project funding and instruments for technology startups
- IVF (Valencian Institute of Finance): loans and guarantees for companies and entrepreneurs in the Valencian Community
- IVACE: innovation and internationalisation support and financing programs for Valencian companies
7. EU & International Funding
- Invest in Spain (ICEX): grants and aids filterable by sector, industry, and region
- Capital4Startups: Startup Valencia’s dedicated platform connecting startups with investors and funding opportunities across Europe
- Horizon Europe / Next Generation EU: multiple Valencian institutions active as beneficiaries, including Las Naves, CPI-UPV, and CitCom.ai
1. Capital4Startups (Startup Valencia): Valencia’s dedicated fundraising platform connecting startups with local and international investors. Provides curated investor matching, pitch preparation support, and access to Startup Valencia’s network of 40+ active funds across Europe and the Americas.
2. Invest in Valencia (Softlanding & Aftercare): Structured support for international companies including guidance on local funding landscape, connections to investors and public funding programs, and ongoing aftercare once established.
3. SpeedOut Advisory: Valencia-based advisory firm guiding founders through all fundraising stages — from investment strategy and deal structuring to investor relations and monitoring. Also advises investors on portfolio analysis and investment policies.
4. BIGBAN Inversores Privados: Valencia’s main business angel network, actively connecting innovative startups with private investors and business angels. Offers visibility, pitch opportunities, and direct access to the regional early-stage investor community.
5. ENISA: Spain’s national public agency offering participatory loans for innovative projects at early and growth stages — non-dilutive capital with no equity requirement, accessible to Valencian startups via standard application.
6. CDTI: Spain’s Centre for Technological and Industrial Development offering R&D&i project funding instruments, repayable advances, and support for technology startups seeking to finance innovation activities.
7. IVF Valencian Institute of Finance: Regional public body facilitating access to loans and guarantees specifically for companies and entrepreneurs in the Valencian Community, including instruments designed to support startup growth and job creation.
Valencia’s Valencian Community graduates over 3,500 engineers and computer scientists annually across its universities, led by the Universitat Politècnica de València, ranked Spain’s top polytechnic.
Spain Startup Law (Ley de Startups, Law 28/2022)
In force since January 2023, Spain’s Startup Law provides ENISA-certified startups with a full package of employer advantages:
- Stock options tax exemption: equity compensation granted by certified startups is tax-exempt up to €50,000 per employee per year, with tax triggered only at point of sale — not at vesting or exercise.
- Reduced Corporate Tax: startups pay 15% corporate tax instead of the standard 25%, for up to four years.
- Investor deduction: private investors can deduct 50% of their investment in a qualifying startup, up to €100,000 per year.
- Digital Nomad Visa compatibility: holders of Spain’s International Telework Visa working remotely for non-Spanish employers are eligible for the Beckham Law flat-rate tax benefit.
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU remote workers to live and work legally in Spain for up to 3 years (renewable for 2 more), with access to the Beckham Law 24% flat tax rate. Minimum income requirement of €2,646/month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage in 2025). Particularly relevant for Valencia-based startups attracting international remote talent.
Competitive Cost of Hiring
Valencia boasts one of Spain’s lowest labour turnover rates at 11.7%, combined with salary levels significantly below equivalent profiles in London, Berlin, Amsterdam, or Paris. Engineers and developers hired in Valencia offer comparable technical quality at structurally lower total employment cost — a hard competitive advantage for international companies building technical teams.
NextTalent — Startup Valencia
The talent platform of VDS, powered by Startup Valencia, bringing together emerging talent, professionals, tech leaders and educators to learn, collaborate and create real opportunities within the tech ecosystem. It also helps companies connect with graduates and emerging professionals from UPV, UV and Valencia’s wider university network.
Invest in Valencia — Relocation Support
Structured relocation support for international professionals and companies, including guidance on immigration procedures, housing, healthcare, education, and integration into the local ecosystem — reducing the friction cost of attracting and retaining international talent.
PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
- Universitat de València (UV): One of Spain’s oldest public universities, offering a broad talent base across sciences, health, economics, business, law, social sciences and the humanities, supported by extensive research and postgraduate activity.
- Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV): Leading public technical university and a major source of engineering, architecture, science and digital talent. Combines education with research, technology transfer, innovation and entrepreneurship.
- University of Alicante (UA): Public university offering talent across engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, computer science, biomedical technologies, business and social sciences, with dedicated research, innovation and knowledge-transfer services.
- Universitat Jaume I (UJI): Public university based in Castellón with a strong focus on innovation and internationalisation. Offers programmes across engineering, computing, health, business and social sciences, while promoting employability and entrepreneurship.
- Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH): Public university focused on research, innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer, providing specialised talent across health sciences, biotechnology, engineering and business.
PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES & BUSINESS SCHOOLS
- CEU Cardenal Herrera University: The first private university in the Valencian Community, with campuses in Valencia, Elche and Castellón. Offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across engineering, health sciences, business, communication, law and design.
- Universidad Católica de Valencia (UCV): Private, non-profit university with campuses across Valencia and the surrounding region. Provides talent in health sciences, biotechnology, business, psychology, education, technology and social sciences.
- Universidad Europea de Valencia: Private university with campuses in Valencia and Alicante, offering undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational programmes in engineering, technology, health, business, law, sports and social sciences through an applied learning model.
- Valencian International University (VIU): International online university headquartered in Valencia, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across science and technology, business, health, education, communication and the humanities.
- EDEM Escuela de Empresarios: Business school and university centre located at Marina de Empresas, specialising in entrepreneurship, management, engineering and executive education. Its programmes connect students directly with founders, executives and companies.
- ESIC Business & Marketing School Valencia : Business school and higher education institution specialising in marketing, management, technology and the digital economy. Its Valencia campus offers undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA and executive programmes.
- Florida Universitaria: Cooperative higher education centre affiliated with the Universitat de València and the Universitat Politècnica de València. Offers university degrees, postgraduate and vocational programmes in business, logistics, engineering, ICT, education and videogames.
Valencia closes its best year ever for tech investment — €229M raised in 2025
Valencia closed 2025 with €229M in venture capital, its strongest year on record and the third-highest total among Spain’s technology hubs. The result reflects a maturing ecosystem with greater capacity to attract international investment and support companies from early-stage growth to global expansion.
The New York Times names Valencia one of the 52 Places to Go in 2026
Valencia features in The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2026” through “Sorolla’s Spain”, a cultural journey celebrating the artist’s legacy. His birthplace will host the Hispanic Society of America’s European headquarters, bringing more than 200 works by Sorolla to the city.
IBM returns to Valencia and Quibim raises $50M Series A — deeptech goes global
IBM has opened a new Digital Sales Center in Valencia to serve clients across EMEA, while local healthtech company Quibim secured a $50M Series A to expand its AI-powered medical imaging technology. Together, both milestones show how Valencia is attracting global technology leaders while scaling homegrown deeptech companies internationally.