One example of this is VDS, which, in its seventh edition, broke records for international attendance: of the 12,000 attendees, over 4,000 were from 110 different countries. It also brought together investors with a portfolio of over €250 billion in private equity funds and more than 2,500 startups.
In ‘Future Innovation Cities,’ international experts examined the role of technology in driving urban advancements in cities. This year, Valencia also hosted the ‘Sigma Squared Summit,’ which brought together 400 of the world’s most ambitious founders, prominent investors, and thought leaders from over 30 countries. Another notable event was the ‘e-Residency & Startup Meetup,’ aimed at promoting the international expansion of Valencian tech companies through this pioneering program supported by the Estonian government.
The 150+ activities organized by Startup Valencia throughout the year have been instrumental in fostering collaboration, generating business opportunities, and strengthening the entrepreneurial community both locally and globally.
A Growing Sector
The Valencian tech ecosystem closes 2024 as a reference for innovation and tech entrepreneurship, with growing impact both nationally and internationally. Data from the Startup Observatory of the Valencian Community, driven by Startup Valencia with the support of the Generalitat Valenciana’s Department of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, shows that this year the number of emerging companies grew by 15.45% compared to 2023.
As a result, the total number of startups in the Valencian innovation ecosystem has reached 1,517, directly generating 20,022 jobs. The number of entities within the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has reached 1,780, growing by 6.14%, with startups as the main driver. The organization currently has over 350 member startups, generating a total turnover of €303,431,982 and employing 5,585 highly skilled workers.
In terms of technology, the most dynamic areas have been nanotechnology, new materials, robotics, and cybersecurity, which are leading the creation of new startups. However, artificial intelligence remains at the forefront, with 21.07% of emerging companies focused on this technology.
In terms of investment, it’s expected that Valencian startups will surpass 2023’s investment figures, which totaled €49.8 million across 24 transactions. By the close of Q3 2024, they had already reached €44.8 million across 20 transactions, with an average of €2.2 million per round.
As Juan Luis Hortelano, President of Startup Valencia, points out, “this year we have demonstrated that the innovative and tech ecosystem of the Valencian Community is not only growing in numbers but also in impact and international reach.”
Goals for 2025
