With a strong commitment to connecting private investment with innovation, Leyton Impulse has established itself as a benchmark in financing R&D&I projects in Spain. A subsidiary of Leyton Iberia, the company promotes a pioneering model based on the R&D&I Tax Lease, an instrument that allows investors to participate in the country’s technological development while startups and SMEs gain access to the resources they need to grow.
In this interview, Enrique López, R&D Finance Manager – Tax Lease at Leyton, explains how this initiative is helping strengthen Spain’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by facilitating the flow of capital to high-potential projects and analyzes the trends that will shape the future of technological innovation in the Valencian Community and beyond.
Could you briefly explain what Leyton Impulse is and what your mission is?
At Leyton Impulse, a subsidiary of Leyton Iberia, we believe in an investment model capable of transforming the present and future of innovation in Spain. We are pioneers in offering fiscal solutions through the R&D&I Tax Lease, a vehicle designed to connect investors with innovative startups and SMEs that need to boost their projects.
Our mission is to drive national innovation by facilitating access to capital for high-potential R&D&I projects through a profitable and fiscally efficient investment model, generating both economic and social value by investing in talent, technology, and real progress.
What differentiates Leyton Impulse from other consultancies in your sector?
We provide startups and SMEs that are not yet profitable or are operating at a loss but have capital (or have closed an investment round) the possibility of multiplying their liquidity through the entry of private investors, without the need to take on debt or give up equity.
Furthermore, we have more than 28 years of experience in the R&D&I and project financing sector, with over 80% of our staff made up of technical profiles specialized in project justification.
What services or solutions do you offer that could be especially useful for startups and scaleups?
Private financing for startups and SMEs, giving them the opportunity to be part of Leyton Impulse’s portfolio of R&D&I projects presented to investors.
What are the main challenges you identify in innovative companies?
– Financing and profitability: less available investment, the need for sustainable models, and efficient monetization.
– Technology and automation: strategic use of AI without losing ethical control or failing to meet regulations.
– Regulation and security: compliance with global standards and strengthening cybersecurity amid growing threats.
– Talent and culture: competition for tech experts and maintaining balance between remote work and company culture.
– Sustainability: consumers and investors are looking for startups with real impact and solid ESG foundations.
– Adaptability and scalability: responding to market changes, growing sustainably, and optimizing operations.
What motivated you to join Startup Valencia as supporters?
The desire to stay close to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and continue fostering connections that bring value to entrepreneurs.
What do you hope to contribute to and gain from the Startup Valencia community?
We aim to offer growth and visibility opportunities to leading projects, as well as help position them in the market through financing that allows them to execute their R&D&I initiatives.
What kind of collaborations would you like to establish with startups in the Valencian ecosystem?
We would like to collaborate with startups that have financing needs so they can bring their projects to life.
What global trends do you see impacting Valencian startups in the coming years?
We have identified several global trends that will directly impact Valencian startups in the coming years. The first is the growing pressure for sustainability and the energy transition: green innovation and efficiency will be key to accessing financing and investment.
In parallel, the adoption of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and blockchain will define competitiveness across sectors. We also see an increase in internationalization, as European funds and venture capital are seeking projects capable of scaling beyond local markets.
Finally, access to public and private financing will continue to be both a challenge and an opportunity for startups that can successfully combine venture capital with public R&D&I support instruments.
From your international experience, what potential do you see in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem of the Valencian Community?
From our international experience working with innovation ecosystems in more than 15 countries, we see enormous potential in the Valencian Community: it combines highly qualified talent, leading universities and research centers, an increasingly connected entrepreneurial ecosystem, and a clear institutional commitment to R&D&I and sustainability.
The region is consolidating itself as a strategic Mediterranean hub, capable of attracting investment, international startups, and major technology corporations. We believe that with the right boost in financing and scalability, the Valencian Community can become one of the most important innovation hubs in Southern Europe.
What role do you think VDS plays in this positioning?
It plays an essential role as a key event for achieving visibility and connecting with potential partners to establish successful collaborations.
