Some of the best opportunities are born from in-person, spontaneous encounters without a screen in between, the perfect context for creating a special kind of chemistry. Just ask Travis Kalanick, founder of Uber, and his fascinating story about how, during the 2011 Web Summit in Ireland, an informal conversation with investor Shervin Pishevar in a Dublin pub turned into a $26.5 million check hours later, signed in a hotel in the Irish capital.
Between pints, with no agendas or formal presentations, Uber closed a decisive round that took the company from operating in only three cities to becoming one of the fastest-growing startups in the world.
There is also the story of Sean Rad, founder of Tinder, who met his future co-founder at a hackathon organized by the startup where he worked. Rad, who had no technical background, found exactly what he needed there: someone with complementary capabilities to turn a simple idea (the iconic double match and swipe functionality) into the world’s largest dating app. An opportunity that would never have emerged remotely: two people working side by side, sharing energy, creative competition and a common vision.
Those of us who have spent decades in the digital entrepreneurship world know that business requires a certain degree of physical presence. For these unpredictable, destiny-like “collisions” to happen, perseverance is essential… and a little luck. Precisely the kind that appears when your ideal investor, dream client or future co-founder is standing just a few meters away.
VDS: Culture, Networking and Community
A colleague told me how, after leaving the recent VDS, while waiting for his ride to catch the train back to Madrid, he offered to share a taxi with someone also heading to the station. The person turned out to be a senior executive at one of Spain’s largest insurance companies. After an improvised pitch during the short ride from Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences to Joaquín Sorolla Station, there was a match. Today, they have already held follow-up meetings to explore a collaboration. Based on a true story.
The examples above show the return on investing in and meticulously curating an international tech event like VDS. What began as a local ecosystem gathering is now a global benchmark attracting thousands of founders, startups, scaleups, investors, corporations and tech visionaries. A space where every edition sparks new connections that continue long after the lights go out.
I can attest to this myself, having had meetings with potential clients that would have been difficult to secure through cold outreach without the excuse of “see you at the event.” Beyond these stories, the data also speaks for itself.
The 2025 edition brought together more than 12,000 global leaders from over 120 countries, along with 3,000 startups, 1,500 corporations and 800 investors managing more than €300 billion in assets. Figures that show not only scale, but diversity, talent density and the capacity to generate deep conversations and tangible opportunities.
Additionally, VDS 2025 welcomed more than 600 international speakers and presented the annual report on the Valencian ecosystem, which revealed a new record: 1,689 active startups in the Valencian Community, a growth of 11.34%, and over €160 million invested in Valencian startups in 2025, with 71% receiving funding, a 66% jump from the previous year.
All of this consolidates Valencia as one of Europe’s most dynamic tech hubs.
Winners, Finalists and New Role Models
The international VDS Startup Competition has become one of the main engines of visibility and momentum for emerging tech projects in Europe. Over its editions, the competition has shown that recognition on stage is not merely symbolic: it often leads to new investment rounds, corporate collaborations, international expansion and a qualitative leap in reputation.
One of the most representative cases is Cafler, winner in the Growth category at VDS 2023. After its participation in the international tech event, the mobility-as-a-service platform not only multiplied its media and corporate presence, but closed a €10.5 million round and moved its headquarters to Delaware to accelerate global expansion. The award in Valencia acted as a turning point that boosted its credibility with investors and opened doors beyond Spain.
That same year, Ender Turing, winner in Seed, strengthened its international recognition thanks to voice-analysis technology designed to improve customer support efficiency. Its exposure at VDS accelerated entry into new European markets and facilitated strategic alliances with major corporations.
The 2025 edition marked a new record: 1,246 applications from 84 countries, and a substantial increase in participation from European, American and Asian startups. The competition, now considered one of the most diverse in Europe, once again showcased technologies with major global impact. The winners confirm this:
Spacebackend (Luxembourg), winner in Early Stage, offers software that accelerates satellite payload integration, enabling space companies to launch missions faster and at lower cost. Its solution positions the company at the center of Europe’s booming new space sector, one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
Zibra AI (Ukraine), winner in Growth Stage, specializes in generative AI applied to visual effects and 3D content. The startup is transforming how game studios and audiovisual producers create digital assets. Its selection as winner highlights VDS’s commitment to high-impact creative technologies.
The rest of the finalists reflect the high level of the 2025 edition, with projects ranging from space tech and fintech to AI, biotech and corporate efficiency solutions, confirming that VDS remains a transversal innovation platform.
The Multiplier Effect and Global Reach of VDS
The ability to connect directly with global investors, multinational corporations, institutions and other founders is no longer an exception—it is the norm. The quality of panels, speakers, side events and exhibitors is exceptionally high, with startups from major European hubs coming to Valencia to present solutions and activate growth levers. As a frequent VDS attendee, I can confirm this firsthand.
VDS is no longer just the tech event of the Valencian innovation ecosystem; it is a mandatory stop in the international tech calendar for its multiplier effect before, during and after the event.
Valencia is no longer just hosting a tech event for its startups: it has built an international meeting point that transforms everyone who participates.
