What Startup Valencia does

Startup Valencia is a private, non-profit association (Asociación Valenciana de Start-Ups / Valencia Startup Association) founded in 2017 and registered in the Valencian Community, Spain, under CIF G-98.929.110. The organization operates as a permanent platform for the local tech startup ecosystem, connecting startups and scaleups with investors, corporates, talent, and public institutions. Its core products include the annual Valencia Digital Summit (VDS), the Founders Club for the top 20 scaleups, the Corporate Innovation Club for open-innovation partnerships, the NextTalent community, the Capital4Startups funding platform, the Cybersecurity Startup Program (with INCIBE), the Observatorio ecosystem directory, the annual Pitch Day competition, and vertical workgroups (Mobility, Blockchain, DeepTech). The Base2 physical hub at La Marina de Valencia, developed with partner Innsomnia, anchors in-person ecosystem activity.

The business model is a hybrid of membership subscriptions (annual auto-renewing fees for individual and corporate members), event ticketing and sponsorship (VDS), corporate partner programs (Founders Club, Corporate Innovation Club), and institutional support from the Valencia City Council and Generalitat Valenciana. Pricing tiers are not publicly disclosed. The organization self-reports a community of 48,000+ professionals, 3,000+ connected startups and scaleups, and 2,000+ corporates and investors, with VDS 2024 expected to draw 12,000+ professionals from 100+ countries and 700+ investors representing more than EUR 30 billion in AUM.

Strategic positioning relies on three pillars: business connections, international visibility (anchored by VDS), and access to funding. Strategic partners include GoHub (Banco Sabadell), Wayra (Telefónica), Plug and Play, HP, BBVA, Google for Startups, CaixaBank, Naturgy, Banco Sabadell, OVHcloud, Glovo, Freenow, Santalucía Impulsa, and CDTM. Valencia advanced 20 positions to enter the Global Startup Ecosystem Report Top 70 (2026), and VDS was declared an Event of Exceptional Public Interest by the Spanish Government in 2026.

Name

Startup Valencia

Legal name

VALENCIA STARTUP ASSOCIATION (AVS)

Website

https://startupvalencia.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Startup Valencia is a private non-profit association founded in 2017 that operates as a platform connecting a community of 48,000+ professionals, 3,000+ startups and scaleups, and 2,000+ corporates and investors in the Valencian tech ecosystem, anchored by the annual Valencia Digital Summit and tiered membership programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Ecosystem Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics (EDAMAHAA), Virtual/Hybrid Conference Production & Platform Management (THAHACAM)

Keywords

• Startup ecosystem support
• Tech community platform
• Innovation ecosystem services
• Startup networking events
• Venture community programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Valencia

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership subscriptions: Startup Valencia generates revenue through membership subscriptions. Users can register as members (Startup Valencia City of Talent members) by paying subscription fees, with automatic annual renewal unless cancelled one month prior. Subscriptions provide access to ecosystem benefits, programs, community events, and curated platforms for ecosystem insights.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Startup Valencia is a private non-profit association that operates a permanent platform connecting startups and scaleups with investors, corporates, talent, and institutions across Europe and the Americas. It runs the annual VDS (Valencia Digital Summit) tech event, structured membership programs (Founders Club, Corporate Innovation Club, NextTalent), the Capital4Startups funding platform, the Observatory ecosystem directory, the Cybersecurity Startup Program, Pitch Day competition, and sector workgroups. Revenue is generated primarily through annual membership subscriptions and corporate supporter partnerships.

Product overview

Startup Valencia is a private, non-profit organization that operates as a platform ecosystem connecting more than 3,000 startups and scaleups with global capital, international talent, and strategic partnerships. The organization offers a portfolio of programs including VDS (the flagship international tech summit), the Observatory (ecosystem directory and research), NextTalent (talent community), Capital4Startups (funding platform), Cybersecurity Startup Program, Founders Club (scaleup networking), Corporate Innovation Club (open innovation partnerships), and Pitch Day (competition). Additional offerings include specialized workgroups (Mobility, Blockchain, DeepTech) and the Base2 Innovation Hub. The organization connects to 2,000+ corporates and investors and is backed by a community of 48,000+ professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VDS (Valencia Digital Summit) Flagship international tech event organized by Startup Valencia, bringing together startups, investors, corporations, and institutions for networking, knowledge sharing, and deal-making. Includes competitions, conferences, and networking opportunities for the broader ecosystem.
• Founders Club Exclusive membership network for the 20 most prominent scaleups in the Valencian ecosystem, fostering high-level networking, strategic synergies, and continuous peer-to-peer exchange.
• Corporate Innovation Club Partnership program connecting corporations committed to open innovation with startups, top-tier talent, and real-world opportunities while providing access to qualified deal flow.
• NextTalent Community program for students and young professionals passionate about entrepreneurship, tech, and innovation, providing career opportunities, event access, and content while strengthening ties between startups and academia.
• Capital4Startups Digital funding platform that connects startup projects with national and international investors and corporates, simplifying and scaling access to funding for ecosystem participants.
• Cybersecurity Startup Program Specialized program, launched in partnership with INCIBE, supporting cybersecurity startups to grow and connect with corporate partners through acceleration and project support.
• Observatory (Observatorio) Research and mapping project studying the Valencian innovative and technological entrepreneurship ecosystem, producing a directory of startups and ecosystem insights.
• Pitch Day Annual startup competition showcasing entrepreneurial and innovative talent in the Valencian Community, connecting emerging companies with corporations and investors.
• Startup Valencia Membership Annual subscription membership for startups, founders, and ecosystem participants (including City of Talent members), providing access to ecosystem benefits, programs, community events, and curated platforms, with automatic annual renewal unless cancelled one month prior.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over €2 billion in annual business volume generated through the ecosystem
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• CDTMcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 June 2024CDTM partnered with Startup Valencia to promote technology and entrepreneurship both locally and internationally. CDTM's first international location outside Munich is in Valencia, supported by Universitat de València, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia City Council, and Generalitat Valenciana. The partnership generates connections between the startup ecosystem and CDTM's students.
• GoHubflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoHub (by Banco Sabadell) is a prominent supporter of Startup Valencia, investing in deeptech, watertech, industry 4.0, and smart cities startups within the ecosystem. The partnership supports open innovation initiatives and provides strategic alignment with the Valencia tech ecosystem.
• WayraflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerWayra (Telefónica's open innovation hub) partners with Startup Valencia to connect with the Valencian startup ecosystem, supporting innovation initiatives and providing access to the global Telefónica network.
• Plug and PlayflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlug and Play, a global accelerator and innovation platform, collaborates with Startup Valencia to foster entrepreneurship and connect the Valencian ecosystem with international opportunities.
• HPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHP joined Startup Valencia as a Corporate Partner to actively participate in the Valencian entrepreneurial ecosystem through open innovation projects with startups. HP also became a Silver Sponsor of VDS2022 and promotes and attracts tech talent, having a software development and innovation center in Valencia.
• BBVAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBBVA joined Startup Valencia to boost the Valencian entrepreneurship ecosystem, participating in initiatives and supporting startups in the fintech and open banking space.
• Google for StartupsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoogle for Startups partners with Startup Valencia to support the Valencian startup ecosystem with resources, programs, and access to Google's network of experts and tools for growth.
• The BridgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Bridge (digital talent training platform) became a supporter of Startup Valencia, contributing talent training programs connected to real startup needs. The partnership bridges training and innovation in the Valencian ecosystem.
• CDTM (Center for Digital Technology and Management)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDTM, with locations in Valencia and Munich, partners with Startup Valencia to promote technology and entrepreneurship. CDTM's launch in Valencia is backed by Universitat de València, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia City Council, and Generalitat Valenciana. Startup Valencia supports CDTM's international scaling and generates connections between students and the startup ecosystem.
• CaixaBankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCaixaBank (through DayOne) participates in Startup Valencia's ecosystem and Pitch Day competitions as a jury member, supporting the Valencian innovation ecosystem with financial services expertise.
• Banco SabadellcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBanco Sabadell (through BStartup) supports Startup Valencia's ecosystem, participating in Pitch Day competitions and providing startup banking services to the Valencian startup community.
• InnsomniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnsomnia and Startup Valencia collaborate to promote Base2 as a strategic international innovation hub at La Marina de Valencia, combining resources to support startups and the broader ecosystem.
• NaturgycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNaturgy joined Startup Valencia to boost the Valencian innovative ecosystem, contributing as a supporter and corporate partner in open innovation initiatives.
• GlovocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlovo joined Startup Valencia as a supporter, contributing to the ecosystem with logistics technology expertise and supporting innovation initiatives in Valencia.
• FreenowminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFreenow (by Lyft) supports Startup Valencia, contributing to sustainable mobility initiatives within the Valencian innovation ecosystem.
• Santalucía ImpulsaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSantalucía Impulsa is a supporter of Startup Valencia, contributing to the insurance and innovation ecosystem with resources for startups in the sector.
• Valencia City CouncilflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Valencia City Council actively supports Startup Valencia and VDS events, working to position Valencia as a reference tech hub in Southern Europe. The city provides institutional backing for ecosystem initiatives and the Valencia Innovation Capital framework.
• Generalitat ValencianaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe regional government of Valencia supports Startup Valencia through initiatives including CDTM Valencia's launch and broader ecosystem development programs.
• INCIBEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerINCIBE (Instituto Nacional de Ciberseguridad) partnered with Startup Valencia to launch the Cybersecurity Startup Program, supporting 26 new startups and accelerating 40 projects in cybersecurity.
• Universitat de ValènciacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe University of Valencia collaborates with Startup Valencia, including supporting CDTM's Valencia location and hosting ecosystem activities. Spin-offs such as Evolving Therapeutics emerge from the university.
• Universitat Politècnica de ValènciacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUPV partners with Startup Valencia through initiatives like THE CHALLENGE competition and CDTM Valencia, supporting entrepreneurship education and startup development.
• GSIC Testing LabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStartup Valencia and GSIC Testing Lab signed an agreement to boost Valencia's international projection, supporting startups in real-world testing environments.
• Urban Sandbox ValenciaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban Sandbox Valencia partners with Startup Valencia to provide a real-world testing environment for urban innovation, supporting startups in validating solutions in real city conditions.
• Fresh PeoplecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFresh People (people management startup) has renewed its partnership with Startup Valencia since 2021, supporting Valencian entrepreneurs with tools to scale people management capabilities and build high-impact teams.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Tech Barcelona (formerly Barcelona Tech City): Tech Barcelona operates Pier 01, a comparable city-based startup ecosystem hub connecting startups, corporates, and investors in Spain. It is the most direct competitor to Startup Valencia in the Spanish ecosystem space and targets a similar mix of programs, events, and corporate open innovation.
• Beta-i: Beta-i is a Lisbon-based non-profit innovation hub that runs Web Summit, the world's largest tech conference, alongside startup programs and corporate innovation services. Comparable to Startup Valencia as a city-anchored ecosystem operator running a flagship international tech event (VDS).
• Startup Lisboa: Startup Lisboa is a Lisbon-based non-profit association operating as a city ecosystem builder, running incubation, acceleration, and founder community programs. Directly comparable in structure (non-profit, city-focused, member-driven) and mission to Startup Valencia.
• Station F: Station F is the world's largest startup campus in Paris, operating a startup program platform that connects founders with corporates, investors, and talent. Comparable to Startup Valencia's Base2 + Founders Club + Corporate Innovation Club model as a centralized campus for ecosystem programming.

Broad incumbents

• Impact Hub: Impact Hub is a global network of entrepreneur-focused communities and innovation spaces across more than 100 cities. Comparable to Startup Valencia's NextTalent and community-led GTM, with overlap in startup support programming and ecosystem-building.
• Plug and Play: Plug and Play is a global startup accelerator and corporate innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley, with operations across multiple sectors and geographies. It is both a Startup Valencia partner and a comparable ecosystem-builder offering accelerator, deal-flow, and corporate partnership programs.
• Techstars: Techstars is a global accelerator network running programs for startups with corporate and VC partners. Comparable to Startup Valencia's startup programs and Pitch Day competition, though Techstars operates equity-based accelerator cohorts rather than a non-profit membership model.
• Wayra (Telefónica): Wayra is Telefónica's global open innovation hub operating accelerator programs and corporate venture activity across multiple countries. It is both a Startup Valencia partner and a comparable corporate-affiliated ecosystem-builder connecting startups with capital, talent, and corporates.

Regional players

• SeedRocket: SeedRocket is a Barcelona-based Spanish startup accelerator and ecosystem player that runs accelerator programs and connects founders with investors and corporates. Comparable in scope to Startup Valencia's programs and Pitch Day competition within the Spanish market.
• Madrid Innovation Hub (Madrid Network / Cluster GAIA): Madrid Network operates innovation and entrepreneurship support programs in the Madrid region, connecting startups, corporates, and investors. Comparable to Startup Valencia as a Spanish regional ecosystem operator competing for the same national pool of corporates, talent, and international visibility.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Startup_VLC
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCX5EeENSUoxoxHLxPxarM2A
• Facebookfacebook.com/StartupValencia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/startupvalencia
• Instagraminstagram.com/startupvalencia
• TikToktiktok.com/@startupvalencia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Startup Valencia