Is Barcelona a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Barcelona has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Barcelona gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Barcelona

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Barcelona offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Barcelona's early-stage startup scene is quite dynamic, attracting significant investment and positioning itself as a leading hub in Southern Europe. Notable support comes from VC firms like 4Founders Capital, Antai Ventures, and Nauta Capital, which actively invest in seed and early-stage companies. Government initiatives, such as ACCIÓ's Startup Capital grant offering up to €75,000, and programs from the ICF (Catalan Institute of Finance) and Barcelona Activa, also provide crucial funding and resources. Angel networks like IESE Business Angels Network connect entrepreneurs with investors. However, challenges persist, including intense competition for talent and, according to a 2024 report, a decrease in the number of early-stage investment operations as investors favor larger, more mature companies, leading to a potential seed-stage funding gap. Bureaucracy and relatively high taxes can also pose difficulties for founders.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Barcelona has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Barcelona boasts a thriving startup and innovation ecosystem, consistently ranking among Europe's top hubs. The city is home to over 2,100 startups across diverse sectors. A strong entrepreneurial spirit is evident, with Catalonia surpassing European averages in entrepreneurial activity. The ecosystem is well-supported by numerous coworking spaces, providing flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. Barcelona also hosts a variety of tech events and conferences, attracting talent and fostering connections. Early-stage founders receive support through various organizations, accelerators, and incubators like Barcelona Activa and SeedRocket, offering resources, training, mentorship, and funding opportunities. While competitive programs exist, there is also a focus on providing a supportive environment and tailored assistance to help new ventures grow.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Barcelona can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Barcelona, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Barcelona is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Barcelona has a strong talent pool for startups, fueled by its numerous universities and business schools like the University of Barcelona, IESE, and ESADE, which produce skilled graduates. The city is a hub for tech talent, particularly in mobile, software, life sciences, gaming, AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a strong work ethic, diverse skill sets, and a vibrant ecosystem with accelerators and networking events. Initiatives like the Tech Talent Center and Barcelona Activa also provide specialized training and support for digital skills and entrepreneurship. Access to talent has improved, though demand for experienced profiles remains high.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Barcelona can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Barcelona boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Barcelona boasts a thriving startup ecosystem supported by robust infrastructure and support systems. The city offers numerous coworking spaces, incubators, and accelerators like Barcelona Activa, SeedRocket, and Bcombinator, providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. These resources help businesses by offering guidance, funding access, and a collaborative environment. Government initiatives, such as those from the Government of Catalonia and Barcelona City Council, play a crucial role. Programs like ACCIÓ's Startup Capital provide non-refundable grants for technological startups. Initiatives like the Startup Visa and Entrepreneur Visa attract international talent. Barcelona Activa also offers tailored programs and services, including funding advice and support for specific sectors. These combined efforts foster innovation and help startups thrive in Barcelona.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Barcelona. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Barcelona Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Barcelona provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Barcelona is a significant European startup hub, leading to intense competition among new ventures. While some sources suggest a relatively lower cost of living compared to other major European cities, others indicate it can still be a factor for startups. Regulatory issues and bureaucracy can pose challenges, although recent laws aim to simplify processes and offer tax benefits for startups. Compliance with regulations like GDPR can also be a challenge, particularly for smaller startups.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Barcelona or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Barcelona offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash