Is Valencia 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.

Valencia 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 Valencia 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 Valencia

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Valencia 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.

Valencia's early-stage funding scene is dynamic, supported by a growing ecosystem. Notable VC firms active in the area include Draper B1, GoHub Ventures, and Zubi Capital, alongside angel networks like BIGBAN Inversores Privados and Angels. Government support is available through initiatives like those from the Valencian Institute of Finance (IVF) and grants from Valencia City Council via València Innovation Capital, which increased its seed-stage grant budget to €600,000 in 2024. Spain's Startup Law also provides tax incentives for startups and investors. While the ecosystem is expanding, with a reported 15.45% growth in startups in the Valencian Community in 2024, challenges remain. Access to later-stage funding can be a hurdle, and Spain generally, despite growth in investment, still faces a lack of local growth-stage funds and limited exits compared to more mature ecosystems. Deeptech startups, in particular, face challenges securing the significant early-stage capital they often require.

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  

Valencia 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.

Valencia boasts a rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, recognized as a leading innovation hub in Spain with high entrepreneurial activity and the most startups per capita. The city has a robust network of coworking spaces catering to various needs, from flexible desks to private offices. Tech events are prevalent, most notably the annual Valencia Digital Summit (VDS), which attracts global startups, investors, and corporations. The ecosystem actively supports early-stage founders through various accelerators, incubators, and programs offering resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities. While competitive programs exist, there is also a focus on personalized support and tailored programs for early-stage companies, indicating a favorable environment for nascent enterprises alongside support for more mature startups.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Valencia 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 Valencia, 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 Valencia 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.

Valencia offers a strong talent pool for startups, supported by its educational institutions. The University of Valencia and the Polytechnical University of Valencia are notable for providing a skilled young workforce. Valencia also hosts the first Center for Digital Technology and Management outside of Munich, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship training. The city has industry-specific skills, particularly in engineering, AI, Big Data, biotech, and gaming. Over 35% of startups in the Valencia Region leverage AI and Big Data technologies. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a culture of innovation and a strong community. Organizations like Startup Valencia and initiatives like Valencia Innovation Capital actively work to attract and retain talent, connect entrepreneurs with investors, and provide support services. The relatively lower cost of living compared to other major European cities also helps retain talent.

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 Valencia 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

Valencia 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.

Valencia offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators and accelerators like Lanzadera, Innsomnia, and Wayra, providing funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities. These resources help businesses develop ideas, build models, and scale. Government initiatives, such as those from Valencia Innovation Capital and the Valencian Institute of Finance (IVF), play a significant role. Programs like the Soft Landing Program assist with legal advice, grants, and administrative procedures for relocating startups. The city council provides grants for seed-stage startups, and Spain's Startup Law offers tax incentives and reduced corporate tax rates. Collaborations like the Valencia DANA Project also support startups addressing specific challenges. This comprehensive support system fosters a thriving entrepreneurial environment.

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 Valencia. 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 Valencia Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Valencia 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.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Valencia face several hurdles. While Valencia offers a relatively lower cost of living compared to Madrid or Barcelona, recent years have seen increases in rental and purchase prices. Competition exists within the growing startup ecosystem, requiring differentiation. Regulatory issues and bureaucracy in Spain can also pose challenges, including navigating legal requirements for company registration, taxes, and obtaining necessary permits and licenses. Access to significant venture capital for scaling can also be limited compared to larger hubs.

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 Valencia or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Valencia 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