Spain's startup scene is ablaze with innovation, and it's not just happening in one city—it's a nationwide phenomenon. Let's take a closer look at how five key cities in Spain have transformed into vibrant hubs for entrepreneurs, startups, and investors.
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Madrid
Madrid's bustling streets are not just home to historic landmarks; they also pulse with the energy of the fintech revolution. With a supportive ecosystem and a growing talent pool, Madrid has become a magnet for fintech startups looking to disrupt traditional finance.

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Barcelona
Barcelona's unique blend of tech prowess and creative spirit has made it a hotspot for startups across various industries. From AI to biotech, Barcelona offers a fertile ground for innovation, fueled by top-notch universities and research institutions.

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Malaga
Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, Malaga has emerged as a beacon of tech innovation in Southern Spain. With a thriving community of startups and a supportive local government, Malaga is quickly becoming a go-to destination for entrepreneurs seeking sunshine and success.

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Valencia
Valencia's commitment to education and innovation has propelled it to the forefront of the edtech revolution. With a focus on cutting-edge research and collaboration between academia and industry, Valencia is paving the way for the future of learning.

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Zaragoza
Situated at the crossroads of Spain, Zaragoza boasts a strategic location that has made it a logistics hub par excellence. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a business-friendly environment, Zaragoza attracts startups looking to streamline supply chains and conquer new markets.
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Spain's startup success story is not just about big cities; it's about empowering entrepreneurs in every corner of the country. Here are some key lessons that every country can learn from Spain's best practices to democratize entrepreneurship and foster innovation nationwide.

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Government Support
Spain's government has played a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurship through initiatives like tax incentives, grants, and incubator programs. By providing resources and incentives, governments can create a conducive environment for startups to thrive.
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Academic Collaboration
Collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industry is essential for driving innovation. Spain's universities have been instrumental in nurturing talent and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among students and researchers.
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Tech Giants' Presence
The presence of tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft has helped catalyze Spain's startup ecosystem by providing mentorship, funding, and access to resources. Encouraging collaboration between established companies and startups can create a virtuous cycle of innovation.
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Local Ecosystems
Supporting local ecosystems outside major cities is crucial for ensuring that entrepreneurship is accessible to all. By investing in infrastructure, talent development, and networking opportunities, countries can unlock the potential of underserved regions.
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Diverse Industries
Spain's success is not limited to one industry; it spans across sectors like fintech, edtech, logistics, and more. Diversifying the focus of entrepreneurship initiatives can ensure that startups address a wide range of societal challenges and opportunities.
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By embracing these principles and tailoring them to their unique contexts, countries around the world can create inclusive and vibrant startup ecosystems that empower entrepreneurs from all walks of life. From government support to local ecosystems, the path to democratizing entrepreneurship starts with learning from Spain's journey and adapting best practices to drive innovation and economic growth.

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This article is inspired by the 17th episode of Business Angels Talks :Spain's Startup Evolution, From Oranges to Unicorns" featuring speakers Tom Horsey from Eoniq in Malaga, Sergio Martinez from Zebra Ventures in Zaragoza, Toni Villuendas from Angels Capital in Valencia, and hosts Urs Rothmayr from COREangels Barcelona and Andrea Piazza from COREangels Madrid and COREangels Femtech+.

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Watch the full Talk: