Speaking to the Adigital association and representatives of the EsTech 'scale-up' ecosystem, the President of the Government of Spain highlighted the importance of cross-cutting public support for the sector, the impact of the passing of legislation such as the Startups Act, and the tools available for accessing funding, such as the España Crece fund.

Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

The chief executive held a meeting with representatives of the Spanish Digital Economy Association (Adigital) and companies in the sector to discuss ways of promoting the scalability of Spanish start-ups through public-private partnership frameworks. Also in attendance were Óscar López, Minister for Digital Transformation and Civil Service, and Manuel de la Rocha, Director of the Office for Economic Affairs and the G20

The meeting was attended by the president of Adigital, Susana Voces; the president of the EsTech platform, which is dedicated to promoting high-growth, technology-based Spanish companies ('scaleups'), Alister Moreno; as well as executives from EsTech companies in sectors such as artificial intelligence, 'fintech', robotics, space, neurotechnology and the green transition: Ariadna Font (Alinia), Carlos Sanz (Matteco), Alex Saiz (Monei), Ana Maiques (Neuroelectrics), Jaume Sanpera (Sateliot), Nico de Luis (Shakers) and Carla Gómez (Theker).

The meeting focused on proposals to continue driving the growth of startups in Spain, against the backdrop of the launch of the Start-up Forum's reports, European policies on entrepreneurship and the funding instruments implemented through organisations such as CDTI, Cofides and SETT. In this regard, the President of the Government of Spain has emphasised that 'scale-ups' represent an opportunity to strengthen technological sovereignty, driven by Spain's talent and advances in artificial intelligence, with cutting-edge infrastructure such as thefuture AI gigafactory. The chief executive has also emphasised the importance of public support, which helps start-ups to remain in business and grow, through initiatives such as thenew 'España Crece' fund. With his sights set on Europe, he has also highlighted the importance of completing the Capital Markets Union and achieving the Savings and Investment Union.

The number of technology companies rose to 8,500 in 2025, an increase of 21.5%, whilst the number of startups rose to 5,000, an increase of 40% compared with 2024. Furthermore, the aggregate turnover of technology startups was close to 15 billion euros last year, whilst the average lifespan of startups has continued to increase. Thanks to the Startups Act, passed by the Government in late 2022, the entrepreneurial ecosystem now has a specific regulatory framework that sets out legal criteria for defining startups and positions Spain at the forefront when it comes to attracting investment, talent and innovative entrepreneurship. Under the auspices of this law, the Emerging Businesses Forum, set up by the Government, has been established as the first public-private governance forum for entrepreneurship. At the same time, the'Crea y Crece' Actfacilitates the creation and growth of businesses, including startups.