Valencia, 23rd june, 2026 – Valencia continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s most promising innovation ecosystems. According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026 (GSER 2026), published by Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), the city ranks among the Top #61-70 Emerging Ecosystems worldwide. Highlighting its ability to attract talent, investment, and innovative projects.
The report also places Valencia among the Top 30 European ecosystems for affordable tech talent, Top 30 for funding momentum, and Top 35 for AI-native ecosystems. Reinforcing its role as one of the Mediterranean’s leading innovation hubs.
A growing ecosystem
Valencia’s ecosystem continues to show strong momentum. By the end of 2025, the city hosted 1,700 active startups, representing an 11% increase compared to the previous year. While startups raised more than $300 million in funding during 2025.
More than 70% of startups secured investment, demonstrating growing confidence from both domestic and international investors.
The ecosystem is currently valued at $3.1 billion, following a remarkable 122% growth over the last five years. Confirming Valencia’s attractiveness for entrepreneurs, technology companies, and investors.
Talent, investment and artificial intelligence
One of Valencia’s key competitive advantages is its combination of high-quality talent, competitive costs, and exceptional quality of life, factors increasingly considered by international companies when selecting locations for expansion.
Artificial Intelligence has become a major driver of ecosystem growth. The report estimates the value of Valencia’s AI-native ecosystem at $183 million, representing a remarkable 664% growth between 2021 and 2025, significantly outperforming global averages.
Leading startups such as Bit2Me, Sesame HR, iPronics, Maisa and Imperia SCM continue to strengthen Valencia’s international reputation across fintech, HR technology, photonics and AI.
An increasingly global city
Internationalization remains one of Valencia’s strongest assets. In 2025, Startup Valencia’s professional network surpassed 48,000 members, growing by 36% year-on-year and attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from across Europe, the United States and beyond.
Meanwhile, Valencia Digital Summit (VDS) welcomed more than 12,000 attendees from over 120 countries, further positioning Valencia as one of Southern Europe’s leading technology and innovation destinations.
Innovation driving investment attraction
The report also highlights the contribution of key innovation infrastructures and organizations. Initiatives such as The Terminal Hub, which welcomed more than 10,000 visitors during its first year, together with organizations including València Innovation Capital, Startup Valencia, Marina de Empresas, IDEAS UPV, KM ZERO, Valencia Silicon Cluster and Invest in Valencia, continue to strengthen the city’s ability to attract international investment, talent and high-value projects.
The GSER 2026 findings confirm Valencia’s growing role as a globally connected innovation ecosystem. Reinforcing its position as one of the most dynamic technology and entrepreneurship hubs in the Mediterranean.
