Scaling Internationally, Why Spain is the Smart Move for Tech Startups
Join us at London Tech Week for a high-impact masterclass exploring why Spain is fast becoming one of Europe’s most attractive innovation hubs, and how your company can leverage this momentum to scale internationally.
In this session, we will unpack the strengths of the Spanish innovation ecosystem, from its world-class talent and competitive operating costs to its advanced infrastructure and strong institutional support. Learn why an increasing number of startups, scaleups, and global tech players are choosing Spain as a strategic base to access European and Latin American markets.
We will present two flagship initiatives from ICEX that are driving this growth:
• Rising Up in Spain Program, designed to attract and accelerate international startups through tailored soft-landing services, mentoring, funding opportunities, and direct integration into Spain’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
• España LATAM Scale Up Program, a unique initiative in collaboration with BIDLab and Endeavor that connects high-potential Latin American scaleups with Europe, using Spain as a gateway for expansion, partnerships, and growth.
Adding real-world perspective, the masterclass will also feature a startup currently participating in the Rising Up in Spain program, sharing first-hand insights into their journey, why they chose Spain, how the program supported their expansion, and the opportunities they have unlocked.
This session is ideal for founders, investors, corporates, and ecosystem enablers looking to expand globally, explore new markets, and build strategic connections.
Expect practical takeaways, success stories, and actionable guidance on how to establish, grow, and scale your business in Spain.
Discover why Spain is not just an option, but a competitive advantage for global innovation. Don’t miss it.
Speakers:
Martin Jerch, Head of Department for Entrepreneurship & Investors at ICEX Invest in Spain
Martin Jerch is Head of Department at Invest in Spain (ICEX), where he leads initiatives focused on attracting international startups and entrepreneurial talent to Spain. He manages the programme Rising UP in Spain, supporting innovative companies in establishing and scaling their operations within the Spanish ecosystem. With extensive experience in international business development and innovation, Martin works closely with startups, investors, and institutional partners to position Spain as a leading European hub for entrepreneurship and technology.
Elisa Valtueña Heredia, Head of Sector at Entrepreneurship Department at ICEX
Elisa Valtueña Heredia works at the Entrepreneurship Department of ICEX, where she supports international startups through the soft-landing programme Rising UP in Spain, connecting startups with the Spanish entrepreneurial ecosystem, investors, corporates, and innovation hubs. She also manages España Latam Scale Up, an immersion program developed together with BID Lab and Endeavor to help Latin American scaleups drive into the Spanish innovation ecosystem.