Spain’s rise as a contender in Europe’s AI ecosystem caught many by surprise, but it’s anything but accidental. From my perspective as a serial entrepreneur and creator of the gamepreneurship methodology, I’ve seen patterns in innovation across regions. Spain, often overshadowed by tech giants like Germany, France, and the UK, is tapping into its unique advantages to sprint ahead, and it’s a story any entrepreneur should pay attention to, particularly if you're looking for your next place to scale or invest.
Why Spain’s AI Ecosystem Deserves Attention
In recent years, Spain has exhibited explosive growth due to government initiatives, private sector collaboration, and increased EU-level funding. It’s not just about numbers; the country is fostering an ecosystem where startups can thrive through affordable talent, cutting-edge facilities, and growing access to venture capital.
As of 2025, Spain secured €2 billion in AI-focused investment over the last five years and boasts one of Europe’s highest adoption rates of artificial intelligence among businesses. Innovation hubs like Barcelona and Madrid are increasingly recognized for their contributions, hosting startups that tackle generative AI, automation, AI-driven climate tech, and more.
These developments align with my own experience building successful tech startups in high-growth environments. Spain reminds me of a dark horse in the race, one with underrated potential that could challenge Europe’s established innovation hubs.
Key Factors Propelling Spain Forward
Exploring why Spain has emerged as an AI dark horse, I identified several critical advantages that set the country apart:
1. Talent Availability
Spain produces a significant number of STEM graduates annually, with universities like Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and Universitat Politècnica de València leading AI research. The vibrant talent pool is further supported by Spain’s attractiveness as a residency destination.
2. Affordability
Compared to Paris or Berlin, Spain offers startups lower costs for office rent, salaries, and operational expenses. Lower overhead means more funds can be diverted toward innovation and scaling.
3. Growing VC Involvement
Major fund managers, including Leadwind and Adara Ventures, have targeted Spanish AI startups, with the ecosystem raising €442 million in venture capital in 2025 alone. To put this into perspective, Spain achieved nearly eight times the funding recorded in 2024.
4. Government Initiatives
Spain’s National AI Strategy includes policies designed to encourage adoption and innovation. Efforts like launching the National AI Agency and hosting one of the few EU AI factories in Barcelona demonstrate the government’s commitment to becoming an AI leader.
5. EU Support
Spain benefits from EU innovation programs and substantial AI-focused subsidies. For instance, the European Innovation Council and GAIA-X sector collaborations have accelerated the ecosystem’s growth.
Let’s Talk Data
Here’s what the numbers say:
- AI Adoption: Over 50% of Spanish businesses are already using AI solutions, a full 8% above the European average (source: Unlocking Europe's AI Potential).
- Startup Activity: In 2025, Spain’s AI ecosystem raised €442M across 39 equity deals, stemming from a mere €56M in 2024, a remarkable 700% increase.
- Key hubs: Barcelona and Madrid continue to lead as epicenters for AI development, while secondary cities like Valencia and Bilbao are gaining traction.
- Talent influx: Remote work and Spain’s quality of life attract international AI leaders and digital nomads.
The numbers are compelling, but there’s more to the story. For Spain to maintain its trajectory, scaling opportunities for AI startups need strong execution strategies.
A Guide for Entrepreneurs Eyeing Spain
Whether you’re exploring Spain as a launchpad for your own venture or considering an investment, here’s a practical guide:
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Target Local Talent
Consider hiring local AI specialists from prominent universities instead of outsourcing. Spain’s reputation for producing high-caliber engineers is unparalleled within certain niches. -
Leverage Grants and Subsidies
Spain’s AI-focused grants and EU collaborative funding mechanisms are generous. Apply for programs such as PERTE Chip (addressing AI and semiconductors) or the European Innovation Council’s funding calls. -
Engage with Co-Labs
The Barcelona Supercomputing Center houses MareNostrum 5, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. Collaborate with institutions equipped to fuel research-intensive projects. -
Innovate Locally, Scale Globally
Start small but impactful. Many Spanish innovators focus on localized AI solutions in tourism, agriculture, or smart cities, areas ripe for scaling. -
Build Presence in Community Hubs
Set up operations in vibrant cities like Madrid where talent, collaboration opportunities, and investor meetings are abundant. Use coworking spaces frequented by startup founders or AI professionals.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with its potential, breaking into Spain’s AI ecosystem requires awareness:
- Underestimating Regulatory Red Tape: Spain’s AI policies are still evolving to align with European mandates. Stay compliant and hire legal consultants early.
- Neglecting Market Insights: Don’t assume that AI solutions popular in other parts of Europe will automatically thrive in Spain, localize early and extensively.
- Scaling Too Soon: The hype surrounding Spain’s AI-friendly environment can urge premature scaling. Focus on funding and validation before heading abroad.
What Makes Spain Unique
Spain’s innovation wave goes beyond business infrastructure. Its emphasis on building inclusive ecosystems through education, affordable R&D, and government-led initiatives is uniquely ambitious. As someone who believes in multidisciplinary approaches, I see an emerging vision that connects economics, urban planning, and AI.
Conclusion
Spain has earned the reputation of a "dark horse" on the European AI stage. The explosive growth seen in 2025 reflects untapped opportunities waiting for entrepreneurs who thrive in collaborative, high-growth settings. From funding and startup scaling to localization and strategic partnerships, Spain's focus on innovation is a call to all startups and entrepreneurs willing to think differently.
Whether you’re an investor or founder, my advice is clear: don’t overlook Spain. This "dark horse" holds lessons, partnerships, and resources unlike anywhere else in Europe. As AI reshapes everything, Spain might just be the launchpad you’ve been searching for.
FAQ
1. Why is Spain considered Europe’s AI dark horse?
Spain has rapidly climbed the ranks in AI innovation, with €2 billion investment since 2020, strong government and EU support, and one of the highest business adoption rates for AI. Check out AI Investment in Spain
2. How has AI adoption among businesses grown in Spain?
Over 1.6 million businesses in Spain now use AI, a 39% growth rate over the previous year, surpassing the European average of 42%. Explore Spain’s AI Adoption Insights
3. What unique project has Spain led in the EU AI ecosystem?
Spain hosts one of the first AI factories in the EU, positioning itself as a global leader in AI innovation and fostering public-private collaborations. Learn more about Spain’s AI Factory
4. What are Spain’s top hubs for AI startups?
Barcelona and Madrid are the leading hubs, while emerging centers like Valencia and Bilbao are gaining traction thanks to increased investment and supercomputing capacity. Discover Spain’s AI Hubs
5. How has EU funding shaped Spain's AI strategy?
Spain benefits from EU innovation programs such as GAIA-X and the National AI Strategy, accelerating AI research, development, and adoption across sectors. Learn about GAIA-X and Spain’s AI Policies
6. What are some of Spain's AI initiatives in the area of technology and governance?
Spain launched AESIA, developed sector-specific AI data spaces, and introduced PERTE Chip as part of its digital sovereignty strategy. Explore Spain’s AI Sovereignty Initiatives
7. Can AI adoption create economic growth in Spain?
AI adoption could increase Spain’s productivity by up to 3% in the next decade, transforming industries and complementing workforce tasks. Explore AI's Economic Impact
8. Which Spanish institutions are advancing AI research?
Barcelona Supercomputing Center, hosting MareNostrum 5 supercomputer, facilitates cutting-edge AI training and deeptech research. Learn about Barcelona Supercomputing Center
9. How does Spain help AI startups with funding?
Spain combines R&D tax credits, EU collaboration grants, and national programs, strengthening AI-focused startup scalability. Check out AI Funding in Spain
10. What challenges face Spain’s AI ecosystem?
Challenges include regulatory compliance, scaling startups internationally, and balancing AI innovation with large enterprise adoption rates. Learn more about AI Challenges in Spain
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.