Spain & Iberia Startups — 2026-09-14

Spain’s startup ecosystem has officially surpassed the €125 billion valuation mark, housing over 5,000 startups and 400 scaleups as of September 14, 2026. In Portugal, ten startups have been selected to represent the nation at SF Tech Week in San Francisco, marking a significant milestone in international integration.

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Spain’s Startup Valuation Hits €125 Billion; Portugal Targets Silicon Valley

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Key Highlights

Spain Ecosystem Milestones As of today, September 14, 2026, Spain’s technology ecosystem has reached a valuation of €125 billion, driven by a consolidation of hubs in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga. The country now hosts more than 5,000 startups and 400 scaleups, reinforcing its position as a leading tech destination in Southern Europe.

Portugal’s Global Expansion In a move to strengthen international ties, ten Portuguese startups have been selected to represent Portugal at SF Tech Week 2026 in San Francisco. This initiative marks the first time Portuguese participation is integrated into the official agenda of one of Silicon Valley’s major meetings, signaling a shift from local growth to global market penetration.

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Analysis

The data released today confirms that Spain’s "multi-hub" strategy is yielding results. While Madrid and Barcelona remain the anchors, the valuation surge to €125 billion is attributed to the maturation of secondary hubs like Valencia and Málaga. This decentralization helps mitigate talent bottlenecks and spreads investment risk, a trend increasingly favored by European VC firms looking for diversified exposure in Southern Europe.

Concurrently, Portugal’s selection for SF Tech Week indicates a strategic pivot from domestic consolidation to aggressive international visibility. By integrating into the official agenda of a major US tech event, Lisbon is positioning itself not just as a European hub, but as a gateway for Iberian tech into the North American market.

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What to Watch

• SF Tech Week Follow-up: Monitor announcements regarding partnerships or follow-on funding secured by the ten selected Portuguese startups during their stay in San Francisco.
• Regional Hub Performance: Keep an eye on specific funding rounds emerging from Valencia and Málaga, as these regions are cited as key drivers of Spain’s new valuation records.