Valencian startups expect to surpass 2023 investment with a final quarter driven by VDS

Valencian startups are arriving in top form for their most iconic event of the year: VDS. The seventh edition of the international tech event, organized by Startup Valencia, will take place on October 23 and 24 at the City of Arts and Sciences, serving as the perfect stage for more than 700 investors managing over €200 billion in assets to discover new opportunities among local talent.

In fact, Valencian startups are on the verge of surpassing the 2023 investment and deal records, which saw €49.8 million raised across 24 deals.

As of the close of Q3 2024, with three more months of high activity still ahead, Valencian startups have already attracted €44.8 million across 20 deals, raising the average round size to €2.2 million, according to the Bankinter Foundation’s ‘Startup Observatory‘ report.

Notably, six investment rounds, accounting for 25% of all deals that year, were closed in the final quarter of 2023, with a value exceeding €8 million.

VDS: A turning point for startups and investors

The shift in interest rate decisions and the ongoing reduction of inflation create a promising outlook for both startups and investors. Nacho Mas, CEO of Startup Valencia, confirms this optimistic scenario:

“The data from 2024 reflects a steady recovery in investment activity after a challenging 2023. Valencian startups are regaining momentum, and VDS serves as a catalyst to close the year surpassing last year’s results, setting the stage for an accelerated 2025 in terms of investment and acquisitions.”

This is one of the reasons why VDS has chosen the theme “Embracing Evolution: Invest in the Leaders of Tomorrow“ for its seventh edition, aiming to emphasize the need to support and nurture the innovators and visionaries shaping the future.

To inspire attendees on this mission, the event will feature prominent global tech figures such as Steve Chen and Randi Zuckerberg, associated with major tech companies like YouTube and Facebook, respectively; Juan Antonio Samaranch, a key figure within the International Olympic Committee; and Constantijn van Oranje, Prince of the Netherlands and Special Envoy of Techleap. Additionally, the global impact of VDS will be amplified by TNW, a Financial Times company, joining as a Strategic Partner.

These notable speakers will be joined by leading international funds that have already confirmed their participation, including Pegasus Tech Ventures, Openseed VC, Katapult VC, Blue Opal Capital, Kvanted Ventures, CCEP Ventures, SoftBank Investment, Techstars, and IDC Ventures, among many others.

This unprecedented interest highlights the reactivation of investment activity and positions VDS as the ideal venue to mark a pivotal moment in the ecosystem.