When you think of Spain’s startup scene, Barcelona usually takes the spotlight. But if you talk to people on the groundor those planning a move, you’ll hear another name come up more often lately: Valencia.
Once known mostly for oranges, beaches, and paella, Valencia is now growing into one of Europe’s most promising mid-sized tech ecosystems. It offers a rare mix of lifestyle, affordability, and business energy that’s turning heads far beyond Spain.
Let’s look at how this Mediterranean city has quietly carved out a spot on Europe’s innovation map. And why founders, developers, and remote teams are increasingly choosing it over more famous capitals.
A Mediterranean Setting That’s Hard to Beat.
Before we even get into the numbers, let’s talk about what daily life feels like in Valencia. You get 300+ days of sun a year, easy access to the beach, a bike-friendly city layout, and rent that’s still manageable (for now). It’s large enough to offer great infrastructure and services, but small enough to feel personal and relaxed.
That’s a powerful draw, especially for remote teams who no longer feel tethered to expensive hubs. The work-from-anywhere movement has made it possible to choose cities that support a life, not just a job.
By the Numbers: A Growing Ecosystem.
According to Startup Valencia, the region’s nonprofit tech network, the city is now home to 1,200+ startups, which is more than double what it had five years ago. In 2024, the sector added 6,300 new jobs, with annual growth in early-stage investment tracking at 15% year-on-year.
Some of the key sectors seeing momentum:
- Healthtech
- Climate and agritech
- Edtech
- Fintech
- AI-powered SaaS
A few names to watch:
- Jeff — A lifestyle services platform expanding across 40+ countries.
- Zeleros — Working on hyperloop transport technology.
Startup Valencia: A Local Engine.
One reason for the city’s tech momentum is its well-organized support structure. Startup Valencia functions as a bridge between entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions. It also co-organizes Valencia Digital Summit, an international event that now draws thousands of attendees from across Europe.
The city’s tech district, La Marina, is being redeveloped to serve as a modern innovation hub, housing incubators, co-working spaces, and R&D offices. All are steps from the sea.
Universities Feed the Talent Pipeline.
Valencia benefits from two major academic institutions:
- Universitat Politècnica de València
- Universitat de València
Together, they graduate thousands of engineers, data scientists, and business students each year. Many stay local, contributing to an accessible, multilingual, and internationally-minded talent pool.
Spain’s Startup Law.
In 2022, Spain passed its Startup Law, aimed at attracting entrepreneurs and remote workers. Valencia has been a key beneficiary of this push.
Some highlights of the law:
- Fast-track residency permits for founders and investors.
- A clear path for digital nomads to live and work legally in Spain.
- Improved tax incentives for early-stage companies.
- Simpler processes to register a startup online.
Jon Purizhansky, CEO of Joblio, sees real opportunity in Spain’s approach: “Spain’s startup law removed many of the old friction points, such as residency, taxes, paperwork. And made it easier for global talent to build here. Valencia is one of the best examples of that impact.”
What About Foreigners Looking to Relocate?
The answer is simple: Valencia wants you here.In 2024, more than 27% of startup founders in the region were foreign-born, and the city has adapted to serve this audience. English is widely spoken in the tech scene. Many incubators and support services offer bilingual assistance. Visa help is available through both local agencies and Startup Valencia itself.
Jon Purizhansky believes this openness gives the city an edge:“Tech ecosystems that actively welcome outsiders tend to thrive faster. Valencia has embraced its international community rather than resist it.”
A Smart Bet for Remote Teams.
For fully remote startups, the decision to base part of the team in Valencia is becoming common. Here’s why:
- Great internet infrastructure.
- Affordable office and co-working space.
- Access to events, hackathons, and a growing VC scene.
- Good schools and healthcare for relocating families.
Jon Purizhansky sees this as the new normal: “We’re seeing entire teams decentralize. And Valencia gives them an environment where people want to stay. That reduces churn, improves productivity, and builds culture.”
Valencia won’t replace London or Berlin overnight. But it doesn’t need to. It’s building something different: a smart, steady, and sustainable ecosystem where people can build companies and enjoy their lives at the same time. If you’re a founder looking for a European base, or a tech worker dreaming of a move that doesn’t sacrifice quality of life, Valencia belongs on your shortlist.
Originally Posted: https://www.jonpurizhanskybuffalo.com/why-valencia-is-quietly-becoming-europes-most-liveable-tech-hub/
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