TNW is taking our relationship with one of Europe’s top innovation hubs to the next level. We’re teaming up with Startup Valencia to accelerate the international expansion of tech extravaganza VDS — which soon reopens its doors to the future.

On October 23 and 24, the seventh edition of VDS returns to Valencia’s breathtaking City of Arts and Sciences. During two jam-packed days, the sunny city will become a global epicentre of innovation.

Expect inspiring talks from world-renowned tech experts, stirring panel discussions between business leaders, and unique opportunities to mingle with prominent startups, corporates, and investors. Last year, over 12,000 professionals from 91 countries were in attendance, alongside 600 investors — with a portfolio exceeding $8bn.

Naturally, TNW will also play a central role in this year’s show. Drawing on our experience of organising one of Europe’s leading tech festivals — TNW Conference in Amsterdam — we’re helping to shape the agenda and bring in illustrious speakers.

We’re also hosting our own International Ecosystems Forum during the event. This will provide companies in Valencia with pathways to attract talent and drive both domestic and global growth.  

Alongside the forum, TNW will partner with VDS to expand the event’s startup competition. The contest will shine the spotlight on prodigious talents from across Europe.

Locally, that talent is building a thriving tech ecosystem.

The Valencian startup boom

Valencia had an estimated startup growth rate of 16% last year. It’s now the city with the most startups per capita in Spain, as well as the third largest investment volume. This progress is now drawing strong support from policymakers. 

Just last week, the regional government unveiled a new innovation strategy for the emerging tech hub. At the national level, Spain enacted a Startup Law last year that has created a more alluring regulatory environment.

The partnership between TNW and Startup Valencia adds another springboard to success for the region — and VDS.

“Having TNW as a Strategic Partner for VDS2024 to support the event’s international expansion is tremendous news that will allow us to further solidify our innovation ecosystem as a prominent technological hub in Southern Europe,” said Juan Luis Hortelano, President at Startup Valencia.

“This strategic collaboration serves as a catalyst for VDS’s global expansion efforts, with hopes of breaking records for the third consecutive year.”

A hot date to VDS

Policymakers have also welcomed the collaboration between TNW and Startup Valencia.

“We support initiatives like this from the City Council because they attract investment, talent, and drive our economy forward,” said Paula Llobet, Councilor for Tourism, Innovation, and Investment Attraction at the Valencia City Council.

“This agreement with TNW will contribute to accelerating our positioning as an innovative technological hub in the Mediterranean.”

At TNW, we’re excited to see what’s next for tech in Valencia. Our presence in the region goes back to 2018. Since then, we’ve developed strong connections to the local ecosystem — and a deep faith in its vast potential.

“We believe that Valencia has tremendous potential, and the internationalisation of VDS will accelerate this,” said Zach Butler, Events Director at TNW, a Financial Times Company. 

“We are delighted to continue our journey in Valencia through this strategic partnership to combine our strengths and take VDS to the next level.”