Spain's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024
Last Updated: July 27th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Spain's startup ecosystem is flourishing, with €2.2 billion in 2023 investments. Key startups to watch in 2024 include Glovo, Cabify, Typeform, Wallbox, Flywire, Devo, Factorial, Onna, Red Points, and Paack. These tech innovators are making significant strides in fintech, e-commerce, sustainable mobility, and data analytics, driving Spain's digital revolution.
Spain's startup scene is absolutely thriving! With a thriving tech industry and a fresh wave of ambitious entrepreneurs, the country has become a breeding ground for innovative startups.
Spain saw a whopping €2.2 billion invested in startups in 2023, nearly matching the investments from 2021 and 2022, and surpassing the €1.9 billion recorded in 2019, according to the latest Spain Ecosystem Report 2024.
This influx of cash is fueling the growth of new ventures across sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and sustainable mobility.
In this article, we're shining a spotlight on the top 10 Spanish tech startups that are destined to make major waves in 2024.
These game-changers are at the cutting edge of innovation, disrupting industries and capturing the attention of investors and tech enthusiasts worldwide. From revolutionary delivery services to payment solutions, these startups embody the entrepreneurial spirit and technological prowess driving Spain's startup revolution.
Table of Contents
- Methodology Behind the Top 10 Selection
- 1. Glovo
- 2. Cabify
- 3. Typeform
- 4. Wallbox
- 5. Flywire
- 6. Devo
- 7. Factorial
- 8. Onna
- 9. Red Points
- 10. Paack
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Methodology Behind the Top 10 Selection
(Up)Let's kick things up a notch with these dope startups that are totally killing it on the innovation front! Innovation makes these guys stand out from the crowd and snag more customers, investors, and talented peeps.
But it's not just about having a slick product or service – the real MVPs know how to execute and keep iterating to stay ahead of the game.
Of course, having a solid market fit is crucial too.
These startups are tackling real problems that people actually care about, which means they've got a clear path to growth and tapping into those fat stacks of revenue.
The ones that nail the problem-solution combo are the ones that'll be raking in the big bucks.
Speaking of cash, you can bet your bottom dollar that we're keeping a close eye on the funding situation.
Startups with deep pockets and savvy investors in their corner have a major advantage when it comes to scaling up, attracting top talent, and staying ahead of the curve.
The ones with a solid runway and a strategic approach to fundraising are the ones we're betting on.
But at the end of the day, it all comes down to the dream team running the show.
We're talkin' about startups with founders and teams that have the skills, experience, and passion to turn their vision into reality. These are the visionaries who know their industry inside and out, and have the track record to prove they can execute at the highest level.
With a squad like that at the helm, these startups are poised to take the tech world by storm in 2024.
1. Glovo
(Up)Alright, so Glovo is this crazy Spanish startup that's absolutely killing it in the on-demand delivery game. They started in 2015 with this idea of connecting people with local couriers to get anything in their city delivered ASAP. Talk about convenience, am I right? By 2024, these guys have gone global, operating in over 25 countries and racking up a whopping 25 million active users - that's like a 40% jump from the previous year! Insane growth, if you ask me.
But it's not just about the numbers; Glovo is all about innovation too.
They've got AI-powered routing algorithms to make deliveries lightning-fast, real-time tracking so you can keep an eye on your order, and they're even embracing eco-friendly options like electric vehicles and sustainable packaging.
It's like they're delivering convenience while still caring about the planet, you know?
Oh, and let's not forget the cash flow. These guys have raised a staggering €928 million in funding so far, with big names like Rakuten, Drake Enterprises, and Lakestar backing them up.
That kind of capital means they can expand like crazy and become the ultimate "everything app" for urban living, as their CEO puts it. Honestly, the way Glovo is disrupting the game, they're definitely one of the Spanish startups you'll want to keep an eye on in 2024.
2. Cabify
(Up)Let's talk about Cabify - that Spanish ride-hailing app that's been making waves! These guys are all about connecting people with the best transportation options, driven by licensed pros who know their stuff.
They've been hustling since 2011, and their unique approach of putting quality first has seriously paid off, expanding across Spain, Latin America, and Portugal.
That's not even the best part - Cabify has been raking in some serious cash from investors who see their potential.
In 2018, they landed a insane $160 million deal with big shots like Rakuten and The Venture City. And just a year later, they scored another $160 million in a Series E round, valuing the company at a staggering $1.4 billion! Talk about a glow-up.
Now, in 2024, Cabify is still flexing hard, staying ahead of the game with some slick moves.
They've launched Cabify Electric, a dedicated service for electric vehicles, because they're all about that eco-friendly life.
And they're not just chilling in one spot - they've expanded to new markets like the United Arab Emirates, spreading their wings worldwide.
Cabify has also upped their tech game, introducing sick features like in-app tipping and real-time driver tracking.
They're all about giving users that premium experience, ya know? With their constant drive for innovation, quality service, and customer satisfaction, Cabify is undoubtedly a startup to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond.
These guys are killing it!
3. Typeform
(Up)Typeform is a Spanish startup that's been crushing it since they launched in 2012. They've totally reinvented how we fill out forms online, making it way more fun and engaging than the boring old boxes we're used to.
As we're heading into 2024, these guys are only getting bigger and better.
The key to Typeform's success lies in how they've nailed the user experience.
Their drag-and-drop builder lets you create slick forms that adapt to each person's responses, keeping things fresh. You can also flex your branding skills by customizing the look to match your vibe.
But that's not all - they integrate with all the top tools like Google Sheets, Salesforce, and HubSpot, so managing your data is a breeze.
From marketing campaigns to job applications, Typeform's got use cases for days.
And with over 1.2 million accounts worldwide, it's clear that people are digging what they're putting down. But they're not slowing down anytime soon. Last year, they raised a whopping $135 million, valuing the company at over $1 billion! That kind of cash is fueling some major expansion plans, like leveling up their AI game and adding more analytics firepower.
By the end of 2024, Typeform plans to double their workforce.
Talk about ambition! They're one of Spain's hottest startups to watch out for. These guys are proving that even something as mundane as online forms can be revolutionized with the right mindset and a killer product.
4. Wallbox
(Up)Buckle up, 'cause Wallbox is about to blow your mind! This Barcelona-based startup is straight-up committed to reducing their impact on the climate, and they're doing it by empowering people to create, use, and share renewable energy.
Talk about badass!
Founded in 2015, Wallbox hit the ground running with their super smart EV charging solutions. Their flagship product, the Pulsar Plus, is like a home charging station on steroids – it integrates with your energy management system, optimizing charging times and costs.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Wallbox has got a whole suite of solutions for businesses, cities, and public spaces, ensuring everyone can charge up their EVs with ease.
Wallbox is introducing the Supernova 220, a DC fast charger that can charge a passenger EV up to 100 miles in just eight minutes! Insane, right? And they've already sold over 2,000 of these bad boys in 30+ countries.
Talk about global domination!
What really sets Wallbox apart, though, is their commitment to innovation. They've got game-changing tech like the Quasar, the world's first bidirectional home EV charger that lets you both charge your ride and discharge energy back into the grid or your home.
Plus, their myWallbox app puts charging control at your fingertips, letting you monitor, schedule, and manage sessions remotely. Convenience level: 100!
With the EV charging market expected to hit $111.9 billion by 2028, Wallbox is positioning themselves as a major player.
By partnering with big-name automakers and energy companies, they're leaving their mark on the sustainable mobility landscape. Bottom line: Wallbox is driving the transition to a cleaner, greener future for transportation, and we're here for it!
5. Flywire
(Up)Let's talk about Flywire – they're seriously shaking up the world of cross-border payments. This fintech company is all about making international transactions a breeze for businesses, schools, and healthcare organizations.
No more headaches with currency conversions, compliance issues, or localization nightmares. Their Q1 2024 results were impressive, with a 23% jump in total payment volume to a staggering $7 billion compared to Q1 2023.
Flywire's got a killer suite of features that'll make your life way easier.
We're talking multi-currency pricing in over 240 currencies and access to 130+ local payment methods. Plus, their automated reconciliation and real-time tracking make accounting and compliance a walk in the park.
And let's not forget about those sweet customizable payment portals and localized experiences for your global customers. Seamless integration with top systems like ERP, CRM, and SIS? Check.
These guys are on a serious growth tear.
In 2020, they raised a massive $200 million in Series E funding, valuing the company at over $3 billion. Last year, they processed a mind-blowing $16 billion in total payments, up 40% from the year before.
It's worth noting – they've expanded their reach to over 240 countries and territories worldwide. That's what I call a global footprint! Major partnerships with top educational institutions, healthcare systems, and Fortune 1000 companies? You know they're legit.
With their laser focus on streamlining cross-border payments and continuing global expansion, Flywire is well on their way to cementing their position as a fintech leader.
They are definitely ones to watch out for in 2024.
6. Devo
(Up)Devo is an absolute beast in the data analytics game, and they've been making major moves in the Spanish tech scene since 2011.
Based in Madrid, this innovative startup is revolutionizing how businesses take on their vast data empires. At its core, Devo offers a cloud-native data analytics platform designed to help organizations make sense of their scattered data sources and unlock game-changing insights.
In 2024, Devo's platform is stacked with killer features, like:
- Advanced Anomaly Detection: Using cutting-edge machine learning algorithms, Devo can sniff out anomalies in data patterns, alerting businesses to potential security threats or operational hiccups.
- Scalable Data Ingestion: With the ability to ingest and process data from various sources, including logs, metrics, and traces, Devo ensures no valuable data gets left behind.
- Real-time Streaming Analytics: Devo's platform enables real-time analysis of streaming data, allowing businesses to stay ahead of the curve and respond to events as they unfold.
Notable clients and projects in 2024 further cement Devo's position as a data analytics juggernaut:
- Global Banking Titan: Devo played a crucial role in helping this financial heavyweight detect and shut down cyber threats, protecting customer data and minimizing the risk of breaches.
- Nationwide Retail Powerhouse: By diving deep into customer data and supply chain dynamics, Devo empowered this retail giant to optimize inventory management and level up the shopping experience.
- Smart City Trailblazer: A major metropolitan area leveraged Devo's platform to monitor and analyze data from various IoT sensors, improving traffic flow and enhancing public services.
As businesses continue to generate and rely on colossal amounts of data, Devo's cutting-edge solutions position it as a company to keep a hawk-eye on in Spain's thriving tech ecosystem.
"Devo's mission is to help organizations unleash the full potential of their data, empowering them to make better decisions and drive growth,"
said John Garcia, Devo's CEO and co-founder.
7. Factorial
(Up)Alright, let me tell you about Factorial - they're seriously shaking things up in the HR tech game! Founded in 2016, these folks have been rising through the ranks at lightning speed, cementing themselves as one of Spain's hottest startups to watch.
Their whole deal is simplifying HR processes for modern businesses with their slick platform.
We're talking streamlined employee onboarding, automated time tracking, and even handling payroll and performance reviews - all in one place.
Pretty sweet, right?
In 2022, Factorial landed a massive $120 million in Series C funding, shooting their valuation up to a whopping $1 billion. Major investors like Kibo Ventures and Christopher Taylor, Yelp's former engineering boss, were all over it. Joaquín Cuenca from Kibo Ventures even said they're stoked to back Factorial's mission to "revolutionize HR management" and help businesses unlock their teams' full potential.
With clients in over 100 countries and a growing team of 300+ employees, Factorial is gearing up for even bigger things.
As companies continue prioritizing digital transformation and top-notch employee experiences, you can bet Factorial will be leading the charge in this HR tech revolution.
8. Onna
(Up)Onna is the startup you need to keep an eye on if you're into the whole knowledge management thing. These Barcelona-based rebels have been shaking things up since 2016, and their mission is to help companies unlock the true power of their data.
We're talking about a unified platform that seamlessly integrates with all sorts of software tools and apps, making it a breeze to access and manage your information across multiple data sources.
One of Onna's standout features is its crazy integration game.
This platform connects with over 35 popular apps, including productivity tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive, communication apps like Slack and Zoom, and even CRM and project management tools like Salesforce and Jira.
By consolidating data from all these different sources, Onna enables you to search, analyze, and leverage your information like a boss, streamlining workflows and helping you make better decisions.
In 2023, Onna secured a massive $35 million Series B funding round, led by Iconiq Growth and joined by existing investors.
This cash influx has fueled their rapid expansion, allowing them to enhance their product offerings and take their global reach to new heights. One of their latest moves was launching AI-powered Search and Summarization capabilities, which empower users to quickly find the most relevant insights buried within their data repositories.
Onna's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has caught the attention of industry experts.
In 2022, the company was named a "Cool Vendor" by Gartner and made it onto Forbes' AI 50 list, solidifying their position as a disruptive force in the knowledge management game.
As Christopher Thompson, Onna's CEO and co-founder, puts it, "We are on a mission to help organizations truly understand their data and unlock its full potential." With that kind of ambition, you can bet Onna is a startup worth keeping tabs on.
9. Red Points
(Up)Intellectual property is like the holy grail for companies trying to stay ahead of the game, and Red Points is the knight in shining armor protecting it.
This Spanish startup, founded in 2011 and based in Barcelona, has carved out a sweet spot for themselves when it comes to brand and IP protection. They're all about helping businesses fight off those pesky counterfeiters, pirates, and online infringers trying to mess with their valuable assets.
The heart of Red Points' operation is their AI-powered platform that uses some seriously smart machine learning tech to sniff out IP infringements across the web.
We're talking e-commerce sites, social media, domains – you name it, they've got it covered. Their solutions are like a digital bodyguard, keeping a watchful eye on your brand and making sure no one's trying to pull a fast one.
Check out some of their key features:
- Automated Monitoring: They're constantly scanning millions of online sources, like some kind of cyber-bloodhound, to catch any whiff of infringement.
- Enforcement Actions: When they find something fishy, they streamline the process of sending out takedown notices and legal actions, like a well-oiled machine.
- Data Analytics: With their insightful reports and analytics, you can track your brand protection strategies and optimize them like a pro, making sure you're always one step ahead.
These guys are no joke.
In 2022, they raised a whopping €36 million in funding, solidifying their position as one of the big players in the IP protection game. And they've got some serious cred too, with organizations like the World Economic Forum naming them a Technology Pioneer in 2021, and the World Trademark Review giving them the Best IP Strategy award in 2020.
They even made it onto CB Insights' AI 100 list of top artificial intelligence companies back in 2019.
With over 700 brands across different industries trusting them to keep their IP safe, Red Points has cemented themselves as the go-to partner for businesses looking to protect their digital assets.
These guys are the real deal, and any company that values its intellectual property should definitely keep an eye on them.
10. Paack
(Up)Check this out - Paack is the baddest startup on the block when it comes to delivery services. Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, these guys are shaking up the logistics game with their cutting-edge approach.
Their mission? Bringing seamless and eco-friendly solutions to e-commerce retailers and customers alike.
Paack is on a serious expansion spree, and in 2024, they've already planted their flag in over 60 cities across Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France.
Talk about ambition! They've raised a whopping $359 million to fuel this growth, securing partnerships and making strategic moves to stay ahead of the curve.
Customer satisfaction is their top priority, and it shows in their stellar ratings.
But what really sets Paack apart is their commitment to sustainability.
They're rocking electric vehicles and optimizing routes to slash their carbon footprint, proving that you can be a delivery boss while still being eco-conscious.
It's no wonder they're aiming for carbon net-zero by 2030, putting their money where their mouth is.
Paack's services are tailored for the fast-paced e-commerce world.
Need your package delivered the same day or the next? They've got you covered with on-demand and scheduled deliveries.
Flexible warehousing solutions? Check. Temperature-controlled deliveries for perishables? Double check. These guys have thought of everything to make online shopping a breeze.
With the e-commerce market projected to hit $768 billion by 2026, Paack is poised to keep crushing it.
Their innovative spirit and customer-centric approach have them well-positioned to dominate the logistics space. Keep an eye on these trailblazers – they're about to take the delivery game to a whole new level.
Conclusion
(Up)The top 10 startups on this list are the real deal - they're leading Spain's tech game with their sick innovations. These companies aren't just about making bank, they're straight-up changing the game and driving the country's digital revolution.
As Spain solidifies itself as a tech hub, these trailblazers are setting the tone for what's next in 2024 and beyond.
Keeping tabs on these startups is crucial if you want to stay ahead of the curve.
By scoping out their ground-breaking solutions, disruptive business models, and strategic moves, you can gain valuable insights into emerging trends and potential opportunities.
According to a recent study, Spain is expected to see a surge in tech unicorns (startups valued over $1 billion) by 2024, with the ecosystem fostering an environment that fuels innovation and growth.
Here are some key trends to watch out for in 2024:
- Sustainable Mobility Solutions: With companies like Wallbox leading the charge, eco-friendly transportation and energy management systems are about to blow up, driven by rising environmental awareness and government initiatives.
- Seamless Payment Integration: As businesses and consumers demand frictionless payment experiences, startups like Flywire and Glovo are likely to gain major traction by simplifying cross-border transactions and streamlining digital payment processes.
- AI-Powered Data Analytics: With the exponential growth of data and the increasing adoption of AI, data-driven startups like Devo are poised to capitalize on the demand for actionable insights and competitive advantages.
As Spain's tech ecosystem continues to thrive, these startups are lighting the way for innovation, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and tech professionals to dream big and push boundaries.
By keeping a close eye on their progress, you can position yourself at the forefront of emerging trends, fostering collaboration and driving the country's digital transformation forward.
Check out Nucamp's coding bootcamps in Spain to level up your skills and get in on the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is driving the growth of startups in Spain in 2024?
The growth of startups in Spain in 2024 is being driven by a thriving tech industry, increased investments totaling €2.2 billion in 2023, and a focus on sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and sustainable mobility.
Why is Glovo considered a top startup to watch in Spain for 2024?
Glovo is considered a top startup to watch in 2024 due to its innovative on-demand delivery services, global presence in over 25 countries, AI-powered routing algorithms, and substantial funding totaling €928 million from investors like Rakuten and Lakestar.
How is Cabify making an impact in the ride-hailing industry?
Cabify is making an impact in the ride-hailing industry by prioritizing quality service, expanding across Spain, Latin America, and Portugal, and raising significant investment rounds totaling $320 million. They have also launched a dedicated service for electric vehicles and expanded to new markets like the UAE.
What innovations set Typeform apart in the online forms industry?
Typeform stands out in the online forms industry with its engaging user experience, drag-and-drop form builder, custom branding options, and integrations with top tools. Their success is evidenced by over 1.2 million accounts and $135 million in funding used to advance AI and analytics.
How is Wallbox contributing to the future of sustainable mobility?
Wallbox is contributing to the future of sustainable mobility with its advanced EV charging solutions, including the Pulsar Plus and the Quasar bidirectional charger. They are expanding globally, integrating smart tech in their products, and partnering with major automakers and energy companies to promote greener transportation.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.