AI-generated summary
Innovation is driving Spain’s startup scene, with investments surpassing €3.1 billion in 2024—a 36% increase year-on-year. Fintech/insurtech led funding, capturing about a third of total investment (€1.03 billion) across 32 deals, highlighted by Sequra’s €410 million round. AI and blockchain are reshaping finance through fraud detection, personalization, secure transactions and decentralized finance, while insurtechs use big data for tailored premiums and faster claims. Travel and tourism attracted €401 million in 17 deals, with firms like TravelPerk raising substantial rounds to champion sustainable business travel; startups also offer greener accommodations, shared electric mobility and platforms that connect travelers with local, responsible experiences. Mobility and logistics drew €326 million across 16 operations, featuring companies such as Zunder (€225 million) building fast EV charging networks and others leveraging AI and autonomy to optimize routes, reduce emissions and improve urban transport efficiency.
The common success factors across these sectors are strategic vision, adaptability, customer focus and alignment with global megatrends like sustainability and digitalization. Emerging technologies—AI, blockchain and big data—enable scalable, differentiated solutions, while partnerships with research centers and incubators accelerate growth by sharing resources and knowledge. Spain’s startup ecosystem is maturing: by combining advanced tech, sustainability and customer-centric models, these companies are transforming industries and offering models entrepreneurs can emulate to generate economic and social impact.
Startups that transform key industries through technology, sustainability, and a customer-centric approach lead investments.
Innovation is the main driver of the company, and startups are the fundamental vehicle for channeling investments that seek to accelerate change. In 2024, according to the Startup Observatory of the Bankinter Innovation Foundation, in Spain investment in startups exceeded 3,100 million euros, marking a growth of 36% compared to the previous year. The Fintech/Insurtech, Travel/Tourism and Mobility/Logistics sectors have attracted the most interest, being paradigmatic examples of how technology and creativity are transforming traditional markets.
Fintech/Insurtech
The fintech sector accounted for a third of total investment in startups in Spain during 2024, reaching 1,030 million euros spread over 32 operations. One of the most outstanding operations is the one involving Sequra, which raised 410 million euros, consolidating itself as one of the largest rounds of financing in the history of Spanish entrepreneurship. Sequra is a startup that uses advanced technology to offer fragmented payments and consumer credit, with ambitious plans for global expansion.
At the level of In this trend, we see emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain transforming the financial sector. Specifically, AI facilitates fraud detection, personalization of services, and optimization of financial decisions. For its part, the Blockchain ensures more secure and faster transactions, paving the way to decentralized finance and smart contracts.
In the field of insurance, insurtechs use big data to offer personalized premiums and improve efficiency in claims processes. These innovations not only improve the customer experience, but also optimize operating costs, increasing the competitiveness of companies.
Travel/Tourism
Tourism, a sector traditionally affected by sustainability, has taken an innovative approach to meeting these challenges. In 2024, Spanish startups in the Travel & Tourism sector attracted €401 million in 17 operations. TravelPerk, for example, stood out by raising $230 million in two rounds of funding, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable business travel management.
Companies operating in this area are developing solutions for greener tourism, with successful examples across Europe. This is the case of EcoHotels, which uses sustainable materials and renewable energy in its accommodations. On the other hand, in transport, GreenTraveler offers mobility options such as shared bicycles and electric cars, reducing the carbon footprint.
Technology also plays a crucial role for platforms such as Better Places Travel, which connects travelers with local experts to plan personalized and responsible itineraries. In addition, there are companies such as Green Travel Spain that help users make informed decisions about sustainable accommodation and transport, cross-referencing the data present online with the aim of promoting responsible practices.
Mobility/Logistics
Mobility and logistics have also benefited greatly from innovation. This sector of the Spanish ecosystem received €326 million in 16 operations during 2024, promoting startups such as Zunder, which raised €225 million to develop more than 3,000 ultra-fast charging points for electric vehicles across Europe.
AI for resource optimization enters the equation with startups such as Amazon-owned Zoox, which has introduced autonomous electric vehicles for ride-sharing, while Nuro specializes in last-mile delivery with autonomous vehicles that reduce emissions. In urban logistics, companies such as Sweden Einride are optimizing routes and significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Urban planning has also been influenced by these innovations. Projects such as Google’s Sidewalk Labs leverage AI to design sustainable infrastructure, encouraging the use of public transportation and eco-friendly solutions like e-bikes.
On the other hand, companies that manage buses and trains are leveraging AI to analyze data on passenger flows, optimizing routes and schedules to reduce waiting times and improve energy efficiency. That is the case of the Spanish startup Shotl, acquired by Swvl, which uses advanced algorithms to optimize on-demand public transport services, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and ensuring a more sustainable service.
The Path to Success
All these examples indicate that for entrepreneurs the key to success lies in a combination of strategic vision, adaptability and focus on the needs of the customer. It is essential to follow global megatrends, such as sustainability and digitalization, as they set the course for competitiveness in today’s markets. Aligning business models with these trends not only ensures relevance, but also opens up new opportunities for innovate.
The adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data allows differentiation and the development of scalable solutions that effectively address complex problems. Prioritizing sustainability and Scalability, moreover, not only contributes to immediate success, but builds a solid foundation for continued growth and lasting impact.
Finally, collaboration, between companies and with study centres or incubators, broadens the horizon of possibilities and accelerates growth. In fact, strategic alliances allow for the sharing of resources, knowledge and networks, creating synergies that benefit all parties involved.
The success of startups in sectors such as fintech, tourism and logistics demonstrates the positive impact of innovation and, in a national perspective, they also show the maturity of the Spanish ecosystem. These companies are transforming industries by combining advanced technology, sustainability and a customer-centric approach. Entrepreneurs can be inspired by these examples to identify opportunities, build sustainable businesses, and contribute to economic and social progress.
