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Startup Ecosystem in Bilbao
Startup Ecosystem in Bilbao
Startup Ecosystem in Bilbao
Bilbao has transformed from an industrial port city into an innovation hub with distinctive Basque character, blending manufacturing excellence, engineering talent, and strong institutional support to build ventures focused on industrial technology and creative applications. The city's evolution from heavy industry is showcased through companies like Ticketbis (acquired by eBay), Sherpa, and Graphenea, reflecting strengths in industrial technology, maritime innovation, and advanced materials. Investors like Seed Capital Bizkaia and Basque Fondo support the ecosystem, complemented by corporate engagement from traditional industrial leaders seeking digital transformation. What makes Bilbao unique is its comprehensive innovation infrastructure, including specialized programs like BIC Bizkaia and Bind 4.0, which connect startups with established industry partners. Beyond the revitalized port area housing maritime technology ventures, innovation clusters have emerged in Zorrotzaurre "Knowledge Island" for creative industries, Zamudio Technology Park for advanced manufacturing, and throughout rehabilitated industrial spaces. Bilbao startups leverage the region's exceptional engineering talent, manufacturing base providing both early customers and domain expertise, and institutional commitment to innovation. Yet entrepreneurs must navigate a sometimes conservative business culture, complex stakeholder alignment across industry-academic-government partnerships, and language considerations affecting international team building, even as the region increasingly blends industrial heritage with technological advancement.
Bilbao has transformed from an industrial port city into an innovation hub with distinctive Basque character, blending manufacturing excellence, engineering talent, and strong institutional support to build ventures focused on industrial technology and creative applications. The city's evolution from heavy industry is showcased through companies like Ticketbis (acquired by eBay), Sherpa, and Graphenea, reflecting strengths in industrial technology, maritime innovation, and advanced materials. Investors like Seed Capital Bizkaia and Basque Fondo support the ecosystem, complemented by corporate engagement from traditional industrial leaders seeking digital transformation. What makes Bilbao unique is its comprehensive innovation infrastructure, including specialized programs like BIC Bizkaia and Bind 4.0, which connect startups with established industry partners. Beyond the revitalized port area housing maritime technology ventures, innovation clusters have emerged in Zorrotzaurre "Knowledge Island" for creative industries, Zamudio Technology Park for advanced manufacturing, and throughout rehabilitated industrial spaces. Bilbao startups leverage the region's exceptional engineering talent, manufacturing base providing both early customers and domain expertise, and institutional commitment to innovation. Yet entrepreneurs must navigate a sometimes conservative business culture, complex stakeholder alignment across industry-academic-government partnerships, and language considerations affecting international team building, even as the region increasingly blends industrial heritage with technological advancement.
Bilbao startups in numbers
Startups in Bilbao on Foundersbase show a range of characteristics across different early development stages. Among the projects in this region, 41% are currently in the concept phase, exploring early validation, while 59% have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are open to forming strategic partnerships. Currently, 39.3% of startups have reached the Prototype phase, one of several indicators of how innovative founding projects in Bilbao are evolving. A significant share (62%) report open positions, making this a valuable space for entrepreneurial talent looking to join a team early. In terms of funding, 49% of startups are currently seeking investment, while others pursue different approaches to growth. Startups in Bilbao are active across a wide range of industries, with many focusing on areas such as Aerospace, Biotechnology, and Healthcare. Alongside sector diversity, projects also address major global challenges. Notable impact innovation topics include Elderly Care, Biodiversity, Human Rights, and Digital Literacy, adding purpose-driven perspectives to the local startup scene. Whether you’re interested in supporting founders, investing in early-stage ventures, or finding opportunities to get involved, the startup activity in Bilbao offers a great starting point.
Job Offerings
More than (41%) of startups in Bilbao are actively recruiting talent, while (59%) are focused on building with their current team.
Startup Stage
The Bilbao startup ecosystem spans various development stages from early ideas to profitable businesses, with most ventures (39.3%) currently at the Prototype stage.
Funding Need
About (60%) of early-stage startups in Bilbao are seeking external investment to scale their innovations, while (40%) are pursuing a bootstrapped growth approach.
Top innovation sectors
Discover the industries where early-stage startups in Bilbao are developing innovative solutions and seeking collaboration partners.
Impact Focus
Startups from Bilbao on Foundersbase most often focus on Elderly Care, driving innovation in this area.
Discover the startup ecosystem in Bilbao
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