Startup Olé gathers global innovators in Salamanca

The thirteenth edition of Startup Olé is taking place in Salamanca, positioning the city as a global hub for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. The event brings together more than 5,000 attendees, 800 international speakers, and over 500 companies at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Castilla y León and the University of Salamanca.

Emilio Corchado, the founder and CEO of Startup Olé, highlighted the importance of ‘smart money’ for growing startups. He noted that investment needs vary by stage, ranging from initial angel investor support of 50,000 to 100,000 euros for early-stage companies, to intermediate rounds of 200,000 to 300,000 euros, and eventually multi-million euro rounds for more mature enterprises. Corchado emphasized that successful investment requires not just capital, but also strategic expertise and international networks.

The event features a diverse lineup of speakers and institutional support, including representatives from the European Investment Fund, the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, and various regional administrations. Participants include leaders from sectors such as energy, mobility, and cybersecurity, aiming to foster connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and corporations.