🦑 VENTURE FORUMS & BUSINESS ANGELS IN SPAIN

If ENISA is your first step into public funding,then venture forums and angel investor networks are your gateway to private capital.Especially if you’re in Barcelona and already have an MVP, clients, or early traction.

📌 Where to find funding: proven forums and networks

These are not conferences — they are curated investor-founder matchmaking events.

You pitch → they ask → you get invited for a follow-up → the process begins.

🗣️ Most of them operate in English, regardless of your citizenship.

🥇 Top Forums & Angel Networks

1. ESADE BAN

Focus: High-potential tech startups — mostly B2B, SaaS, healthtech, and proptech

Model: Angel investor network run by ESADE Alumni

Average ticket: €130K

Participation: Application → pitch selection → investor demo day

📌 Recent investments:

• 29 deals in 2024, across healthtech, real estate, and SaaS

• Average startup valuation: €1.8M

• One recent deal: Barcelona-based rental automation platform

💡 Note: ESADE BAN is one of the oldest and most active angel networks in Spain.

Frequently co-invests with funds and mentors teams

.🔗 esadealumni.net

2. IESE Business Angels Network

Focus: Diverse sectors — healthtech, logistics, consumer tech, fintech

Model: University-based network from IESE Business School

Average ticket: €100K–€150K

Participation: Application → review committee → pitch session

📌 Recent investments:

• 37 deals in the last 24 months, totaling €4.6M

• Often backs startups also applying for ENISA

💡 Note:Focuses on founders with international potential and ethical vision. Open to follow-on rounds.

🔗 iese.edu

3. EconomistesBAN

Focus: Local startups with economic or social impact across industries

Model: Catalan network run by the Association of Economists

Average ticket: €50K–€300K

Participation: Online application → committee review → pitch day

📌 Recent investments:

• Funded edtech and foodtech projects in 2024

• Often co-invests with BANC and Catalan accelerators

💡 Note:Ideal for small-scale, early-stage startups focused on regional impact.

🔗 economistesban.com

4. Keiretsu Forum Spain

Focus: Healthtech, cleantech, consumer tech, industrial tech

Model: Spanish branch of a global angel investor network

Average ticket: €100K–€500K

Participation: Strict screening, apply via form or intro

📌 Recent investments:

• AI-powered industrial optimization tools

• Spanish startup in digital pathology

💡 Note:Best fit for startups with traction and revenue. Members often syndicate investments.

🔗 keiretsuforum.com/chapters/spain

5. SeedRocket

Focus: Tech-first startups — SaaS, e-commerce, AI

Model: Accelerator + investor club

Average ticket: €100K–€300K

Participation: Must complete SeedRocket’s acceleration program

📌 Recent investments:

• PropTech platform automating rental management

• Healthtech startup based in Valencia

💡 Note:Investment is only offered to graduates of the SeedRocket accelerator. High mentoring value and seed syndicates.

🔗 seedrocket.org

6. BANC (Business Angels Network Catalunya)

Focus: Early-stage, tech, and socially impactful startups

Model: Public-private partnership, ENISA-friendly

Average ticket: €100K–€400K

Participation: Application → mentoring → pitch

📌 Recent investments:

• Co-investments with ACCIÓ and ENISA

• Circular economy, e-health, B2B startups

💡 Note:Great entry point for founders in Catalonia. Often works hand-in-hand with public programs.

🔗 bancat.com

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HOW TO APPLY AND GET SELECTED

📝 1. Prepare a solid one-pager– Clear: who you are, what you solve, traction, ask– Format: PDF with contact + deck link

🧠 2. Create a sharp pitch deck– Problem → Solution → Market → Model → Traction → Team → Metrics → Ask– 7–10 slides– In English– Financial model upon request

📩 3. Apply via website– Or via warm intro (ideally from a mentor)– Clearly state your stage (pre-seed / seed / growth)– Define your use of funds

🚫 Common mistakes that kill interest

🔻 Too abstract:Investors want to know how you make money, who pays you, and how you reach them.

🔻 “No competitors” slide:Wrong. That means you didn’t do the research. Always show 2–3 alternatives and your clear edge.

🔻 Vague ask:Saying “we want €300K” isn’t enough. Break it down: what for, how long, expected results.

✅ Pre-forum checklist

✔ Spanish or EU-registered company

✔ MVP or early revenue/pilot

✔ Complete deck + one-pager

✔ Clear ask (amount, terms: equity, SAFE, convertible)

✔ Know your numbers: CAC, LTV, MRR, churn, runway

🧠 Final word for founders:

Private funding isn’t luck — it’s the next step after validation.Forums are a filter, but you can pass it even as a first-timer — if you’re ready and know how to communicate value.The founder who knows exactly why they need funding is already halfway to getting the check.

🤝 How Octo Studio can help

We offer full support for early-stage founders looking to raise capital:

✅ Project audit & business model review

✅ Pitch deck, one-pager & financial model creation

✅ Fundraising strategy & investor matching

✅ 1:1 consulting during your fundraising journey

📩 Get a free consultation — we’ll review your project and explain how we can help.

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NO NEED TO GUESS

Who to listen to among investors to spot market changes in time

In April 2025, the markets are going through noticeable turbulence. The introduction of new import tariffs by Donald Trump’s administration has caused a sharp decline in investor sentiment. Over the course of a month, U.S. stock indexes have dropped by 10–15%. The Nasdaq saw its steepest decline since the start of the pandemic, and European markets have also started to correct downward.

The biggest casualties are tech and consumer companies, especially those dependent on international supply chains. For instance, Tesla’s stock has fallen by 36%, while Amazon and Apple have each lost about 20% of their value. Investors are cashing in on high-risk assets and shifting toward more conservative instruments like bonds and gold.

Amid all this pressure, market volatility has spiked: the VIX index, which measures market swings, shot up to 35—levels comparable to the uncertain times of 2020. In such conditions, market participants are paying close attention to macroeconomic indicators, such as inflation data, Federal Reserve statements, and commodity market conditions.

Overall, the market is on edge, investors are reworking their strategies, and analysts are predicting a deeper correction could be on the horizon.

During these unsettling times, the actions of the most seasoned and renowned investors draw particular attention. When markets are choppy, their moves and statements become a kind of compass, helping market participants navigate the challenging environment.

Warren Buffett, for example, has always been known for his cautious approach and ability to foresee market shifts. Over the decades, he’s consistently managed not just to preserve Berkshire Hathaway’s capital, but to grow it during periods when other investors were suffering losses.

© photo by https://www.20minutos.es/

While Buffett rarely makes public predictions about upcoming crises, his investment strategies and preparatory actions often serve as early warning signs of looming turbulence.

Buffett and 2025: What can we learn from his actions?

The start of 2025 saw Buffett take the unexpected step of significantly increasing his company’s cash reserves. By April, those reserves had reached a record $134 billion. For comparison, on the eve of the 2008 crisis, Berkshire Hathaway held “only” about $50 billion in cash. This move sparked rumors that Buffett was bracing for a major market correction. His caution is often viewed as an early signal: when the Oracle of Omaha starts stockpiling cash, investors begin preparing for a storm.

Why is it worth keeping an eye on Buffett?

1. A proven knack for predicting crises:

Buffett is known for his spot-on warnings. Before the dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s, he cautioned that the stock market was overheating. His commitment to fundamental analysis and rejection of trendy, overhyped assets helped his companies avoid significant losses.

2. A conservative approach as a market barometer:

In a world where many investors chase rapid growth, Buffett sticks to moderate valuations and long-term perspectives. His shift to holding cash or scaling back positions in certain sectors often hints at emerging troubles in those areas.

3. A unique lens compared to other top players:

Unlike some leading investors—such as Michael Burry (famous for predicting the 2008 mortgage crisis) or Ray Dalio—who rely heavily on macroeconomic models, Buffett often starts with microeconomics. He scrutinizes company reports, assesses the ratio of debt to revenue, and isn’t afraid to exit assets he sees as too risky.

What’s in it for founders and individual investors?

Following Buffett doesn’t just mean learning from one of the most successful investors in history—it also means receiving an early warning signal about potential risks. His cautious moves, whether it’s amassing cash, trimming exposure to tech sectors, or exiting certain companies, can serve as a guide for rethinking one’s own strategy.

By watching Buffett’s actions, you can not only anticipate market crashes but also develop more resilient investment approaches.

Who else should you follow to predict market downturns?

• Michael Burry (@michaeljburry)

Best known for foreseeing the 2008 mortgage crisis, Michael Burry’s market commentary always commands attention. Check out his forecasts and insights on X (formerly Twitter):

https://www.twitter.com/michaeljburry

• Cathie Wood (@CathieDWood)

As founder and CEO of ARK Invest, Cathie Wood is known for her long-term bets on innovative technologies. While her predictions are sometimes controversial, they offer valuable insights into the future of high-tech companies:

https://www.twitter.com/CathieDWood

• Ray Dalio (@RayDalio)

Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, regularly shares his views on global macroeconomic trends. His analyses of debt cycles and the global economy can help investors navigate challenging conditions:

https://www.twitter.com/RayDalio

• Chamath Palihapitiya (@chamath)

A former Facebook executive turned prominent venture investor, Chamath Palihapitiya frequently posts about investment strategies and market risks. Keep an eye on his analysis and thoughts:

https://www.twitter.com/chamath

These investors may not always provide direct recommendations, but their observations and commentary help to spot larger market shifts, understand global trends, and react promptly to changes.

What is a scalable business and why is it important for a startup visa in Spain?

Building a scalable business is a key aspect for those considering applying for a startup visa in Spain. To get approval, it is important to show that your business can grow and generate revenue not only in the initial period, but also for the long term.

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❓What does «‎scalability» mean

Business scalability - the ability of a company to significantly increase its revenues without proportionally increasing its costs. This means that as the customer base and sales volumes grow, costs grow slower than profits. In other words,

A scalable business is one that can grow exponentially without facing obstacles that would require massive investments at each stage of growth.

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❓Why a scalable business is important for a startup visa Spain

Spain actively supports startups that contribute to economic development and technological progress.Scalable projects attract the attention of investors and government programs because of their potential to create jobs and provide a sustainable contribution to the country's economy.

To obtain a startup visa in Spain, it is important to demonstrate your business' potential to scale, its innovation and value to the country.

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❓Which businesses are most often considered scalable

• Technology startups: apps, platforms, SaaS solutions that can grow with minimal investment in infrastructure.

• Digital services: online services, fintech and marketing platforms.

• Biotechnology and green energy: sectors that are not only supported by the government, but also require minimal costs at each new stage of development.

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❓How to assess the scalability of your business

When developing a business plan for a startup visa, it is important to consider how the project will grow.

• Think about your business model: how easy is it to adapt to new markets and expansion?

• Calculate what percentage of revenue and costs will be required at each stage of growth.

• Make sure that your project does not depend on significant financial injections at each stage of development.

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The Octo Studio provides full support in creating a business plan, taking into account the startup visa requirements and supporting the scalability of the project.

Our team can help you create and promote your project in Spain 🔻

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