Investing in Spain

Joe Haslam, ScaleUps & IE

My guest today is Joe Haslam, Executive Director of the Owners Scaleup Program at IE Business School & Professor at IE University * Joe Haslam [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joehas/] * Owner's ScaleUp Program, IE University [https://www.ie.edu/lifelong-learning/programs/owners-scaleup-program/] In this conversation, Joe provides counsel and advice to those interested in jumping into the Spanish tech ecosystem, both expats considering a move to Spain and young founders contemplating a new venture.  He's also a fantastic story teller, with a wide ranging perspective on the past twenty years of tech growth in Spain. Enjoy this conversation with Joe Haslam.

Dr. Chema Molina, Frenetic

Chema Molina started Frenetic in 2014 while in graduate school in Power Electronics.  The company offers an online platform for magnetics design, sampling, and production, dramatically reducing the time for designers to interate when developing critical components for electrical processes.    * Dr. Chema Molina [https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%9A%80chema-molina-phd-338b828b/] * Frenetic [https://frenetic.ai/] Frenetic is an example of Spanish Deep Tech, one of the most rapidly growing areas of the Spanish tech market today. With a number of leading research centers producing PhDs each year, Spain is well positioned to develop a robust pipeline of startups in materials science, climate science, AI and beyond.  In this conversation, Chema and I talk about developing a company from an academic background, and the evolving support network around Madrid and Barcelona to support such companies.  Chema also recently moved to the US to be closer to customers, while the company is still headquartered in Madrid. We talk about that transition, and considerations for Spanish founders thinking about a move to the US market.  Chema is insightful and funny throughout.  This was one of my favorite conversations so far - enjoy. Rory

Guli Moreno, Capchase & The Exponential Fellowship

My guest today is Guli Moreno, co-founder of Capchase and founder of The Exponential Fellowship: * Guli Moreno [https://www.linkedin.com/in/imorenopubul/] * Capchase [https://www.capchase.com/] * The Exponential Fellowship [https://goexponential.org/] Capchase is one of the most important scale ups building in Spain today.  In May 2024, the company announced another Euro 105M in fresch capital to lend to customers.  The company also just celebrated four years since it was founded by Miguel Fernandez, Przemek Gotfryd, Guli Moreno, and Luis Basagoiti. In this conversation, Guli shares the story of how Capchase got started, and the emphasis the team put on culture and talent from the very start.  Guli's story is inspiring - with practical advice for founders and investors throughout. The second half of our conversation introduces The Exponential Fellowship (https://goexponential.org/) [https://goexponential.org/)] a new initiative Guli is spearheading to help the Spanish tech ecosystem.  The model is simple, and powerful - providing the most promising potential founders of Spanish tech companies a career changing professional growth opportunity.  I encourage everyone invested in the future of Spanish tech to check out this important new program and get involved directly at goexponential.org Enjoy -

Jose Miguel Herrero, Big Sur Ventures

My guest today is Jose Miguel Herrero, Founder and Managing Partner of Big Sur Ventures: * Jose Miguel Herrero [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josemiguelherrero/] * Big Sur Ventures [https://www.bigsurventures.vc/] Jose Miguel is a pioneer of the Spanish tech ecosystem. He has been building and investing in tech companies since the late '90s.  He take a long view on innovation in Spain, and in our conversation shares his reason for optimism today.   Big Sur is investing out of Fund III, focusing on deep tech and consumer internet.  Giving examples from his portfolio, Jose Miguel shares how Spain is producing a new generation of tech talent. This episode is also full of great anecdotes from the early days of the internet in Spain, and the roller coaster ride that is early tech markets around the world.  Helpful listening for anyone looking to know more about the history of VC and tech in Spain, and those interested in where it is going. Rory

Ale Piedrahita & Giulia Cerbelli, Calafia Syndicate

My guests today are Ale Piedrahita and Giulia Cerbelli from the Calafia Syndicate: * Alexandra Piedrahita [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-piedrahita-london/] * Gioia Cerbelli [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gioia-cerbelli-87435730/] * Calafia Syndicate [https://www.calafiasyndicate.com/] The Calafia Syndicate is a new angel investing group of 20 leading women in Spanish tech.  Calafia's mission is to increase the participation of women in the early-stage capital market in Spain, support Spanish founders to grow globally, and to promote diversity in the ecosytem as a whole.  The group has a decidated fund to invest in Spanish startups, and is already closing on a first deal. In this conversation Ale and Giulia share the thinking behind Calafia - how they were able to bring together such a talented group of operators, investors, founders, lawyers and bankers around this mission.  We learn how Calafia operates, what they are looking for in new investments, and why founders should consider adding Calafia to their cap table. Calafia is a great new addition to the Spanish tech market. I hope founders and other VCs enjoy learning more about this talented group and find ways to collaborate.