EsTech

Back to Atlas

EsTech is a lobby group launched by a select group of high-growth startups in Spain with the aim of advocating for the economic benefits of high-tech businesses.
What are the main aims and objectives?

The central goal of EsTech as a lobby group is to contribute substantially to Spain's GDP by 2030 through the attraction of talent and capital, access to financing, and the promotion of the digital economy. 

In addition to this, EsTech has three main objectives aimed at transforming the country's high-tech, high-growth startup scene. First, they prioritize talent development within Spain and aim to attract more international talent. This goal stems from the belief that a strong talent pool is the foundation of a successful tech ecosystem. 

Second, EsTech seeks to influence regulation at both the domestic and EU levels. The group believes that creating favorable policies can encourage the growth and success of high-tech startups, thereby contributing to the overall health of Spain's economy. 

Lastly, EsTech's third aim is to raise the profile of scale-ups on the global tech stage. They aspire to make Spain known worldwide as a hub for successful, fast-growing startups. This includes plans to expand the group's membership beyond its current nine founding company members. 

How does the program work?

EsTech operates by collaborating with high-growth startups in Spain and advocating for their interests on multiple fronts. They work towards developing talent within Spain by fostering education and training opportunities, while also attracting international talent. They influence regulation by lobbying for startup-friendly policies and legislation, taking proactive measures to address potential issues like the new startup law. EsTech also promotes the profile of scale-ups through various platforms and events to make Spain known as a hub for successful startups. Their work is a blend of advocacy, education, and promotion. 

EsTech's main features include: 

  1. Talent Development: EsTech places a high emphasis on nurturing local talent and attracting international talent to boost Spain's high-tech startup scene. 

  1. Regulatory Influence: EsTech works to shape regulations at the domestic and EU levels, advocating for policies that are favorable to startups. 

  1. Global Profile Enhancement: The organization strives to raise the global profile of Spanish scale-ups, thus expanding their reach and influence. 

  1. Collaboration and Advocacy: EsTech closely collaborates with startups, champions their interests, and provides a platform for their voices to be heard. 

  1. Education and Training: EsTech promotes education and training opportunities to nurture talent and foster innovation within the startup ecosystem. 

  1. Membership Expansion: The group is committed to expanding its membership, aiming for greater representation and influence in the tech sector. 

What is the overall cost?
There is currently no available information about the cost of running EsTech.  
How was it implemented?
EsTech was created in 2022 by a select group of 9 high-growth startups, most of them unicorns, in Spain. These founding members, which include well-known companies such as Cabify, Glovo, and Jobandtalent, came together to create the organization with the goal of promoting the visibility and impact of high-growth companies in Spain's economy, environment, and labor market. 
What impact has been measured?
EsTech represents the interests of approximately 450 scale-ups in Spain. Beyond this, however, there is not yet enough evidence to judge whether the organization has been impactful in its advocacy efforts to improve startup laws in Spain to better suit scale-ups and propose varied enhancements. 
What lessons can be learned?

EsTech's formation provides several valuable lessons for other countries and organizations. Firstly, collaboration among high-growth startups has the potential to lead to a unified voice that can effectively influence policy and legislative changes. This collaborative approach can be essential in promoting the economic benefits of tech startups and their potential for job creation. 

Secondly, the initiative indicates the progress that Spain has already made in creating a tech-based business fabric can significantly contribute to its economy. Lastly, EsTech underscores the importance of a shared vision and action plan. The association believes that up to 9 Spanish startups have the potential to become unicorns and that there are 20 scaleups close to reaching €800 million in value. This shared vision provides a clear direction and an ambitious goal for all members. It also emphasizes the need for a common action plan to promote economic development and innovation. 

CURATED BY

Tom Hancock

Research Associate
Global Entrepreneurship Network
United Kingdom