Entrepreneurs were squarely the focus during this conference that brought attendees from over 110 countries to Valencia, Spain
By Riley Kaminer
Valencia, Spain, with its sun-soaked beaches and renowned culinary delights, recently played host to over 12,000 attendees at the Valencia Digital Summit (VDS), a leading European technology conference. While the event celebrated global innovation, it quickly became apparent that Miami—a city known for its vibrant startup scene—held a particularly prominent place in the minds of attendees from over 110 countries.
Miami’s Notable Presence
Among the bustling conference activities, Miami’s influence loomed large. During the opening session, Patricia Pastor, the president of VDS, recounted a conversation with a French investor residing in Miami. They shared how ChatGPT had suggested Valencia as an ideal location to live and work. This anecdote highlighted the growing recognition of Valencia and the unique relationship between these two dynamic cities.
The underlying connection between the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Valencia and Miami was evident throughout the two-day event. Conferences such as VDS serve as catalysts for fostering relationships and presenting opportunities for innovation across borders.
A Primer on Soft-Landing in Miami
One of the hottest topics at VDS was the idea of "soft landing" in Miami. For many international entrepreneurs, the pressing question was: How do you successfully transition into the Magic City?
Euclides Moreno, managing partner at PWA Family Office, emphasized the necessity of planning before making the leap. He noted the importance of defining legal structures, strategizing market entry, and committing wholeheartedly to the Miami tech ecosystem. Francisco Micó, co-founder of Sherpas Wealth, reiterated this sentiment, stating, “You have to commit fully.” He illustrated the challenge many face by pointing out that sporadic visits to Miami aren’t enough for success.
Etienne Gillard, from Mana Tech, provided insights on navigating the investment landscape for newcomers from abroad. He highlighted the need for early traction to attract interest from investors: “In Miami, we now have the complete journey—all pieces of the puzzle are in place.” Mana Tech further supports international entrepreneurs by offering free co-working space at their office, serving as a launchpad for those exploring opportunities in the U.S.
The “Soft Landing in Miami” panel also included legal expert Moises Saltiel and real estate entrepreneur Yasmin Hani, making it clear that the conversation around Miami as a tech hub was both timely and vital, given it was the only city represented in such discussions at the conference.
Entrepreneurs Stress the Need for Focus
VDS was born from the spirit of entrepreneurship, and this ethos was palpable in every session. Keynote speaker Bobby Aitkenhead, managing director of IDC Ventures, delivered a compelling presentation about “burning the boats”—the idea of dedicating oneself entirely to their entrepreneurial journey without the luxury of fallback options.
“Focus on the sole thing you’re trying to achieve, not the what-ifs,” Aitkenhead advised. He stressed that when distractions are present, it becomes easy to abandon commitment to the primary goal. Daniela Espinosa, a co-founder of Ecuadorian unicorn Kushki, echoed these thoughts during a panel discussion. She urged budding entrepreneurs to maintain focus during tough times, as only a handful of outliers succeed without it.
Success Stories at the Intersection of Miami and Spain
Founders shared their narratives illustrating the rich connection between Miami and Spain. Juan Ignacio García Braschi, CEO of Boopos, touched on the loneliness of C-suite leadership. “Lean on your peers if you don’t have a co-founder,” he said, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with a complementary team.
Similarly, Dileep Thazhmon, CEO of Jeeves, excitedly discussed his startup’s expansion into Spain. “We’re seeing significant growth in transactions between Spain and Latin America,” he noted, framing Valencia as a key entry point for business ventures.
For crypto enthusiasts, Francisco Benedito, co-founder of ClimateTrade, discussed how transparency around carbon credits is changing the landscape for sustainable business practices. Rali Perduhova, CEO of 7RCC Global, emphasized the dual focus of blockchain technology to encourage responsible investment, particularly in Bitcoin.
Global Ties Strengthening
The bustling atmosphere at VDS underscored the collective ambition of entrepreneurs from both sides of the Atlantic. As these innovators come together, they create a bridge for future collaboration and growth. In the wake of discussions centered on culture, strategy, and sustainability, it’s clear that journeys between Miami and Spain are only just beginning.
This gathering highlights the vibrant relationship they share, not just as startup hubs but as interconnected ecosystems poised for continued innovation and opportunity. Each participant carried stories, dreams, and aspirations, contributing to the growing tapestry of what it means to be part of the global tech landscape today.
For those eager to delve deeper into the Miami tech scene or simply stay informed about the latest trends, a wealth of resources and connections is mere a click away, connecting entrepreneurs across the globe. Stay tuned as we continue to document the evolution of this exciting international partnership and the stories emerging from it.