Juan Luis Hortelano

Juan Luis Hortelano is the President of Startup Valencia, an association aimed at promoting the startup ecosystem in the Valencia region. He has held this position since February 2020, during which he has navigated significant challenges, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the entrepreneurial landscape. Under his leadership, Startup Valencia has focused on internationalization and fostering collaboration among local startups and larger corporations.12

Professional Background:: Hortelano is also a co-founder and Director of Blinkfire Analytics, a company specializing in analytics for sports and entertainment.34 Prior to this, he co-founded and served as Director of Plug and Play Spain, which connects startups with investors and corporate partners.4

Key Initiatives:: One of his prominent initiatives is the organization of the Valencia Digital Summit (VDS), which has become a significant event in the global tech calendar. The upcoming edition aims to gather over 700 investors and various startups, reinforcing Valencia's position as a tech hub.23 Hortelano emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive legislative environment for startups in the region, advocating for improved policies that can stimulate growth and innovation.1

Vision for the Future:: Hortelano envisions Valencia as a leading center for technological innovation, aiming to enhance visibility and support for local entrepreneurs while fostering connections with international markets. He is actively working to establish a new tech hub called La Terminal, which will serve as a central space for startups and innovation activities in Valencia.12