🎙️ Innotion Conversation: Spain’s Startup Landscape — Challenges, Culture, and the Road Ahead with Gonzalo Martín Rocañin

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Gonzalo Martín Rocañin about the current state of Spain’s startup ecosystem and what needs to change to foster a more vibrant entrepreneurial environment.

They dive into:

• Key challenges facing startups in Spain, from funding gaps to cultural barriers.
• How cultural attitudes impact entrepreneurial ambition and risk-taking.
• The critical role of education in shaping the next generation of innovators.
• How government programs and financial support can help — and where they fall short.
• Legal and administrative hurdles that hinder startup growth.
• Regional differences in startup viability across Spain.
• The transformative impact of immigrant entrepreneurs on the Spanish economy.
• Systemic changes needed to unlock Spain’s full entrepreneurial potential.

Gonzalo offers a candid and insightful look into the future of entrepreneurship in Spain, and the lessons other ecosystems can learn from its evolution.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Innovation in Spain 02:58 — Challenges in the Spanish Startup Ecosystem 06:01 — Cultural Attitudes Towards Entrepreneurship 09:12 — The Role of Education in Fostering Innovation 11:59 — Government and Financial Support for Startups 15:01 — Legal and Administrative Barriers 17:53 — Regional Differences in Startup Viability 20:52 — The Impact of Immigrant Entrepreneurs 23:56 — Future of Entrepreneurship in Spain

💡 Key Takeaways

• Spain’s startup ecosystem faces cultural and structural challenges.
• Risk aversion and conservative attitudes hinder entrepreneurship.
• Education reform is key to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Government support must evolve to better serve early-stage founders.
• Legal and administrative processes remain significant obstacles for startups.
• Regional disparities affect startup viability across Spain.
• Immigrant entrepreneurs bring dynamism and growth to the Spanish economy.
• Systemic change is necessary to build a thriving entrepreneurial future.