5 reasons to scale your tech business in Barcelona-Catalonia

Barcelona-Catalonia has become one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations for technology companies looking to scale internationally. With a thriving digital ecosystem, strong investment performance, and a rapidly growing startup scene, the region offers the ideal environment for innovation and growth. Here are five compelling reasons why tech companies are choosing Barcelona-Catalonia as their next expansion hub.

1. Catalonia boosts a powerful ICT and digital ecosystem in Europe

Barcelona-Catalonia has built one of Europe’s most dynamic digital economies, combining a strong industrial base with a fast-growing tech sector. The region is home to more than 28,000 digital and technology companies, marking a 13% year-on-year increase and confirming its position as a true European tech haven.

Global leaders such as Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, NTT Data, PepsiCo, and Porsche Digital have established innovation hubs and operations in the region. In fact, 38 of the world’s 50 most innovative companies are present in Catalonia, benefiting from a highly skilled workforce and a collaborative ecosystem.

The sector generates over €41.4 billion in turnover and employs more than 218,000 professionals, reflecting sustained growth and scale. With nearly half of its companies founded in the last decade, Catalonia’s ICT ecosystem combines maturity with dynamism -offering the ideal environment for tech companies ready to scale in Europe.

2. Catalonia ranks 8th globally for attracting tech and digital foreign investment projects

Catalonia has firmly established itself as a global leader in attracting technology investment, ranking 8th worldwide and 2nd in the European Union for tech and digital foreign investment projects between 2021 and 2025. With a total of 388 projects -up 32% compared to the previous five-year period- the region continues to gain momentum on the international stage.

This strong performance is also reflected in the volume of capital attracted. Over the same period, Catalonia secured €9.3 billion in foreign investment in the tech sector, representing an impressive 165% increase. Global companies such as Ocado, Bayer, and HP are among those driving this investment, reinforcing the region’s credibility as a strategic destination.

Barcelona plays a key role in this success, ranking as the second most attractive city in the world for foreign investment in R&D. Combined with world-class research infrastructure, leading international events like Mobile World Congress, and a growing pool of global tech talent, Catalonia offers a highly competitive environment for companies looking to scale internationally.

3. The number of startups in Catalonia hits 2,403 in 2025, the highest figure on record

Catalonia’s startup ecosystem continues its upward trajectory, reaching a record 2,403 startups in 2025 -up 5.2% from the previous year. The ecosystem has more than doubled in size since 2016, with 44% of startups created in the past five years, highlighting its strong dynamism and continuous renewal.

Barcelona has consolidated its position as the leading startup hub in Southern Europe and ranks among the top five ecosystems in the European Union. Catalan startups are highly international, with 61% exporting products and services and nearly 30% founded by international entrepreneurs, reinforcing the region’s global outlook.

This growth translates into real economic impact. Startups generate nearly €3 billion in turnover and employ over 30,500 people, while attracting more than €1.1 billion in investment in 2025 alone. With a strong focus on deep tech and Industry 4.0 technologies, Barcelona-Catalonia offers a powerful environment for innovation-driven companies ready to scale globally.

4. Catalonia is now home to 203 international technology hubs

Catalonia has consolidated its position as a leading European tech hub, hosting 203 international technology centers established by multinational companies. These hubs generate an economic impact of over €4.1 billion and employ more than 46,000 highly skilled professionals, reflecting sustained growth and global confidence in the region.

The ecosystem continues to expand, with 12 new hubs launched in 2025 alone by companies from countries including the United States, Germany, France, and Japan. Barcelona stands at the core of this growth, concentrating 70% of these centers and competing directly with major tech capitals such as London, Berlin, and Amsterdam.

Companies choose Barcelona-Catalonia for its strong international reputation, access to specialized talent, advanced infrastructure, and competitive costs. These hubs not only drive innovation in areas like software development, data technologies, and cloud computing, but also foster collaboration with universities and the local ecosystem -creating a powerful platform for companies looking to scale globally.

5. Barcelona emerges as a global Top 3 hub for AI investment

Barcelona has positioned itself among the world’s leading cities for artificial intelligence, ranking 3rd globally for attracting foreign investment projects in AI, according to IBM’s Global Location Trends 2025. Only London and Singapore rank higher, making Barcelona the top destination in the European Union for AI investment.

This leadership is backed by a rapidly expanding AI ecosystem, with nearly 500 companies generating over €2.1 billion in turnover and employing close to 14,500 professionals. Adoption is accelerating across the business landscape, with AI becoming the most widely implemented technology among companies investing in digital transformation.

Global corporations are already betting on Barcelona-Catalonia as a strategic AI hub. Companies such as Apple, Sanofi, and Sony AI have established research, innovation, and AI-focused centers in the region. Combined with strong talent, investment momentum, and cross-industry applications, Barcelona offers a powerful platform for companies looking to lead in the AI-driven economy.

Scale your business with support from Catalonia Trade & Investment

Barcelona-Catalonia combines innovation, talent, and global connectivity to offer tech companies the perfect environment for growth. Whether you’re expanding your operations, setting up a tech hub, or exploring new market opportunities, the region provides the tools and ecosystem you need to succeed.

Catalonia Trade & Investment supports international companies at every stage of their expansion process -from market entry to business growth. Our expert team offers tailored guidance, access to key networks, and strategic insights to help you scale with confidence.

Ready to take your tech business to the next level? Contact Catalonia Trade & Investment and discover why Barcelona-Catalonia is Europe’s leading hub for innovation and growth.