Success Case: GFT’s Experience in Barcelona-Catalonia

Multinational GFT is a digital solutions company that develops technical tools based on new technologies, including artificial intelligence and blockchain/DLT. In Catalonia, GFT started its operations in 2001 and currently employs 1,000 talents.

Founded in 1987 in Germany, with headquarters in Stuttgart, GFT's clients range from the financial and insurance sectors to the manufacturing industry.

“Thanks to the technology universities and business schools we can create well-rounded teams that deliver business value through innovation”

Miquel Febrer, Head of International Delivery at GFT Spain

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From Barcelona-Catalonia, GFT develops IT projects for global companies and has a team of 30 nationalities. In this interview with Catalonia Trade & Investment, Miquel Febrer, Head of International Delivery at GFT Spain, explains why the company keeps growing and investing in Barcelona-Catalonia.

Three key assets: talent, innovation and quality of life

According to Miquel Febrer, local talent is one of the key factors for investing in Barcelona-Catalonia: "Thanks to the technology universities and business schools, which are very strong, we can create well-rounded teams that deliver business value through innovation".

Enjoying a dynamic innovative ecosystem is also a key reason for doing business in Barcelona-Catalonia: "We have a lot of startups, technologies, and large and well-established companies, and all of this allows us to practice open innovation", says Miquel Febrer.

Another advantage highlighted by the GFT executive is the excellent quality of life in Barcelona-Catalonia: "The way of life, the culture, the fun, the climate, the political stability: everything is conducive to growth here".

GFT is present in more than 15 markets around the world and has a global team of more than 10,000 professionals.

ICT and digital economy, a strategic sector for Barcelona-Catalonia

In Barcelona-Catalonia, technology firms are integrating into a network of over 23,450 companies linked to the ICT and digital economy (2023), marking a 6.5% increase compared to last year, as highlighted in Catalonia Trade & Investment's report on The Digital Economy in Catalonia.

Among these firms are notable names like Microsoft, PepsiCo, Nestlé, HP, and Porsche Digital, each establishing their Digital Innovation Hubs and operational bases within Catalonia. Remarkably, Catalonia hosts half of the world's top 50 innovative companies.

The digital sector, with a collective revenue exceeding €34.780 million, now accounts for 12.9% of the Catalan GDP, reflecting a robust 15.3% increase in ICT sector turnover compared to the preceding year. If you would like to explore investing opportunities in Catalonia, contact our team of expert consultants and we will help you grow.