In the last two months we have seen Spanish companies in the energy sector being bought by foreign companies. SunEdison has bought Fersa and will buy Cielo Alto, Solarpack's project once the project is completed. In addition, the Japanese manufacturer Yanmar has bought Himoinsa and Sonepar Iberica has bought Dialecto Industrial.
Ecrowd and Arboribus: Crowdlending platforms get funding
Financing through crowdlending platforms is growing in Spain and the rest of the world due to the advantages it offers. According to a worldwide corporate study of the sector published in 2015 by Massolution, crowdlending has grown by 233% with 11,080 million dollars raised in 2014. Moreover, crowdlending platforms are growing. Recently two Spanish crowdlending platforms: Ecrowd and Arboribus have received funding.
The Emprendetur 2015 call for proposals opens
Those wishing to apply for the Emprendetur grant, which aims to support innovative product projects within the national integrated tourism plan, must do so before 27 July. This aid is divided into two sub-programmes, Emprendetur R&D and Emprendetur Development.
Gartner, Softbank Digital dimension: Foreign investors interested in Spanish tech companies
In recent months we have seen how large international technology companies have set their sights on Spanish startups. Among the operations that have been carried out we highlight the purchase of Nubera by Gartner, that of Beabloo by Softbank and the purchase of Nexica by Digital Dimension.
Towards a Spain based on technology-based companies
The improvement in the economic situation and the need to consolidate technology-based companies in our country have led to the emergence of initiatives to promote technology-based companies. At the end of July, the Neotec aid programme will be launched, which this year has a new feature in the form of a grant.
Litalsa, Erle Robotics and Histocell: Basque companies that have received rounds in the Basque Country
In May, several Basque companies from different sectors received funding. Erle Robotics, a drone company, received €200,000 from 6 business angels. Histocell, located in Zamudio, has received €2.5 M to launch its new product and Realza has bought Litalsa, a leading independent supplier in the packaging lithography market.
Panrico, Angulas Aguinaga: Spain's big food companies in international hands.
Foreign investors are hungry for Spanish food companies. At the beginning of the year we learned of the purchase of Deoleo, a world leader in the marketing of olive oil, with brands such as Carbonell and Koipe, by CVC and the purchase of the chorizo manufacturer Palacios by the giant Carlyle. In June we witnessed the purchase of Panrico by the Mexican company Bimbo and the purchase of Angulas Aguinaga by a secondary fund led by HarbourVest.
Ofertia and Tectronic: Divestments in the IT sector
According to the Ascri 2015 report, 2015 has seen a record number of divestments in Spain, partly due to the leading role played by international groups. In May, two Spanish funds: Finaves and Dinamia disinvested in companies in the ICT sector, giving entry to international groups.
Biotechnology grows and finds alternative forms of financing
According to Asebio, the number of healthcare biotechnology projects developed in Spain grew by 30% in 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. These projects need funding and many of them are turning to alternative financing. Crowdfunding, public aid and venture capital funds are helping to make Spain a biotech country.
Grants for Smart Cities under the National Smart Cities Plan
The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism is aware of the benefits of implementing smart cities both for citizens and for the development of ICTs and has decided to launch the National Smart Cities Plan, implementing new measures that will involve the mobilisation of a volume of resources close to €153M.
New funds for ICTs, Bio and internalisation (May)
If the other day we talked about the new funds created in the energy sector, today it is the turn of other new funds such as ICT and bio. Cofides has also created a fund together with Oman SGRF to support Spanish companies with internationalisation plans in the Middle East and Oman.
Venture capital: Solution for industry. Carbures, Litalsa and composite plastics
In May, we have witnessed that venture capital is once again interested in the industry to help it grow and become strong abroad. Carbures has received funding from Black Toro, Realza has acquired a stake in Litalsa and Plásticos Compuestos has received funding from La Caixa and the ICF.