Last September, I had the opportunity to participate in an international mission organized by UGR Emprendedora that took us to Cologne and Düsseldorf from September 9 to 12. I would like to especially thank UGR Emprendedora for the invitation to participate in this experience which, as CEO of Montevive AI, allowed me to gain firsthand insight into one of Europe’s most robust entrepreneurial ecosystems.
The mission, framed within the European ACCENT project connecting Granada, Cologne, and Padua, brought together 9 Spanish startups with the aim of strengthening ties with the German startup ecosystem. However, what we did not expect was that this experience would also help the Granada startups to get to know each other better and strengthen our own bonds. Undoubtedly, these local connections will generate opportunities sooner rather than later.
Wednesday: The Power of Köln Business
Our first stop was Köln Business, Cologne’s economic development agency, where Gil Baxpehler welcomed us with a presentation that changed my perspective on institutional support for startups.
More than 80 professionals work exclusively to ensure the well-being of companies in Cologne. It’s not just bureaucracy; it’s an ecosystem designed for startups to thrive. Gil explained the tangible benefits of establishing a registered office in the city: from tax incentives to privileged access to a network of mentors and investors.
What struck me most was the service-oriented mindset. While in Spain we often struggle against the administration, here the administration fights for businesses. It’s a paradigm shift that explains why Germany leads in deeptech and manufacturing.
Gateway: Networking That Works
In the afternoon, we visited the offices of Gateway Exzellenz Start-up Center, the University of Cologne’s excellence center for startups. Here we met the resident startups and shared a meal that became the best networking session of the trip.
Gateway is not just a coworking space; it is an innovation ecosystem that connects university research with commercial application. The startups we met had an impressive technical level, but what struck me most was their focus on scalability from day one.
The German model prioritizes long-term sustainability over explosive growth. This philosophy aligns perfectly with sectors like ours, where security and trust are fundamental.
Future Tech Fest: The Deeptech Epicenter
On Thursday, we traveled to Düsseldorf for the Future Tech Fest, and this is where I truly understood the scale of the German ecosystem. The concentration of deeptech startups was impressive: from biotechnology to quantum computing, including our specialty, AI applied to security.
What surprised me most was finding so many AI companies focused on security, exactly as we do at Montevive. According to recent data, the European cybersecurity market grew by 13% in the first half of 2025, driven by the current geopolitical environment. Germany is leading this trend.
The networking was exceptional. We established connections with startups that could become strategic partners for expanding Montevive into the German market. The collaborative, rather than competitive, mindset opens doors that remain closed in other ecosystems.
The Unexpected Value: Granada Networking
One of the most valuable aspects of this mission was getting to know the other 8 Granada startups that participated. During transfers, meals, and networking moments, we had the opportunity to deeply understand what each one does, identify synergies, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.
This local networking is pure gold. Often, we are so focused on looking outward that we miss the opportunities right next to us. The Granada startups that participated have complementary profiles, and I am convinced that these connections will generate collaboration opportunities sooner rather than later.
Lessons for the Spanish Ecosystem
This experience has left me with several important reflections:
1. The difference between the “what” and the “why”: As our colleagues at Datharsis rightly point out in their analysis, the German ecosystem is not content with merely measuring; it seeks to understand the underlying causes. This rigorous analytical mindset is what allows for the creation of truly disruptive solutions.
2. The value of institutional support: The 80+ professionals at Köln Business are not an expense; they are an investment. The ROI of well-structured public support is evident in the quality and sustainability of German startups.
3. Strategic networking: It’s not about exchanging business cards, but about creating real synergies. The Future Tech Fest demonstrated that when you bring the right people together in the right environment, magic happens.
4. European complementarity: The ACCENT project demonstrates that collaboration between ecosystems multiplies opportunities. Granada contributes talent and creativity, Cologne offers structure and market, and Padua connects with Italian innovation.
The Future is Collaborative
This mission has reinforced my conviction that the future of European entrepreneurship is collaborative. The startups that will succeed are those that know how to navigate between ecosystems, leveraging the strengths of each.
For Montevive AI, Cologne has opened a strategic door to the German market. But beyond commercial opportunities, we have gained a broader perspective on how to build sustainable and scalable companies.
Thanks again to UGR Emprendedora for making this experience possible and for their tireless work in strengthening the Granada startup ecosystem. Initiatives like this demonstrate that well-executed institutional collaboration multiplies opportunities for everyone.
My recommendation for other entrepreneurs: Do not underestimate the value of international missions. A week in Cologne is worth more than months of online research. The entrepreneurial ecosystem is lived, breathed, and experienced.
Are you ready to explore new horizons? The world is smaller than you think, and opportunities are waiting across the border.
