SCALING STARTUPS INTO GLOBAL LEADERS

VDS Scaleup Alliance is an international platform designed to accelerate the evolution of the entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting startups in their transition into competitive, resilient and globally positioned scaleups. The initiative emerges at a pivotal moment in which the European Union has placed startup and scaleup growth at the centre of its competitiveness agenda. VDS Scaleup Alliance responds to this strategic context by articulating a coordinated framework capable of aligning talent, capital, regulation and ecosystem actors under a shared vision. Promoted by VDS & Startup Valencia, the Alliance is an open, inclusive and collaborative initiative. It is designed to integrate leading national stakeholders  innovation hubs, corporations, investment funds, public administrations, universities and industry associations  within a strategic board that ensures shared governance, alignment and long-term impact. VDS Scaleup Alliance adheres to Allied for Startups, European Startup Network and Scale Cities aligning with European principles that promote regulatory simplification, talent mobility, access to capital and international expansion across the continent. Our ambition is clear: to position VDS as a proactive contributor to the European scaleup agenda and as a strategic bridge between European innovation ecosystems and global markets.

Mission

To accelerate the evolution of European startups into globally competitive scaleups through a coordinated, internationally oriented national framework that strengthens innovation capacity, attracts capital and enhances long-term economic competitiveness.

40,000+


Startups & scaleups in Europe

50%


Of growth capital in Europe comes from outside the region

$45B+


Annual startup investment in Europe

3M+


Tech startup jobs created in the EU (last decade)

Source: European Comission, Reuters, Dealroom

Strategic Objectives


01

Accelerate the Startup → Scaleup Pathway

Create the structural conditions that enable sustainable growth, operational scalability and international expansion.


02

Reduce Regulatory Frictions

Promote frameworks aligned with European standards that simplify business activity and reduce barriers across all growth stages.


03

Strengthen Internationalisation

Connect the VDS ecosystem with strategic European and global hubs to facilitate cross-border collaboration and market access.


04

Mobilise Capital

Facilitate access to institutional and private investment that supports scale-stage growth and long-term competitiveness.


05

Foster Global Talent Mobility

Promote the attraction, retention and circulation of high-skilled talent across Europe.


06

Reinforce National Ecosystem Coordination

Integrate cities, regions and key stakeholders into a coherent strategy aligned with the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy.


07

Represent VDS in the European Scaleup Agenda

Position VDS as an active, innovative and strategic partner within the evolving European innovation landscape.


08

Establish a High-Level National Board

Bring together leading ecosystem figures to ensure governance, strategic direction and coordinated execution.

Team