On Thursday, July 17, the boardroom of the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO) hosted the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Fundación Innovación y Desarrollo (Innovation and Development Business Angels Foundation, FIDBAN). During the meeting, the Foundation’s Action Plan for the 2025-2026 academic year was approved. FIDBAN Director Diego Laínz presented a summary of the activities carried out during the 2024-2025 period, highlighting the progress made in promoting entrepreneurship and investment.
The FIDBAN Board of Trustees, made up of key institutions such as the European University of the Atlantic (UNEATLANTICO), SODERCAN, FUNIBER, the Center for Industrial Research and Technology of Cantabria (CITICAN), the City Councils of Santander and Torrelavega, and CEOE CEPYME, expressed its satisfaction with the achievements made in the past year.
Review of the 2024-2025 Academic Year: A Year of Growth and Consolidation
During the 2024-2025 academic year, FIDBAN focused its priorities on entrepreneurship, investment, and internationalization, with a particular focus on supporting the business ecosystem of Cantabria.
In Cantabria, three investment rounds were organized to connect innovative startups with investors. These sessions, the 21st, held in October 2024, the 22nd in December, and the 23rd in March 2025, held at UNEATLANTICO, included the presentation of nine projects and featured “Success Stories” such as Las Hermanísimas and Bambú, who shared their experiences, as well as the perspective of experts in the field of investment such as Juan Carlos Bugallo, who presented “La Cantera Capital.” The 24th round, which was proposed for this academic year, was rescheduled for October of the following cycle at the request of the entrepreneurs who will present their start-ups.
For its part, international expansion was one of FIDBAN’s key priorities, strengthening its presence in Latin America. Investor rounds were held in Guatemala (October 16 and 17, 2024); Puebla, Mexico (October 22, 2024); Santiago, Chile (June 12, 2025); and Lima, Peru (June 16, 2025), providing visibility to high-impact projects and promoting Cantabria as a global investment destination. International chapters were also consolidated in Mexico, Peru, and Chile, and missions were carried out to strengthen strategic alliances in the region, including a visit to Colombia.
In the area of talent development and employability, FIDBAN actively collaborated with the European University of the Atlantic in organizing seven conferences in the employability and entrepreneurship series “What now?”, which featured the participation of prominent figures from the business world, focused on providing the university community with a clearer vision of the opportunities available after completing their studies.
The Foundation also strengthened its ties with key entities through various collaborations and agreements. An agreement was signed with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, FUNIBER, and UNEATLANTICO to promote entrepreneurial culture and international relations. FIDBAN actively participated in events such as the CEOE-CEPYME C-Meet and collaborated in the “Investment in Technology Startups” event alongside the Santander City Council, the Torrelavega Chamber of Commerce, and ADL Torrelavega. The Foundation continued its commitment to the Spanish Association of Business Angels Networks (AEBAN), participating in its 12th Annual Congress and on the Board of Directors. In addition, collaboration with the STARTinnova program was essential for training young entrepreneurs and evaluating their projects.
Action Plan 2025-2026: Continuous Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Investment
At this regular meeting of the FIDBAN Board of Trustees, the Action Plan for the 2025-2026 academic year, presented by Dr. Rubén Calderón, was approved, reaffirming FIDBAN’s commitment to promoting the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem. This new plan will continue the strategic lines that have defined the Foundation’s success, seeking to enhance investment opportunities and internationalization, as well as strengthening support for entrepreneurship in Cantabria, in line with the objectives of its trustees.
Building on the achievements of the previous year and with a solid vision for the future, FIDBAN is consolidating its position as a benchmark in connecting entrepreneurial talent with investment capital, contributing to economic development and job creation.