The Innovation and Development Foundation (FIDBAN) held its 26th Investor Roundtable at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO). The event underscored the growth of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, highlighting that, of the more than 100 projects that have passed through FIDBAN, nearly half are now established businesses.
During the opening of the round, Diego Lainz, director of FIDBAN, highlighted Cantabria’s role as a strategic location for investment, mentioning initiatives such as the “Origen 0” community, set up by entrepreneurs in the region, and SODERCAN’s new portal, “Startin Cantabria”, designed to inform and attract start-ups and capital to the region. He also highlighted the region’s busy international schedule, with upcoming rounds in Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia.
Social Entrepreneurship and Diversity at the heart of the debate.
The event featured an interview with Rosario Ortiz, founder of ADALAB, who spoke about her experience of relocating her business to Cantabria in search of a better quality of life and growth potential. Ortiz highlighted the success of her technology school, which has trained 1,300 women with employment rates of up to 90%. During the talk, the concept of social entrepreneurship was explored in depth, arguing that the pursuit of impact is not incompatible with profitability and that social innovation is a powerful draw for smart capital.
In the presentation session, two technology-based start-ups caught the investors’ attention:
The first project to be presented was Manfacter (Industrial Deep Tech), where Alberto López de la Torre, the company’s CEO, presented his on-demand manufacturing platform that digitises a traditionally outdated sector. With monthly growth of 17% and a 85% retention rate, Manfacter has managed to reduce quotation times from weeks to just 5 minutes. The start-up is seeking a €325,000 funding round to scale up its operations.
Next, César de la Torre, CTO of Panssari (Dual-Use Security), presented his security platform for critical infrastructure, which utilises AI and a disruptive antenna technology currently being patented, capable of detecting intruders within areas of 500×500 metres without the need for cameras. With facilities already operational at the Port of Santander and Endesa power stations, the company is seeking €560,000 to boost its multi-channel sales and manufacture hardware. Its recent international agreement with EUROMEXIA to develop solutions for autonomous mobility attracted particular attention.
The event concluded with a networking session during which entrepreneurs, officials and investors exchanged views on the future of these projects in Cantabria and on international markets.
About FIDBAN: A non-profit foundation whose aim is to connect entrepreneurial projects with private capital. Through its international network spanning more than 35 countries, it promotes Cantabria as an ideal location for entrepreneurship and investment.
The 26th Round reaffirms FIDBAN’s commitment — as a member of the Spanish Business Angels Association (AEBAN) — to supporting emerging projects. Since 2017, the Foundation, which is supported by a Board of Trustees comprising organisations such as UNEATLANTICO, SODERCAN, FUNIBER, CEOE and the City Councils of Santander and Torrelavega, has served as a platform for more than 100 start-ups in Cantabria and Latin America.
The full video of the round is available on the official FIDBAN channel at
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/7cKSLNuZLdg?si=dYFrx-cpCGc8HdSO