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The Rise of Málaga’s Startup Scene

Rise of Málaga Startups
In the past ten years, 148 new tech companies have launched in Málaga, collectively employing over 2,000 people and generating nearly €400 million in revenue. That’s not a random boom—it’s a signal. Málaga is no longer just a great place to live. It’s becoming a great place to build.
At malagastartups.com, we’re proud to support this shift.

We spotlight founders, connect them to resources, and help build the bridges between early-stage energy and long-term success. We’re not a directory—we’re a growing movement of people who want to see Málaga thrive. 

 

A Thriving Ecosystem

Let’s break it down:

  • Two-thirds of the 148 tech companies created in Málaga over the last decade are startups. The rest are fast-growing scaleups or innovation-driven SMEs.

  • Málaga is now #6 in Spain in terms of total number of tech companies—and #4 when it comes to tech employment growth. That’s ahead of many bigger cities that used to dominate the map.

  • The focus areas are no joke: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, green energy, and digital health are among the city’s standout specializations.

  • Talent is staying. More engineers and developers are choosing Málaga not just for the sun—but for real, meaningful career paths.

  • Government and academic support is growing, with centers like the Andalusia Technology Park (PTA) playing a key role in anchoring innovation.

And it’s not just about the new. Málaga’s economy is anchored by serious players.

A recent report from La Opinión de Málaga shows that the top 100 companies in the province now generate a combined €13 billion in revenue. From Dcoop (agro-industry), to Acotral (logistics), to Primor (retail) and Mayoral (fashion), this isn’t a speculative ecosystem. It’s grounded. And that stability creates the perfect environment for innovation to scale.

 

Why Founders Are Taking Notice

The reasons for this momentum are stacking up:

  • Infrastructure is here: Thanks to Málaga’s international airport, fast internet, coworking spaces, and proximity to major EU markets, companies can operate globally while living locally.

  • The cost of living is still founder-friendly: Especially when compared to Barcelona or Madrid.

  • Capital is getting closer: More Spanish and international investors are coming down to Málaga to explore early-stage deals.

  • A new generation of entrepreneurs is emerging: International and local talent are mixing, building, and sharing knowledge more than ever.

And crucially: people are helping each other. The ecosystem still feels human-scale. You can meet your next investor at a rooftop drink, or find your CTO at a MálagaStartups.com meetup.

 

What We’re Doing at MálagaStartups.com

We started malagastartups.com to support exactly this kind of momentum.

  • We feature local founders, not just the flashy ones, but also the quietly brilliant teams solving real problems.

  • We share insights—from funding trends to tech events—so people can navigate the scene faster.

  • We connect the dots between talent, capital, and opportunity. If we know someone who can help, we make the intro.

  • We help shape the ecosystem’s international narrative, so Málaga doesn’t get overlooked in global conversations.

What’s Next?

Startup Weekend Málaga is one of the most vibrant grassroots events in the ecosystem, giving new founders the tools, mentors, and community they need to validate their ideas and launch. It’s these collisions—between early-stage enthusiasm and experienced operators—that make the difference. Join in – from 6th to the 8th of June 2025!

Impression of DES2024

And from 10th to 12th of June, the Digital Enterprise Show DES 2025 will bring international eyes to the city again. But events come and go. What matters is what stays behind.

The founders.

The connections.

The ideas that don’t fade after the applause.

If you’re a founder, investor, tech worker, or just startup-curious—this is the moment. Málaga’s not waiting anymore. And we’re here to help you be part of it.

📚 Sources & Further Reading