When we talk about startups in Europe, the conversation often revolves around major tech hubs like Berlin, Paris, London or Barcelona. While these cities certainly deserve attention, focusing only on them risks overlooking the innovation happening in smaller, often underestimated regions. Some of the most interesting, purpose-driven ventures are emerging far from the spotlight—places where operating costs are lower, ecosystems are tight-knit, and founders are building companies that are both ambitious and deeply connected to local needs.
Spain is a great example of this broader shift. While Madrid and Barcelona continue to lead in visibility and deal volume, innovation is thriving across the country, from Galicia to Valencia and, increasingly, in the south. Andalusia, in particular, is becoming a dynamic ecosystem in its own right. With its mix of talent, academic institutions, public support, and growing investor interest, the region is attracting founders working on everything from AI and fintech to cleantech and smart infrastructure.
In this article, we highlight 10 standout startups based in Andalusia founded between 2019 and today. From digital tools for smarter grids and water use to platforms simplifying payments or boosting e-commerce sales, these companies show just how much innovation is bubbling outside the traditional startup centres.
Adaion: Based in Granada, Adaion is an AI-powered platform that helps grid operators optimise electrical grid performance through real-time diagnostics, automated planning, and data-driven insights. It creates a high-fidelity digital twin of the grid by integrating GIS and AMI data, correcting errors, and enabling accurate, scenario-based simulations.
With tools like AdaionTwin and Adaion Copilot, it boosts productivity, enhances infrastructure planning, and ensures regulatory compliance for a more resilient and efficient energy network. Founded in 2021, they have raised over €2.5 million.
Agrow Analytics: Based in Málaga, Agrow Analytics is a water sustainability company that helps businesses measure, optimise, and offset their water footprint using innovative, data-driven solutions. It offers tools for water footprint certification, precision irrigation for agriculture, and collective action projects aimed at restoring stressed watersheds and supporting local communities.
Founded in 2021, with a mission to empower companies in the global transition to sustainable water management, Agrow has secured over €1 million, impacted 32 key watersheds and contributed to saving 9.6 billion litres of freshwater.
BIGhub: Based in Huelva, BIGhub is a marketplace integration platform that helps businesses accelerate their sales across Europe by centralising operations across leading marketplaces. It simplifies listing products, managing stock, monitoring competition, and handling logistics, pricing, and finances—all from a single interface.
With tools like price comparison, unified stock control, and marketplace-ready integration, BIGhub streamlines e-commerce growth and gives brands greater visibility and competitiveness online. Founded in 2020, they have raised €10 million.
Build to Zero: Based in Sevilla, Build to Zero is a climate tech company helping industries decarbonise heat generation through its proprietary ThermalBox® technology. Designed to deliver 24/7 emission-free heat below 400 °C, it uses renewable-powered thermal energy storage to economically replace fossil fuels in sectors like food, chemicals, and mining.
Modular, scalable, and digitally controlled, Buils to Zero offers a cost-effective path to net-zero operations for medium-to-low temperature industrial processes. Founded in 2022, they have secured €2.5 million.
CheKin: Based in Sevilla, CheKin is a digital solution that automates the check-in process for tourist accommodations, making it fast, legal, and hassle-free. It enables online guest registration, identity verification, remote access via smart locks, digital contract signing, tourist tax management, and upselling of extra services
Integrated with leading PMS platforms and used in over 45 countries, CheKin helps property managers save time, improve compliance, and enhance the guest experience. Founded in 2019, they have secured €3.7 million.
Debos: Based in Granada, Debos is a digital platform that simplifies the process of turning buildings into smart spaces. It connects different systems—like door access, heating, and energy monitoring—into one easy-to-use app.
Founded in 2020, they have secured €1.5 million to help property managers and developers save time and money while improving the experience for residents. Debos also helps buildings meet international certifications and ensures data is kept secure.
Ikualo: Based in Málaga, Íkualo is a financial app designed especially for immigrants in Europe, offering quick, secure access to a bank account using just a passport, NIE, or DNI. With Íkualo, users can open an account in minutes, send and receive money across the EU with no extra fees, and access both physical and virtual VISA debit cards.
The app also includes features like instant payment alerts, card freezing, and face or touch ID login for security. Founded in 2023, by and for immigrants, Íkualo has raised €1 million, aiming to simplify financial life and offer services that truly support newcomers in managing their money and building their future.
InsectBiotech: Based in Jaén, InsectBiotech is a climate-focused company transforming agricultural and food byproduct residues—like olive crop waste—into valuable, low-carbon products such as protein, fertiliser, and sustainable materials using Black Soldier Fly larvae.
Their process cuts emissions and land use while supporting regenerative agriculture. Starting in Andalusia, they aim to produce 150,000 tonnes of low-carbon protein annually by 2031. Founded in 2023, they have secured over €2 million to cut agricultural waste and emissions while creating high-impact, eco-friendly solutions for the future of food.
Zexel: Based in Málaga, is an influence campaign management software streamlining internal financial administrative processes between agencies and influencers. Through its solution Zexel Pay, it enables one-click payments to creators and issues consolidated invoices on their behalf, removing fiscal barriers and simplifying influencer marketing operations.
The platform also supports creators with tax advice, removing legal and fiscal barriers. It’s a streamlined solution for managing large-scale influencer campaigns. Founded in 2021, they have secured €850k.
Zinkee: Based in Sevilla, is a technology-driven firm that creates and implements business management tools aimed at fostering company growth. By offering innovative solutions, they empower businesses to optimise operations, improve efficiency, and achieve their strategic objectives.
Flexible and intuitive, Zinkee adapts to each business without the need for developers or complex setups, making it easy to scale as operations grow. Founded in 2020, they have raised €1.9 million.
By the way: If you’re a corporate or investor looking for exciting startups in a specific market for a potential investment or acquisition, check out our Startup Sourcing Service!
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/05/looking-beyond-the-hubs-10-startups-powering-andalusias-tech-rise/
