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Industrial Heritage
Leveraging centuries of manufacturing excellence, focusing on advanced manufacturing and energy.
Community & Connectivity
Connect with the Basque Entrepreneurial Spirit
From informal "Startup & Pintxoak" meetups to high-stakes global innovation summits, discover where the Basque diaspora meets to innovate and grow.
Building Bridges Across Oceans
"Networking in the Basque context is about establishing trust, a 'hitza' (word), and a shared vision for community prosperity." — Andoni Ibarra
In 2026, the Basque Diaspora Business Directory & Entrepreneur Network acts as the central hub for entrepreneurs worldwide. Whether in Boise, Buenos Aires, or Bilbao, the opportunities for collaboration have never been more dynamic.
Our ecosystem thrives on a blend of industrial heritage and forward-thinking technology. This page serves as your guide to navigating professional gatherings and informal mixers defining our collective journey.
The "Startup & Pintxoak" Phenomenon
Where gastronomy meets growth. Discover why our most successful partnerships start with a bite and a glass of Txakoli.
Startup & Pintxoak: Beyond the Conference Room
Imagine an atmosphere where the pressure of the boardroom evaporates, replaced by the clinking of glasses and the aroma of world-class cuisine. This is the essence of Startup & Pintxoak.
- ✔ Informal Interaction: No rigid agendas—just organic conversations between founders and investors.
- ✔ Cultural Immersion: Every event features local culinary specialties, reinforcing our shared identity.
Bilbao: The Heartbeat of Euskadi
Once an industrial powerhouse, Bilbao has undergone a radical metamorphosis. Today, it stands as a global beacon for technology, design, and culture.
Did You Know?
The city's transformation lies in the dense cluster of innovation centers and tech-savvy talent.
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Support Ecosystem
Organizations like Beaz and SPRI provide the infrastructure for talent attraction and scale-up.
2026 Event Highlight Calendar
Mark your calendars for these high-impact gatherings across the Basque region and the diaspora.
MAR
2026
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Conference
A deep dive into the latest data driving the Basque economy and entrepreneurial trends.
Bilbao, Spain
NOV
2026
Basque Diaspora Global Summit
Celebrating entrepreneurial success stories from the international community. Feature interviews and workshops.
Virtual / Hybrid
JAN
2026
Startup & Pintxoak — Bilbao Winter Edition
The season-opening mixer for Basque founders and investors. Informal, agenda-free, and grounded in the city's best txikiteo bar route.
Bilbao, Spain
In-Person
APR
2026
Mondragon Cooperative Model Workshop
A deep-dive workshop on employee ownership structures, profit-sharing models, and governance practices inspired by the legendary Mondragon cooperative group in Arrasate.
Arrasate / Online
Hybrid
JUN
2026
Diaspora Founders Roundtable — London
Hosted at the City of London hub, this semi-annual roundtable convenes Basque-British entrepreneurs, private equity contacts, and cultural attachés from the Basque Government's delegation in the UK.
London, UK
In-Person
AUG
2026
North American Basque Organizations (NABO) Business Day
Held alongside NABO's annual convention, this dedicated business track connects Basque-American entrepreneurs in Boise, Reno, and Los Angeles with export-focused companies in Euskadi seeking US distribution.
Boise, USA
In-Person
SEP
2026
BilbaoTech Demo Day
A curated demo day for early-stage Basque startups across cleantech, advanced manufacturing, and agri-tech. Presentations to a panel of European and diaspora investors, followed by the iconic Aste Nagusia networking dinner.
Bilbao, Spain
In-Person
Virtual & Online Events
Distance is no obstacle for the Basque spirit. Our digital programme brings the community together regardless of geography.
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Monthly Founder Fireside
A 60-minute live conversation with a Basque diaspora entrepreneur. Audience Q&A included. Held every third Thursday of the month.
Monthly · Online🤝
Virtual Speed Networking
Quarterly 90-minute virtual sessions using rotating breakout rooms. Eight minutes per pairing. Attendees are pre-matched by sector and stage.
Quarterly · Online📊
Basque Economy Webinar Series
In-depth analysis of the Basque Autonomous Community's economic indicators, innovation policy, and investment climate. Hosted by the team behind our resources hub.
Bi-monthly · Online
The Basque Way
How to Network the Basque Way
Networking in a Basque context is shaped by deep cultural values. Understanding these unwritten rules will help you build lasting partnerships—not just transactional contacts.
1
Trust Before Business
Relationship-building precedes any commercial discussion. Attend multiple events before pitching. Be curious about the other person's heritage and journey.
2
Reciprocity is Sacred
The concept of Elkarlan means mutual contribution. Arrive ready to offer something—an introduction, a skill, or a resource—not just to receive.
3
Gastronomic Diplomacy
Food is central to Basque culture. Accepting an invitation to a pintxoak round or a shared meal is a sign of trust. Never decline food as a social gesture.
4
Long-term Thinking
Basque businesses—particularly cooperatives—are built with multi-generational horizons. Express commitment to sustainable growth rather than short-term gain.
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