From the industrial heart of Bizkaia to the tech hubs of Silicon Valley and London, we track the entrepreneurs redefining the Basque economic footprint.
As we navigate through 2026, the Basque Country—and specifically the province of Bizkaia—stands as a beacon of structural transformation. What was once the heavy industrial engine of Southern Europe has successfully pivoted into a sophisticated, knowledge-based economy. This transition is not accidental but the result of decades of strategic public-private collaboration.
The integration of institutions like the University of Deusto and the Guggenheim Museum into the urban fabric of Bilbao has created a unique ecosystem where culture and commerce converge. This synergy has positioned Bilbao as one of the top European cities for foreign investment, particularly in sectors focused on sustainability and deep tech.
Today, the region boasts an advanced infrastructure that supports a thriving network of startups. The commitment to technology is evident in the revitalization of the Zorrotzaurre district, now a full-fledged innovation island. This local success provides the "home base" from which our global diaspora draws inspiration and resources.
The latest headlines from our entrepreneurial community.
A consortium of diaspora investors from San Francisco and Mexico City has led a massive funding round for three Bilbao-based artificial intelligence firms.
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Andoni Ibarra joins the opening of the latest diaspora workspace in Shoreditch, designed to bridge UK markets with Basque talent.
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Exploring the breakthroughs in hydrogen propulsion being developed by Basque-heritage engineers in Southwestern France.
Read MoreAccording to recent data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the Basque Country reinforces its position as a Tier-1 technology hub. In late 2025, the region surpassed the milestone of 1,100 active technology-based startups. These firms are not just numbers; they represent a significant shift toward the Basque Smart Specialisation Strategy.
The investment climate has seen unprecedented growth. With over 130 active public and private investors, the region saw an injection of over €200 million in 2025 alone. A critical driver of this success is the Inter-institutional Entrepreneurship Plan (PIE 2024-2027), which provides a roadmap for sustainable growth.
Platforms like Up! Euskadi and the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) act as the connective tissue, ensuring that research in laboratories translates directly into market-ready innovations. This "Scientific-Technological Network" is the backbone that diaspora entrepreneurs often leverage when seeking high-tech manufacturing partners back home.
Estimate the potential market reach of your business by leveraging the global Basque network.
"Transnationalism is the ability to walk in two worlds simultaneously, creating value at the intersection."
Diaspora entrepreneurship is defined by its basis in transnational cultural, institutional, and economic embeddedness. Unlike traditional immigrant business owners who may serve only their local enclave, diaspora entrepreneurs act as bridges. They identify niche opportunities that require deep knowledge of both their origin country (Euskadi) and their current residence (e.g., Boise, Mexico City, or Sydney).
Research suggests that migrants are often more inclined toward entrepreneurship due to a naturally higher risk tolerance—the very act of migrating is a venture into the unknown. Furthermore, their unique positioning allows them to spot "market gaps" that locals might overlook. For example, a Basque entrepreneur in Japan might recognize the unmet demand for specific high-precision industrial components manufactured only in the Gipuzkoa valley.
Despite its immense potential, diaspora entrepreneurship remains underrepresented in academic policy. At the Basque Diaspora Business Directory, we aim to fill this gap by providing the visibility and data needed to recognize these individuals as "global talent" rather than just "migrants." As noted in "Bridging Cultures and Markets", the economic influence of these networks often exceeds that of formal state-to-state trade agreements.
of Fortune 500
Companies founded by immigrants or their children.
Annual Remittances
Flowing into developing and transitioning economies via diasporas.
Euskal Etxeak
Basque cultural centers worldwide acting as business nodes.
Innovation Rate
Diaspora-led firms are 3.5x more likely to patent internationally.
Recent research from MDPI highlights how Basque-American entrepreneurs in Idaho and Nevada are using "Blockchain-driven digital nomadism" to maintain real-time industrial links with Vizkaia.
In Argentina, a new generation of Basque descendants is moving away from traditional agriculture into high-end software development, outsourcing work to Bilbao-based agencies during the Southern Hemisphere's winter. This creates a year-round productivity cycle.
"The Basque brand is synonymous with reliability. When I approach clients in Buenos Aires, my heritage is my greatest credential." — Maria G., Software Architect.
Explore CultureFor years, migration was viewed negatively as a loss of human capital. Today, we advocate for a paradigm shift. Migrants are not a loss; they are ambassadors and innovators. The challenge lies in the social and cultural dislocation that many feel. By providing tools like our Global Directory, we foster a sense of belonging that transcends geography.
As the Lehendakari (President of the Basque Country) noted during his last visit to the US, the diaspora must play an active role in creating opportunities for the homeland. This is a two-way street that requires enabling policies and a robust digital infrastructure.
Simply visit our Contact page and submit your business details. We prioritize businesses with at least one founder of Basque heritage.
The e-Diaspora refers to the digital networking of ethnic communities. In our context, it’s the use of platforms, blockchain, and social media to conduct business across the Basque world.
Yes. Check our Resources page for information on regional grants from the Basque Government (SPRI) and private diaspora venture funds.
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