The session brought together business leaders and investors to explore the expanding opportunities for U.S. companies in Europe and to discover how Madrid is positioning itself as a natural gateway for those seeking to scale and operate internationally.
Moderated by Juan Carlos Pereira, Executive Director of the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the panel featured Charly Esnal (CEO of Mana Tech), Carlos Armengol (Co-CEO U.S. of Job&Talent), Isaac de la Peña (Partner at Buena Vista Ventures), and José María Baños (Angel Investor and Founding Partner & Managing Director of LETSLAW).
Ignacio Cid, Investment Manager at Invest in Madrid, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the region’s long-term commitment to fostering innovation, attracting foreign investment, and creating bridges between Spain and the Americas. One of the central topics discussed was talent, widely recognized as one of Madrid’s greatest strengths. The region boasts 50.5% of its working population with a university degree—15 points above the EU average—and over 270,000 professionals employed in the technology sector. As Carlos Armengol highlighted, “the quality, range, and resilience of Madrid’s talent—from engineers to top management—together with its competitive costs compared to other European cities, have been key to our success and continued growth.” This combination of education, skills, and cost efficiency continues to draw global companies seeking both innovation and operational excellence.
The discussion also underscored Madrid’s rapid rise as a European innovation hub. Concentrating 85% of Spain’s data-center capacity and 26% of national R&D investment, the region has become a strategic magnet for tech companies and investors. Isaac de la Peña pointed to Ienai Space, a Madrid-based startup developing advanced electric propulsion systems and satellite optimization software, as a clear example of the type of innovation thriving in the region and attracting international capital.
Panelists also explored Madrid’s tax incentives and investment support programs that simplify doing business. José María Baños detailed initiatives such as Rising Up in Spain, which guide international startups through legal, operational, and soft-landing processes, offering practical tools to establish and grow successfully in the region.
Scale Beyond Borders showcased Madrid’s dynamic mix of talent, innovation, and opportunity—reinforcing its position as a leading gateway for U.S. companies
expanding into Europe.