The Canary Islands are emerging as a strategic platform for international startups looking to establish themselves in Europe. With enticing tax advantages, access to three continents, and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, the islands are becoming a hotspot for innovation and business growth. On May 19, 2026, mentorDay participated in the launch of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026, a leading global ranking compiled by StartupBlink. This index analyzes over 1,500 cities across 120 countries, showcasing why the Canary Islands are a unique opportunity for investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers worldwide.
What is the Global Startup Ecosystem Index and why does it matter?
The Global Startup Ecosystem Index (GSEI) is the most comprehensive annual report on the state of entrepreneurial ecosystems globally. Published by StartupBlink, a firm specializing in mapping startup ecosystems, the 2026 edition evaluates cities based on three dimensions: the number of startups, the quality of projects, and the overall business environment. For an accelerator like mentorDay, which operates in 40 countries, being included in this index is not just about visibility; it’s a vital opportunity to connect local ecosystems with investors and founders who rely on the index to decide where to establish their businesses.
Why the Canary Islands are a gateway to Europe, Africa, and America
The geographical location of the Canary Islands is a significant advantage. Situated less than two hours from major European capitals, four hours from West Africa, and directly connected to Latin and North America, the islands serve as a strategic hub. Coupled with a tax framework approved by the European Union, which includes a 4% corporate tax rate in the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC) and a reduced IGIC (Canary Islands General Indirect Tax) of 6.5%, the archipelago offers one of the most competitive regulatory environments in Europe for internationally focused startups.
These incentives are further enhanced by deductions of up to 75.6% for R&D expenses, the possibility of deducting up to 90% of investments through the Canary Islands Investment Reserve (RIC), and access to subsidies of up to 80% and participating loans of up to 100%. These figures are backed by Spanish regulations and the European Commission’s state aid framework, making the Canary Islands an attractive option for startups.
How mentorDay presented the Canary Islands’ entrepreneurial ecosystem
At the GSEI 2026 presentation, Jaime Cavero Gandarias, founder and president of mentorDay, shared insights from his 30 years of experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. His message was clear: the Canary Islands are not just an appealing place to live; they are a genuine platform for business growth. As a Gold Business Ambassador for the Government of the Canary Islands, mentorDay facilitates direct meetings with local government officials for international projects interested in establishing themselves in the archipelago.
The ecosystem is further bolstered by active investors like DRAPER B1 and Archipiélago Next, along with over 1,200 volunteers—entrepreneurs, investors, and experts—who contribute their time and expertise pro bono to accelerate projects. Notably, mentorDay’s acceleration program was ranked number 1 in Spain by the Funcas Ranking (2022-2023) and recognized in the Top 5 worldwide by UBI Global (2021-2022).
What does mentorDay’s free soft-landing program in the Canary Islands include?
For international startups aiming to establish themselves in the Canary Islands, mentorDay offers a free soft-landing program with new applications every month. This program is designed to facilitate a quick and smooth entry into the local ecosystem, and its main elements include:
- Free workspace for 6 months in the mentorDay business center, along with access to over 200 perks valued at approximately 200,000 euros.
- Legal and visa advice, including personalized guidance to obtain the Entrepreneur Visa provided for by the Spanish Startups Law.
- 60 speed mentoring meetings with experts across various business areas.
- Adaptation of the business model to the European market, complete with a roadmap and mentor support for one year.
- Access to investors through the monthly Investor Day and direct connections with business angels and active funds in the archipelago.
The Canary Islands’ entrepreneurial ecosystem is more than just tax incentives; it’s a robust support network. mentorDay has accelerated over 3,000 companies in 40 countries, contributing to the creation of more than 9,000 jobs, and maintains a network of over 1,000 accredited mentors. This human capital is dedicated to supporting international projects arriving in the archipelago through the soft-landing program.
A unique validation marketplace in Europe
With a population of approximately one million residents and a diverse demographic profile, the Canary Islands provide an ideal market for agile validation for startups looking to test their models before scaling to the rest of Europe or Latin America. Internationalization from a territory with a special economic regime reduces entry costs and accelerates learning cycles. According to the European Commission, outermost regions like the Canary Islands have access to differentiated structural and investment funds, further enhancing their appeal for innovative projects.
For any entrepreneur or investor evaluating where to establish their next company, the Canary Islands’ entrepreneurial ecosystem offers a combination that is hard to find elsewhere in Europe: competitive taxation, a geostrategic position, quality of life, and an accelerator with an international presence ready to facilitate every step of the process at no cost.
You can see the full presentation in the video:
Do you want to establish your startup in the Canary Islands?
With over 100 successful programs, more than 3,000 accelerated companies in 40 countries, and a network of over 1,000 active mentors, mentorDay offers a free soft-landing program in the Canary Islands, with new programs opening every month. This includes workspace, legal and visa advice, speed mentoring with 60 experts, and support to adapt your business model to the European market. If you’re considering where to establish your company, mentorDay can facilitate every step of the process at no cost.
Discover the soft landing program in the Canary Islands:
https://mentorday.es/programas/softlanding/
