The 96% of them investors that they invest in startups consider the talent internal as one of the main reasons that would lead them to increase their level of investment, according to the First Study on the Talent of Startups in Spain made by Talentoscope. This study shows that, although there is currently more capital available to invest, what is scarce are projects with highly talented teams. This context highlights the importance to have a solid team at any time emerging company.
What do investors look for in a startup?
As this important study reflects, investors not only evaluate the idea or the business model of a startup, but also the human team behind the project. According to the report, the 62% of investors considers it crucial to know the internal talent of startups before deciding to invest. This desire to transparency It not only seeks to reduce risks, but also to guarantee the scalability and sustainability of the project.
Furthermore, the study reveals that 6 out of 10 investors admit that they do not have enough information about the level of talent in the teams of the startups in which they invest. This lack of concrete data can make the investment process difficult, and in some cases even slow down. As a result, many investors are adopting more proactive roles, such as recommending candidates (45%) or jointly defining professional profiles with the founders (65%) to meet the needs of the project.
Commitment, teamwork and adaptability
Among the traits that investors value most in Founding partners of startups, they stand out commitmenthave orientation to results, teamwork and resolution capacityHowever, investors also identify significant shortcomings such as a poor capacity for collaboration and a limited adaptation to changeAccording to the report, one in two investors believes that the startups they invest in lack the flexibility to adapt to changes.
Marta Diaz Barrera, founder of Talentoscopio, highlights:
Not all profiles are suitable for working in all phases of the project. In the early stages, startups usually need highly specialized profiles, such as developers, technological architects and designers; while in later phases, more generalist and strategic profiles are sought.
The influence of investors in talent selection
A notable trend in the current context is the active role that many investors are taking regarding the formation of the team of the emerging companies. More than 65% of investors jointly defines with the founders the necessary and strategic profiles for the company's future employees.
This collaboration not only strengthens the team, but also minimizes the associated risks with the lack of talent and guarantees a alignment between the expectations of the investor and the objectives of the founding team. Therefore, it becomes a key factor in building a successful and scalable startup.
Tax and regulatory aspects that favor investment in talent
In Spain, measures such as the Startup Law have played a fundamental role in promoting talent attraction and foreign investment. Under this legislation, bureaucratic procedures for investors have been simplified and tax incentives have been introduced, such as the reduction of corporate tax from 25% to 15% during the first four years for new companies.
Tax benefits have also been implemented for key employees, such as exemption from stock options up to 50.000 euros and the possibility of deferring certain taxes during the first years of the company's activity. These measures aim not only to attract investors, but also to retain highly qualified professionals in Spanish startups.
The importance of leadership in startups
The success of any startup depends not only on an innovative idea, but also on the leadership skills of its founders. According to experts in investment rounds, the Investors particularly value to those leaders who demonstrate resilience, strategic vision and the ability to form solid teams.
In addition, credibility and previous experience of the founding team can be determining factors in the success of a project. In this sense, leaders must be prepared to answer key questions such as:
- What are the contingency plans if the business model does not work?
- How will the stability of the team be ensured in times of crisis?
- What strategies are there to attract and retain specialized talent?
The role of incentives and benefits for talent
To attract high-quality talent, many startups are implementing innovative compensation policies. The equity plans, which offer employees a stake in the company, have become a key tool not only for attracting talent, but also for fostering long-term commitment.
In addition, offering a flexible environment, opportunities for professional development and participating in disruptive projects are factors that motivate professionals to join startups instead of opting for most established companies.
As the startup ecosystem continues to grow in Spain, talent and human capital will continue to play a crucial role in the success of these companies. Investors are not only looking for innovative projects, but are also betting on committed teams, adaptable and with strategic skills. Therefore, investing in talent is not just a recommendation, but a necessity to position oneself in an increasingly competitive market.