ConexiONEs Canarias: Learnings and experiences from the first gathering

Last Thursday, we hosted the first ConexiONEs event, a space designed to foster the exchange of experiences among entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals within the ecosystem. The event welcomed 80 attendees and was marked by enriching conversations, key learnings, and a pitch session where five startups presented their projects. Below, we share the main takeaways from the sessions and some testimonials from participants.

Debunking failure in entrepreneurship

One of the most significant discussions at the event revolved around the concept of failure in entrepreneurship. Although failure often carries negative connotations, it became clear that it is an inherent part of building any project.

Javier Garabal, Senior Fund Manager at Archipelago Next, provided an insightful perspective from the investment fund world, highlighting that resilience and the ability to learn from failure are key factors when assessing entrepreneurial talent. He emphasised that investors value individuals who have faced difficulties and adapted, as this demonstrates solidity and maturity in managing future challenges. He also stressed the importance of the team:
"A great idea with a bad team never works, but a bad idea with a great team can eventually succeed."

Gustavo Herrera, CEO & Co-Founder of A Factory, shared his 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience, explaining that despite past failures, he continues to face new challenges with a mindset of continuous learning.
"Failure is part of the journey. It’s not the end but an opportunity to improve and rethink strategies," he said.

From another perspective, Estefanía Castro, CEO & Founder of Eureka Emprende, underlined the need to change the narrative around failure, moving away from seeing it as an insurmountable obstacle.
"Failure is not the end of the road, but rather another stage in the growth and consolidation of any project," she stated.

Among the attendees, Ángel Gutiérrez from Catalyst Tools highlighted the value of this discussion:
"The session on entrepreneurial failures was spot on. I think it’s a topic people try to avoid, so I really enjoyed the talks from Javier Garabal, Julio from Galaga, and Leo. I learned a lot, and I believe it’s essential that these topics continue to be discussed at events like this."

Motivations for Entrepreneurship: Purpose and meaning

Another key theme of the day was the reflection on what drives people to become entrepreneurs. During this discussion, different motivations for starting a business or project were identified:

• Personal motivations: Leopoldo Machado, CEO & Co-Founder of Kanara, shared how his personal journey and experiences were the driving force behind his entrepreneurial path. For him, the purpose behind a project is crucial to maintaining long-term dedication and perseverance.
• Situational motivations: María Mayordomo, Founder of Cactus Coliving, explained how specific circumstances can act as a catalyst for decision-making. In many cases, entrepreneurship arises in response to a need or an opportunity identified in the environment.
• Conceptual motivations: Julio Rubio, Founder of Galaga Agency, discussed the importance of motivations driven by the desire to create impact or change paradigms. Empowerment and belief in an idea or mission can be crucial factors in sustaining long-term entrepreneurial efforts.

One of the most notable takeaways from this session was: "It is essential to have clarity in motivations—with a well-defined focus, a clear purpose, and, above all, a great deal of honesty throughout the process."

Miguel Quílez from Hiberus highlighted the impact of these events on the Canary Islands’ entrepreneurial ecosystem: "It’s great to have events like this in the Canary Islands. They provide an opportunity to understand the startup ecosystem both locally and beyond, take advantage of existing benefits, and, most importantly, connect with people we wouldn’t otherwise meet."

Andrea Martín from Homely also appreciated the event’s significance: "The event brought together key players from the entire ecosystem, and I truly believe it was worthwhile. It helped us discover different ideas and projects developing both on the island and elsewhere. It’s a fantastic initiative, as these types of events are usually held in larger cities, and we don’t always have the opportunity to attend them here."

Pitch Session: Showcasing new projects

To conclude the event, a pitch session took place, where five startups had the opportunity to present their projects to the audience and receive constructive feedback. This session not only allowed startups to showcase their initiatives but also fostered valuable idea exchange, potential collaborations, and synergies within the ecosystem.

This first ConexiONEs event has proven to be a key gathering for the entrepreneurial community, highlighting the importance of creating spaces for dialogue and shared learning. Reflecting on failure and motivations in entrepreneurship helps us build a more realistic, resilient, and continuously improving business culture.

José Navarro from Mentor Day emphasised the event’s value: "It has been a space to connect different ecosystem players, learn about ongoing activities and support available."

Leopoldo Machado from Kanara also expressed his gratitude: "With every event, every interview, every step, we grow together. These initiatives bring immense value to the real entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Canary Islands, helping us connect with investors, partners, and mentors."

Julio Rubio from Galaga Agency shared his impressions: "It has been an absolute pleasure. The talks were fantastic, and I think an event like this was much needed in the Canary Islands. There is a lot of entrepreneurial talent here, but we need to create the right environment and opportunities to connect it. I’ve gained so much from this, and I truly hope this won’t be the last time I participate."

We extend our thanks to all those who took part in this event, sharing their experiences and insights. This is just the beginning of a series of gatherings aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Let’s keep connecting and learning together!