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ConexiONEs Santander: connecting regions and talent
In this post, we share what happened at ConexiONEs Santander — a gathering where we proved that entrepreneurship means building together as a community.
After visiting the Canary Islands and Cuenca, ConexiONEs landed in Santander to continue building bridges between entrepreneurs, innovative organizations, public institutions, and key ecosystem players. This gathering was designed to exchange ideas, share real-life experiences, and spark meaningful connections.
The premise of the event was clear: entrepreneurship is about much more than scaling fast or raising funding rounds. Above all, it means building in community, sharing lessons learned, and supporting one another through uncertainty. That was the energy that filled the air on October 9 at the Santander International Center for Entrepreneurship (CISE), during a day that reaffirmed how individual success multiplies when rooted in the strength of the ecosystem.
The session kicked off with the launch of the ONE Platform — an open, free, and collaborative space dedicated to innovative entrepreneurship in Spain. This was followed by two panel discussions tackling some of the most pressing challenges: relationships between ecosystem agents and entrepreneurship in decentralized environments.
Relationships That Create Value
How can we get the most out of connections made at events? That was the guiding question of the first roundtable, moderated by Sara Lobete, external CMO and entrepreneurship mentor. The panel featured Verónica Román, CEO of Netkia; Mónika Marr, Director of MM Consulting; and Alejandro Varona Lanza, CEO and founder of Aldeas Activas.
The conversation explored the shift from transactional networking to building strategic relationships. The key takeaway? It’s not about collecting contacts — it’s about cultivating trust-based connections that deliver mutual value.
The speakers laid out a clear roadmap to achieve this: a process that starts before the event by identifying people of interest; continues during the gathering by prioritizing human connection in face-to-face interactions; and solidifies afterward through personalized follow-up that leads to high-quality meetings. While digital tools are essential, they emphasized that in-person events remain irreplaceable for fostering the kind of closeness that turns a contact into a true ally.
Entrepreneurship in decentralized ecosystems
The second conversation, also moderated by Sara, focused on the topic of “building companies in decentralized ecosystems.” It featured insights from three founders who launched their ventures outside major tech hubs: Verónica Díez, co-founder of BANBU; Sergio Pesquera, co-founder of Siali; and José Manuel Colsa, founder and CEO of VamosRural.
Each shared different motivations, but a common thread emerged: they identified a need in their local environment and chose to act. The discussion centered on the challenges and opportunities of starting businesses at the local level. Key advantages highlighted included proximity to customers, operational agility, and deep knowledge of the local ecosystem — all strategic differentiators.
Far from being a limitation, the speakers agreed that these environments offer competitive advantages, such as optimized cost structures and greater ability to attract and retain talent, thanks in part to increased flexibility. They also emphasized how technology serves as a powerful equalizer, proving that cutting-edge solutions can be developed from anywhere.
Sergio Pesquera captured the spirit of the session perfectly: “Even if a decentralized ecosystem lacks critical mass, it’s inspiring to see initiatives emerge that bring us together, helping us stay connected and collaborate as a community.”
Authentic networking: trust, purpose, and community
The event wrapped up with a networking activity designed to go beyond exchanging business cards. The goal was to foster meaningful interactions, giving attendees the chance to share specific challenges, identify synergies, and explore potential collaborations.
A revealing moment came after the final roundtable: when asked who didn’t know anyone in the room, several hands went up. That simple gesture instantly broke the ice, sparking conversations and reminding everyone that entrepreneurship isn’t a solo journey — it’s a collective adventure fueled by collaboration.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and made these conversations possible. ConexiONEs Santander has once again reaffirmed that connection and collaboration are essential to building an innovative and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.
But the best way to measure the impact of an event is by listening to those who were there. Here are a few reflections from participants:
“It’s a pleasure to see the ONE Platform stop in Santander — it’s one of the few times I’ve truly felt heard by public institutions.” — Alberto López de la Torre, founder of Manfacter
“Attending this event helped me connect with people in the ecosystem and showcase my project. The tips shared were incredibly valuable, and exciting synergies have already emerged for future collaborations.” — Sulma Gutiérrez, founder of Latinexion
“Cantabria has countless initiatives, but lacks a common thread. Having a platform like ONE here provides a framework so all those initiatives know what resources are available, what support exists, and which direction to take. For us as consultants, it makes our work easier.” — Juan Herrería, consultant at Vitoria Comunicación
ConexiONEs will continue traveling across regions to spark new synergies within the community. You can be part of it too! Visit the ONE Platform and stay up to date on upcoming events.