Not in the physical sense, of course, but in a fiercely-contestedTNW Valenciapitch battle.
Valencia provided the perfect stage for the showdown.
The region is Spainsfastest-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, with the most startups per capita in the country.
It was also bathed in glorious sunshine but this was no vacation for the contenders.
Before we reveal the winner, here are the eight elite finalists who pitched for first place.
40% off TNW Conference!
Internxthas created an alternative model:data storagethat respects user privacy.
The Valencia-based startup provides an end-to-end encrypted cloud storage service, which means nobody can see your files.
Founded in 2020, the company has positioned itself as a privacy-centric competitor to Google Drive.
Users can get 10GB of free storage.
Sophies Bionutrients
Sophies Bionutrientshas reimagined protein production.
Its the first company in the world thatuses microalgae to develop 100% plant-based and sustainable alternative protein.
The microalgae is cultivated inside bio-reactors and harvested within days.
This rapid process also minimizes the quantity of energy and water thats required.
Sophie is allergic to shellfish, says Wang.
CAPS
CAPSis developing a product that seems futuristic: an urban aircraft for single passengers.
Yet the company expects the tech will soon be available to the public.
For that to properly be done, it has to be quiet, safe, and affordable.
The startupsfoundersgot the idea after growing sick of their long commute to college.
In a garage, they began to assemble a more convenient alternative: a flying car.
Their concept evolved into a driverless aircraftfor single-passenger trips in urban areas.
Both small and entirely-electric, the vehicle is built for a quiet flight with optimum security.
CAPS is confident that the design offers the safety, affordability, and practicality needed for mass adoption.
In tricky economic times, these companies face mounting challenges.
Insurers can provide a safety net, but bad information is reducing the security.
The Spanish startup wants to reduce the risks.
The company uses open data analytics to correct, update, and enrich SME information.
As a result, insurers, banks, and financial institutions can offer their clients the right coverage.
To pull up the enhanced insights, users only need to enter the name and address of the SME.
Wenalyzes system will then analyse open data sources and deliver real-time results.
By protecting SMEs, we protect our economy, says Carlos Albo, CEO and co-founder of Wenalyze.
The initial target for the system is single-family homes.
The Madrid-based startup has created a double-decker airplane seat configuration.
The design increases comfort, reduces cabin weight, and provides at least the same passenger capacity.
Best of all, its made for economy class.
The extra space comes from maximising the cabins verticle volume.
Overhead luggage compartments are removed, with bags instead stored in bays under seats.
The result is bigger recline angles, extended leg room, and more overall space.
The modular structure is designed for swift integration into existing aircraft.
We are trying to improve that experience for everyone.
Nightstream
Twitch enjoyed explosive growth during the pandemic, and stillconsistently doublesits pre-COVID audience numbers.
The startup found that brands currently use just 250 streamers to advertise.
That means that oer 1.5 million daily viewers and 95% of streamers are being overlooked.
Nightstreams software is designed to capitalise on these opportunities.
The companys tools and services allow brands to connect with streamers that will reach their target audience.
Streamers, meanwhile, get the chance to build their audiences, earn money, and win prizes.
Brands are given data dashboards and analytic tools to analyse the performance of each player in the ecosystems.
Nighstream also picks moderators for each streamer and brand, which further strengthens the partnership.
To increase the streamers audiences, the startup rewards viewers as they become part of the communities.
The concept aims to turbocharge the adoption of renewable energy, while democratising investment in the sector.
Crowmie allows the public to make their own contributions and get returns.
After registering, the user can invest a minimum of just 100 in any asset on the platform.
The user receives tokens in return.
These entitle them to monthly rents for the electricity generated and sold by the energy project.
Users can also sell the tokens to another investor at any time.
The investment is used to build facilities that produce electricity.
Once built, the projects generate renewable electricity thats sold to the grid.
Profits from this sale are distributed among investors according to the number of tokens they hold.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
