Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI)

The Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) is a Public Business Entity operating under the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, primarily dedicated to fostering innovation and technological development within Spanish companies. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, CDTI's core mandate involves providing diverse financial support mechanisms for R&D&I projects, including partially refundable loans and grants. However, it also plays a significant role in the venture capital ecosystem through its "Innvierte" program, which is specifically designed for direct equity co-investments in technology-based companies.

Through the Innvierte program, CDTI acts as a strategic co-investor, consistently partnering with private venture capital funds to support high-growth, innovative Spanish enterprises. This public-private co-investment model aims to de-risk and catalyze private capital into promising technological ventures. CDTI typically takes a minority stake in these companies, focusing on sectors such as biotechnology, information and communication technologies (ICT), advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy. Its involvement helps companies secure larger funding rounds and provides a stamp of public validation, enhancing their credibility in the market.

CDTI's direct equity contributions to companies via the Innvierte program typically range from €500,000 to €5,000,000 per investment, always alongside private investors. Since its inception, the Innvierte program has been a crucial pillar for Spanish innovation, having invested over €300 million in more than 200 companies. In 2023 alone, the program approved new investments totaling approximately €100 million, underscoring its continued commitment to fostering a vibrant innovation landscape in Spain. CDTI's unique position as a public co-investor makes it a distinct and influential player in the Spanish funding ecosystem, effectively bridging the gap between public support and private venture capital.