CRE100DO is a foundation that gathers over 120 companies with annual turnovers between 50 and 500 million euros and workforce spanning from 250 to 3,000 employees. Its mission includes giving visibility to this segment of firms in Valencia, highlighting their role in the regional and national economy.
At a gathering held at CEV’s Valencia headquarters, the foundation’s general director, Rafael Vaquero, stressed Valencia’s distinctive position within Spain. He noted that the city is an important contributor to the ETI sector, as 20 of the companies that form its backbone originate in Valencia. Among these are firms from sectors such as food manufacturing and related industrial activities. Notable names in the region include Valor, Ale-Hop, Pikolinos, Jeanologia, Logifruit and Hinojosa.
Vaquero underscored the need to recognize and support this business segment, pointing out that while many of these firms are officially categorized as large companies in the Spanish framework, they possess unique traits and requirements. He highlighted the commitment to internationalization, the value of operating in smaller urban centers to help structure the region, and a long-term vocation that keeps these firms anchored locally.
Both Eva Blasco, president of CEV Valencia, and Martín, PwC’s partner responsible for markets and clients, addressed similar ideas in their remarks. Blasco described mid-sized firms as a cornerstone of the Spanish economy, emphasizing their capacity to generate wealth and create jobs. Martín added that bringing ETIs to municipalities with populations under 5,000 can deepen regional roots and strengthen local ecosystems.
Success factors
Beyond these speeches, the report presented at the event highlighted several success factors for internationalization and growth. Early entry into international markets, ongoing innovation efforts, strategic alliances, strong corporate culture and talent, and robust governance and financial capacity were all cited as key drivers. The discussion also pointed to ongoing steps, such as fostering innovative ecosystems, advancing digitalization, expanding education and financing options, pursuing inorganic growth, and addressing regulatory barriers.
The event reinforced the case for greater visibility of brokerage firms and the role they play in accelerating growth for companies across Spain. The CRE100DO foundation, which unites more than 120 firms in this market segment, used the Valencia presentation of the report The Success of Middle Market Companies in the Valencian Community to emphasize this point. The gathering involved participation from regional authorities and industry leaders, underscoring the weight of the Valencian Community within the broader ETI ecosystem. The report covers firms with annual invoices ranging from 50 to 500 million euros and workforces between 250 and 3,000 employees, illustrating the impact of these mid-sized enterprises on the local and national economy. It also notes the value of retaining and expanding such firms in smaller municipalities to strengthen regional resilience and opportunity. Some speakers underscored how local roots support sustainable growth, while others pointed to the environmental, social, and governance considerations that increasingly influence investment and partnership decisions. The overarching message was clear: visibility and targeted support for mid-sized, mid-market companies can unlock substantial benefits for communities across the Valencian Community and beyond. The collaboration between CRE100DO and PwC provided a framework for assessing progress and identifying concrete actions that can drive the sector forward, benefiting workers, suppliers, and local economies alike. The emphasis on the importance of ETIs in this region reflects a broader trend toward recognizing and nurturing mid-sized companies as engines of innovation, employment, and regional diversification. In short, heightening awareness of mid-sized firms and strengthening their networks emerges as a strategic priority for Valencia, the Valencian Community, and the wider Spanish economy. This approach promises to foster a more robust regional business fabric, capable of competing on a global scale while sustaining local communities. The dialogue around ETIs continues to shape policy discussions and practical initiatives aimed at expanding international reach, improving access to capital, and supporting sustainable, long-term growth for these pivotal enterprises. The collective effort signals a concerted push to turn regional strengths into national and international opportunities, ensuring that mid-sized firms remain central to economic development plans in the years ahead.