Angel fund Masia launches today with the goal of deploying €20 million across startups in Barcelona

The Barcelona-based angel fund Masia launches today, dedicated to capitalising on what the Co-founders describe as a “tipping point” for Barcelona-based frontier tech talent.

The team intends to deploy €20 million across sixty investments at the pre-Seed and Seed stages, specifically in local and international Founders who are building global technology companies in Barcelona.

Co-founder Carlos Trenchs says: “There is a huge opportunity developing in Barcelona. A brilliant, diverse mix of both local and international Founders has grown over a number of years here. Meanwhile, a new breed of MicroVCs and angel funds across Europe are changing how pre-Seed and Seed rounds are conducted. By acting as a glue for these two emerging forces, now is the time for a fund like Masia to help develop Barcelona into a major EU ecosystem for frontier technologies.”

Masia is launched by VC investor Carlos Trenchs and Co-founder of Crowdcube Europe, Pepe Borrell. Masia had launched in stealth mode in September of last year, investing in 9 startups alongside 20 international VCs and angel funds led by emerging managers. Early portfolio companies include Fermat, Biorce, Zymvol, and Capably.

The fund operates collaboratively, co-investing with other angel funds and specialist micro-VCs at the pre-Seed and Seed stages. Additionally, Masia selectively invests in international angel funds to foster strong partnerships.

Trenchs and Borrell identified three reasons the city of Barcelona is on the precipice of becoming a major tech hub:

1. Barcelona as a tech hub is maturing fast. Local first-time Founders are exiting their companies and looking to reinvest capital or start new initiatives.

2. The city has seen a tangible influx of international founders and developers, creating a diverse ecosystem. In 2024, two-thirds of Barcelona-based tech startups had at least one international Founder.

3. Most international VCs and MicroVCs prioritise other major tech hubs in Europe, like London or Berlin. They require a local co-investor who understands the Barcelona tech scene to successfully gain exposure to the ecosystem.

Masia’s advisory board includes notable tech entrepreneurs and operators from Barcelona, such as Didac Lee (Co-founder of Galdana & TradeInn), Albert Nieto (Co-founder of Seedtag), Elisenda Bou (Co-founder of Vilynx, acq.Apple), Philippe Gelis (Co-founder of Kantox, acq. BNP Paribas) and Albert Castells (Co-founder iSalud, acq. CNP Insurance).

Co-founder Pepe Borrel says: “Although a proud Barcelonian, I have worked all over Europe in various capacities. I can say with complete objectivity that the potential we are seeing first-hand in Barcelona is significant. A perfect storm of factors means the immediate future for tech in the region looks extremely healthy. We want to be part of that process. Using our combined experience and the support of our Limited Partners, we hope to foster real growth for Barcelonian teams all across Europe.”

Masia operates with a distinct investment strategy and team, separate from Aldea Ventures. Although Trenchs will continue to serve as a strategic advisor to Aldea, his main focus will now be on growing and scaling Masia, while also supporting other initiatives in Barcelona. Operational responsibilities at Masia will be led by Borrell, who brings over a decade of experience as a successful tech operator.

Pedro Coelho, Co-founder and CEO at Biorce, says: “This unique chance to partner with Pepe and Carlos in Barcelona on pivotal matters—encompassing everything from team development to long-term vision and vital client collaborations—is an immense privilege. It cultivates an invaluable feeling of home and support.“

In the months to come, Trenchs and Borrell will have significant investment announcements to make, towards their goal of capitalizing on a local tech scene on its way to becoming one of the major tech hubs in Europe.

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