A legacy of banking with a vision for the future
CaixaBank is one of Spain’s most established financial institutions, with a history spanning over a century. While deeply rooted in traditional banking, it has also been one of the first major banks to actively support the startup ecosystem. Through Day One, its specialized banking division for high-growth companies, and Caixa Capital Risk, its venture capital arm, CaixaBank has positioned itself as a key financial partner for startups.
At The Startup CFO, we have worked closely with CaixaBank since our inception, providing financial expertise and insights to help its teams better understand the unique financial needs of startups. Over the past three years, we have designed and led a series of in-depth training programs, equipping CaixaBank professionals with the tools to better assess, support and engage more effectively with startup clients.
Training and knowledge exchange: Three years of impactful learning
One of the most valuable aspects of our collaboration has been developing tailored training programs for CaixaBank employees. Traditional banking practices often do not align with the financial dynamics of high-growth startups, making specialized training essential for institutions that want to serve this sector effectively.
2022: The first online training program
The first phase of our collaboration took place in June 2022, when we launched a four-session online training program for professionals from CaixaBank’s Day One team and other banking divisions interested in working with startups.
- 50 participants from different areas of the bank
- Four two-hour sessions
- Focus on startup finance fundamentals
This program introduced core differences between startups and SMEs, including:
- Unique funding structures and financial models
- How to assess risk in high-growth businesses
- The role of venture capital and alternative financing
For many attendees, this was their first exposure to startup-specific financial frameworks. By the end of the program, CaixaBank professionals had a clearer understanding of how to assess startup clients, structure banking products accordingly, and anticipate their financial challenges.
2023: A more practical, in-person workshop
Building on the success of the first program, in April 2023, we introduced a more advanced, one-day, in-person workshop in Barcelona.
Key improvements in this edition:
- A stronger focus on real-world case studies
- A national gathering of CaixaBank professionals from multiple offices
- How to structure financing solutions for high-growth startups
A key component of this workshop was bringing in guest speakers from venture capital and alternative lending, offering different perspectives on startup financing. Participants were able to talk directly with:
- Juan Escrig (Capchase) – Alternative financing models for startups
- Borja Breña (Nauta Capital) – A venture capital approach to startup investments
- Jordi Vidal (Kibo Ventures) – The role of alternative funding sources
One of the biggest takeaways from this session was that CaixaBank professionals left with a much stronger understanding of how founders and investors think about financing, allowing them to build better relationships and offer more tailored financial solutions to their clients.
2024: Expanding training to two specialized sessions
In 2024, we expanded the program to two in-person sessions, each focusing on a specific area of startup finance.
May 2024 – Venture debt masterclass
This session focused on venture debt as an alternative financing tool for startups. This was a crucial topic as CaixaBank announced a €150 million venture debt program to finance the growth of technology companies, reinforcing its role as a key financial partner for startups beyond traditional banking solutions.
- Attendees: 50+ in person, 50 more connected online
- Guest experts:
- Íñigo Laucirica (Samaipata) – A venture capital perspective on venture debt
- Marc Guasch (Zubi Capital) – Structuring debt financing for startups
By the end of the session, CaixaBank professionals had a clear framework for analyzing, structuring, and offering venture debt to their startup clients, which a competitive advantage in the growing market for non-dilutive financing.
October 2024 – Venture capital and auditing deep dive The second session focused on financial due diligence, VC investment criteria, and auditing best practices for startups. All essential topics for a bank working closely with venture-backed companies.
- Attendees: 50+ in person, 50 more connected online
- Guest experts:
- José Antonio González (Deloitte/StartmeUp) – Audit and financial reporting best practices
- Pablo Ferreras (CFO at Samaipata) – VC investment strategies and financial oversight
Expanding training in 2025: A continued commitment
The success of these sessions has led to an even stronger partnership between CaixaBank and The Startup CFO. In recognition of the impact this training has had, we have already scheduled three additional full-day sessions for 2025, continuing to refine and expand the content to support new teams within CaixaBank.
By combining academic learning with real-world financial scenarios, CaixaBank professionals gained critical insights into the decision-making process of investors and auditors, enabling them to refine their financial offerings even further.
A partnership that has delivered real impact
Beyond training, this collaboration has led to real, measurable improvements in CaixaBank’s ability to work with startups:
- Better financial conditions negotiated for startup clients
- More tailored banking products that fit the needs of high-growth companies
- A more strategic approach to evaluating and financing startups
Many banks struggle to adapt their products to the startup market, but CaixaBank has shown that with the right knowledge and approach, it is possible to develop financing solutions that truly fit the needs of this ecosystem.
A model for future bank partnerships
CaixaBank was one of the first major banks in Spain to recognize the potential of the startup ecosystem, and its efforts to refine financial solutions for high-growth companies continue to evolve.
The success of this collaboration demonstrates that training banking professionals in startup finance leads to better financial solutions and stronger client relationships. As more financial institutions engage with the startup sector, having a deeper understanding of its unique financial dynamics will be increasingly important.
With CaixaBank’s expansion into venture banking and venture debt, this program serves as a reference point for how banks can better support startups through both financial products and expertise.
Contact us
If you’re a startup seeking the best financial conditions or a bank looking to deepen your understanding of the startup ecosystem, we’re here to help. Contact us to discover how our expertise can equip you with the insights and strategies to drive informed, high-impact decisions.
- Mail: info@tscfo.com
- LinkedIn: The Startup CFO on LinkedIn
