From 4YFN to €4M: How a Startup Meeting Turned into a Fintech Deal Between BBVA Spark and TaxDown

At 4YFN, connections between startups, corporates and investors often spark the next wave of innovation. One of the latest examples comes from the fintech ecosystem, where a relationship that began at the event has now evolved into a major funding agreement.

BBVA Spark has completed a €4 million financing deal with the startup TaxDown, supporting the company’s growth and the development of its AI-powered tax solutions. The story behind this partnership highlights how 4YFN continues to be a place where startups meet the right partners to scale innovation and build real business opportunities.

If you want to understand what’s really happening in one of Europe’s leading tech hubs, you need to be at 4YFN connecting directly with entrepreneurs and investors. For BBVA Spark, it’s a unique opportunity to support high-growth companies in a region that has become a benchmark for innovation, talent, and venture capital.

- Miguel Ángel Alcalá, Head of BBVA Spark in Europe

A startup–corporate connection born at MWC Barcelona

The relationship between BBVA Spark and TaxDown began when the two companies first connected at MWC Barcelona.

After that initial meeting, BBVA Spark followed the startup’s progress closely as it continued to grow and expand its digital tax platform. The collaboration has now culminated in a €4 million financing agreement, aimed at accelerating TaxDown’s growth and strengthening its technology capabilities.

For the 4YFN ecosystem, this is a clear example of how innovation-driven events can translate into tangible business outcomes for startups and corporate partners.

Fintech innovation powered by AI

TaxDown is a fintech that combines proprietary technology, AI and expert advice to help individuals optimise and file their taxes in a straightforward and secure way. It now has over 4 million users and over 500 corporate clients. TaxDown efficiencies were quickly implemented into BBVA’s online banking services.

The new financing from BBVA Spark will help the company:

• Continue investing in AI-powered solutions
• Expand its technology and product teams
• Strengthen its international growth strategy

Strengthening collaboration between startups and corporates

The relationship between BBVA and TaxDown has already produced several innovation initiatives.

Since 2023, BBVA customers have been able to file their tax returns directly through the bank’s digital channels using TaxDown’s technology. The collaboration also introduced faster digital onboarding through Spain’s Cl@ve PIN identification system, simplifying the process for users.

The new financing agreement reinforces this partnership while demonstrating how collaboration between fintech startups and financial institutions can accelerate innovation in financial services.

When innovation ecosystems create real impact

Every year, 4YFN brings together thousands of startups, investors, corporates and innovators exploring the technologies shaping the future of business.

The story of BBVA Spark and TaxDown shows how these connections can evolve from a first meeting into strategic collaboration and investment.

It is a reminder that 4YFN is not only a place to showcase innovation — it is a place where startups build partnerships, secure funding and turn ideas into real business growth.

Read full announcement here

Discover more innovation at 4YFN visiting our Fintech track.