Paraíso Natural Ventures is launched, an investment vehicle backed by SRP, the Caja Rural de Asturias Foundation, and the Central Lechera Asturiana Group to attract companies to rural areas

The Government of Asturias, through the Regional Promotion Agency (SRP), has launched a pioneering investment program for rural areas, in collaboration with the Caja Rural de Asturias Foundation and the Central Lechera Asturiana Group. The Paraíso Natural Ventures initiative is conceived as a financial vehicle initially endowed with €2.1 million—of which SRP contributes €700,000—aimed at attracting companies and innovative projects capable of creating jobs and retaining talent in the Principality.

The Regional Minister for Science, Industry and Employment, Borja Sánchez, took part in the presentation of this public–private initiative, which is designed to address the main challenges facing rural areas. “The program will make it possible to promote actions that combine technological innovation, collaboration with industry, and direct social impact in the territory,” he highlighted. Sánchez also underscored the usefulness of such instruments in diversifying the economy and opening up opportunities in rural areas through talent and innovation.

The event also featured contributions from Antonio Romero, CEO of Caja Rural de Asturias, and Rubén Hidalgo, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Central Lechera Asturiana Group.

Priority areas of action

Paraíso Natural Ventures will focus on three priority areas:

– Rural resources: support for projects linked to the agri-food industry, biodiversity, energy, wood, and the sustainable use of natural resources.
– Rural services: promotion of solutions that improve mobility, connectivity, access to services, and overall quality of life in the territory.
– Rural promotion: backing initiatives related to sustainable tourism, the creative industries, and the enhancement of cultural and natural heritage.

The financial instrument begins operations with a budget of €2.1 million, with a contribution of €700,000 from each partner. In a second phase, the creation of a €5 million fund is planned to support projects under development. The third phase will increase capacity to €10 million, aimed at consolidating emerging companies (startups) with proven impact and sustainable growth potential.

In this initial stage, average investments per company will range between €100,000 and €300,000.

First investment in the startup Taste Lab

The program kicks off with its first transaction in the startup Taste Lab, which specializes in sensory analysis and the digitalization of tasting processes for the food industry, and which will receive €150,000.

The company has developed Sensesbit technology, a solution that enables the digitalization, systematization, and analysis of product tastings. This will help food companies make better decisions, develop new products, and access objective data on consumer perception.

Eva Pando, Director of the Caja Rural de Asturias Foundation, and David González, President of SRP and Director of the Sekuens Agency, also spoke at the presentation. González highlighted the importance of combining “territorial impact and economic viability,” as well as the commitment to “creating opportunities where they are most needed.”

Paraíso Natural Ventures aims to attract talent, innovation, and capital, promote skilled employment, and turn Asturias into a national and European benchmark for innovation applied to rural areas.

Photo credits: from left to right: David González, President of SRP and Director of the Sekuens Agency; Antonio Romero, CEO of Caja Rural de Asturias; Borja Sánchez, Regional Minister for Science, Industry and Employment; Eva Pando, Director of the Caja Rural de Asturias Foundation; José Armando Tellado, CEO of Capsa Food; and Rubén Hidalgo, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Central Lechera Asturiana Group.