Innovation is not just about ideas: it’s about how the ecosystem behaves
In a world where medical technology, sports, and wellbeing are growing at double-digit rates, the success of a startup depends not only on the technology it develops but also on how it interacts with the actors that make up its ecosystem.
As a specialized venture studio, Goo Ventures has adopted the behaviors and dynamics that, according to the global theory of Clusters of Innovation (COI), distinguish innovation hubs from mere technology agglomerations.
Our goal is clear: to transform disruptive ideas into scalable startups with social, health, and environmental impact. To achieve this, we rely on data, strategic relationships, and a deep understanding of the role each actor plays in the innovation process.
The key players of a COI… and their role at Goo Ventures
The Cluster of Innovation model identifies six major components: entrepreneurs, venture capital investors, large corporations, universities, government, and professional services. At Goo Ventures, all of them are integrated into a precise operating strategy with measurable indicators and real alliances.
1. Entrepreneurs: speed and flexibility as DNA
In a COI, entrepreneurs are “masters of speed and flexibility.” At Goo Ventures, we seek senior leaders with 10+ years of experience in health, sports, or wellbeing, capable of moving from concept to validated MVP within 3–6 months.
- 2025–2026 goal: analyze 100+ proposals, incubate 20 projects, and accelerate at least 8–10 startups with real pilots in hospitals, sports centers, or wellness companies.
- Expected equity: 30%–50% in each co-created startup.
2. Venture Capital: capital that scales impact
Venture capital not only provides funding but also establishes common rules and behaviors: co-investment, alignment of interests, and tolerance for failure.
- First round (0–6 months): USD 1M.
- Second round (24 months): USD 5M for scaling and international expansion.
- Fund ROI target: 3x in 5 years, with at least 2 strategic exits and a portfolio value > €50M.
3. Large corporations: scale accelerators
Corporates bring market access, resources, and liquidity through acquisitions. Goo Ventures fosters win–win collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and sports & wellness enterprises.
4. Universities and research centers: scientific validation
A high-performance COI relies on universities that not only research but also commercialize and create ventures. Goo Ventures has framework agreements with leading hospitals and universities such as Hospital Gregorio Marañón, UOC, UNIOVI, and UPC.
- Benefit: access to real-world environments, clinical data, and research talent.
- Impact: reduced development risk and faster time-to-market.
5. Government: silent but essential enabler
Regulation, tax incentives, and public grants are critical. Goo Ventures supports its startups in securing European funds such as Horizon Europe or programs like SBIR, integrating public financing with private investment.
6. Professional services: the glue of the ecosystem
In a COI, lawyers, consultants, investment banks, and advisors don’t just bill. They invest, introduce, and filter opportunities. Our Board of Advisors includes senior profiles in venture capital, digital health, AI, compliance, and international scaling, meeting at least three times a year to evaluate each project.
Global figures and market opportunity
Goo Ventures’ three strategic verticals are growing rapidly, supporting our investment thesis:
- HealthTech & mHealth: global market heading toward USD 600B by 2030 (CAGR 14%), AI in healthcare > USD 65B by 2027.
- SportsTech: USD 25B by 2030 (CAGR 10%).
- WellnessTech: global wellness > USD 9T by 2030 (CAGR 6.4%).
AI is transversal to all of them, with projected value in healthcare of USD 45B by 2026.
Sources
- Clusters of Innovation in the Age of Disruption – Chapter 3: COI Behaviors (Engel, J.S. & Figlioli, A., Edward Elgar Publishing)
- Grand View Research – Healthcare IT Market Report 2024–2030. See report.
- MarketsandMarkets – Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Market Forecast 2026. See report.
- Fortune Business Insights – Sports Technology Market Forecast. See report.
- Global Wellness Institute – Global Wellness Economy Report. See report.
How Goo Ventures turns theory into action
Unlike traditional accelerators or funds, we operate as a venture studio:
- Co-creating from the idea stage, ensuring high initial equity.
- Accelerating with proprietary technology via GooApps® (AI, data analytics, mobile apps, virtual reality).
- Validating in real environments through framework agreements.
- Scaling with co-investment and a global network.
Impact beyond financial return
- Social: access to healthcare in rural areas, reduced inequalities, promotion of mental and physical wellbeing.
- Healthcare: efficiency in health systems, preventive diagnostics with AI, clinical collaboration.
- Environmental: telemedicine to reduce carbon footprint, digitization to minimize paper use, promotion of sustainable habits.
At Goo Ventures, we believe the future of innovation in health, sports, and wellbeing depends on ecosystems that share collaborative behaviors and values, resource mobility, global vision, and tolerance for risk. Our commitment is clear: to apply best practices from Clusters of Innovation to build startups with global impact and solid returns.
📩 If you are a senior entrepreneur, researcher, investor, or corporation in these sectors, now is the time to talk. Join our network and let’s build the next great innovation story together.
