Orfeo Balboa

Partner | Investment Manager

Orfeo Balboa is an experienced investment professional and entrepreneurial advisor based in the Valencian Community, Spain. As a Partner and Investment Manager at First Drop VC, he plays a pivotal role in identifying and supporting innovative startups across diverse industries. Simultaneously, Orfeo serves as the ESA BIC Coordinator at Aeropuerto de Castellón, where he assists early-stage space technology companies in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

Professional Experience

Current Roles

• Partner | Investment Manager at First Drop VC (2024-05-01 to Present)

• Oversees the firm's investment strategy, conducting due diligence, and managing a portfolio of high-growth startups

• Leverages extensive industry knowledge and network to source and evaluate promising investment opportunities

• Provides strategic guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies, driving their growth and success

• ESA BIC Coordinator at Aeropuerto de Castellón (2024-09-01 to Present)

• Responsible for the coordination and management of the European Space Agency's Business Incubation Center (ESA BIC) at Aeropuerto de Castellón

• Supports early-stage space technology startups in accelerating their development and accessing resources, funding, and opportunities

• Program Advisor Incibe Emprende at CEEI Valencia (2024-01-01 to Present)

• Serves as a program advisor for Incibe Emprende, a cybersecurity-focused entrepreneurship initiative at CEEI Valencia

• Provides strategic guidance and mentorship to startups, helping them navigate the cybersecurity landscape and scale their businesses

• Member & Entrepreneur Advisor at Netmentora Catalunya (2023-02-01 to Present)

• Contributes as a member and entrepreneur advisor at Netmentora Catalunya, a network dedicated to supporting the growth of innovative startups

• Offers strategic advice and connections to early-stage companies, fostering their development and success

• Certified Advisor at Escuela de Organización Industrial (2019-06-01 to Present)

• Holds a certification as an advisor at the Escuela de Organización Industrial, a leading institution for entrepreneurship and innovation education

Previous Roles

• Program Director | Limited Partner at First Drop VC (2022-10-01 to 2024-05-01)

• Directed the overall operations and investment strategy of the venture capital firm

• Played a key role in sourcing, evaluating, and managing a diverse portfolio of high-potential startups

• Órbita Startup Accelerator Program / Head of Investor Relations at CEEI Castellón (2018-06-01 to 2021-12-01)

• Oversaw the Órbita startup accelerator program, providing strategic guidance and support to early-stage companies

• Responsible for managing investor relations, securing funding, and fostering partnerships to drive the growth of the accelerator

Education

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, University of Valencia

• Bachelor's Degree in Economics, University of Alicante

Areas of Expertise

• Venture capital and investment management

• Startup ecosystem development and acceleration

• Entrepreneurship advisory and mentorship

• Strategic planning and business development

• Compliance and risk management

• Investor relations and fundraising

Professional Impact

• Instrumental in supporting the growth and success of numerous innovative startups across various industries

• Recognized as a thought leader and trusted advisor in the Spanish entrepreneurial ecosystem

• Actively contributes to the development of the space technology and cybersecurity startup communities

Conclusion

Orfeo Balboa's extensive experience in investment management, entrepreneurship support, and ecosystem development positions him as a valuable asset in the Valencian startup community. Through his diverse roles, he continues to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and enable the success of high-potential companies.