Driving innovation on the road: Iván Bastero on transforming passion into a business
In this interview, we speak to Iván Bastero, founder of the modular camper start-up Vancubic, about his entrepreneurial journey, the support he received through the EIT Higher Education Initiative project HEI4Future, and the challenges and rewards of scaling a product that’s capturing attention across the globe.
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I consider myself a born entrepreneur. Since childhood, I’ve always looked for ways to solve problems – and ideally gain something from it. That said, I was raised with the idea that entrepreneurship was risky… and they weren’t wrong. That’s why, at 19, I finished my studies as an electrical technician and began working in the naval sector, where I stayed for 24 years. During the last four of those years, I combined my job with a postgraduate degree in industrial design and a business incubation programme.
What project from the EIT Higher Education Initiative did you receive support from? Could you tell us a bit more about the type of support you received?
I received support through the HEI4Future programme. We shared our needs and looked for ways to solve them. Most of the time, the project connected us with companies that had already faced similar challenges, or with entrepreneurs who could guide us. Having the chance to speak directly with a successful business owner, share your problem, and receive advice is exceptionally valuable.
We also took part in networking events, round tables and pitch presentations, which helped us build strong connections across the ecosystem.
What success would you like to share with us regarding your professional development or the development of your start-up?
At the end of 2023, we showcased the first production model of the Vancubic at a caravanning fair in Madrid – and the response was amazing. Dozens of people gathered around the van during our presentation. Not long after, several of our videos went viral on social media, receiving thousands of comments and sparking widespread interest from individuals and companies alike.
Seeing something grow from an idea to a physical product, and then being embraced so enthusiastically by the market, is deeply satisfying. Today, we have more than 700,000 followers on Instagram and receive requests from all over the world.
What are you most proud of?
Being able to work on something I’m passionate about – and offer a product that meets real needs – is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud of having found amazing adventure partners in Jordán Díaz and Andrea Rodríguez. As the saying goes, you can go faster alone, but further together.
What challenges did you come across and how did you overcome them?
In a start-up, every day brings new challenges, and agility in decision-making is essential. One of the toughest decisions we faced was whether to open an investment round. Our vision from the beginning was to invest our own capital and reinvest profits to grow the company. This model is viable, but given the overwhelming demand, we needed to accelerate. That’s why we decided to close a €500,000 funding round to help us become global leaders in the modular camper sector.
What lessons have you learned from your experience, and what advice would you give to your peers?
Listen to other entrepreneurs or business owners. They’ve been where you are, and you can avoid their mistakes and learn from their successes. Be objective about your project: you need to solve a real market need, which might not always align with your personal one.
I absolutely recommend joining business acceleration programmes and networking events. The ecosystem and the relationships you build are key.
Has Iván’s story inspired you? Stay tuned for more stories as we celebrate the achievements of our EIT Higher Education Initiative Alumni. If you have an inspiring story to share that showcases innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, contact us. Your story could motivate others to kick start their own entrepreneurial journey.