In 2016, four friends with a passion for technology and problem-solving decided to build something of their own. What began as a small collaboration among IT experts soon evolved into Virtual Cave Mallorca, one of Spain’s most dynamic technology consultancies, now supporting some of the country’s largest brands.

At the centre of this journey is Roberto, one of the original co-founders and now CEO of Virtual Cave. His story reflects both the evolution of the company and his own transformation from engineer to leader.

The Beginning of Virtual Cave

Virtual Cave began with a simple yet powerful goal: to help companies enhance their digital infrastructure. From ensuring e-commerce platforms stay stable during Black Friday surges to optimising hotel reservation systems, the company quickly positioned itself as a behind-the-scenes powerhouse for seamless digital operations.

“Our mission has always been to make sure systems don’t collapse when it matters most,” Roberto says.

In the early days, the founders all worked independently, taking on small projects while juggling client requests. By 2018, the business had grown enough to require dedicated roles, and Roberto stepped up to lead the company full-time.

Today, Virtual Cave employs over 55 professionals across Spain, with a remote-first model that allows flexibility and collaboration from anywhere, which is a culture that Roberto proudly calls “results-driven, not hours-driven.”

From Engineer to CEO

Roberto’s path to becoming CEO wasn’t planned. As an engineer, he preferred solving technical challenges over managing people. But when Virtual Cave started to scale, someone had to take charge.

He recalls,

“Three or four years ago, we had a very horizontal structure, almost like a group of friends, but growth requires organisation. That’s how I became CEO.”

The transition came with its challenges. He had to shift from being a perfectionist programmer to a patient leader who manages different personalities and perspectives.

He admits that, “As a developer, I wanted things done my way, but as a CEO, I have learned that everyone works differently and that’s okay. You can’t do everything yourself.”

That evolution from control to trust defines how Roberto leads today.

A People-First Culture

While Virtual Cave works on highly technical projects, its greatest strength lies in its people. Roberto and Daniel, the company’s CFO, have built a culture based on trust, autonomy, and transparency.

Roberto says, “We have built a team that takes ownership, people here know what they’re doing, and we let them do it.”

Under Daniel’s guidance, the company’s financial operations have also matured. He introduced professional reporting structures, implemented Power BI dashboards, and improved internal communication.

“I’m a numbers geek,” Roberto jokes, “but numbers tell the truth. They show where we grow and where we can improve.”

The Spirit of Virtual Cave

Even as the team expanded, Roberto ensured that the company retained its close-knit spirit. Each year, Virtual Cave hosts ‘Virtual Cave Day’, bringing employees from all over Spain together for two days of workshops, team activities, and connection.

He says proudly, “Everyone comes willingly as it is not mandatory, but they want to be there, and that sense of belonging is what keeps us together.”

The company also offers flexible schedules, additional paid leave, private healthcare, and 100% paid sick days, reflecting its people-first values.

Roberto says, “We don’t just want people to stay; we want them to grow and enjoy the journey.”

Leading from Mallorca

Operating a tech company from Mallorca comes with unique advantages and challenges. The island’s beauty attracts talent, but its limited business ecosystem and high living costs can be obstacles.

Roberto admits that, “Mallorca is wonderful, but it’s also expensive. There aren’t many big companies here, so most of our clients are in mainland Spain.”

That’s why diversification has become a key focus. Virtual Cave aims to broaden its client base to reduce dependence on a few large contracts, a smart strategy in uncertain times.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Innovation at Virtual Cave isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about solving problems smartly. Internally, the company has invested heavily in automation, internal tools, and data-driven decision-making.

Roberto explains., “When Daniel joined, we had no monthly reports or analytics but now every department can see its performance in real time.”

Externally, the company is exploring how AI and machine learning can optimise clients’ operations, from predictive system monitoring to data insights.

“Artificial Intelligence is the next big wave,” Roberto says. “We’re already training our team to be ready for it.”

Lessons in Leadership

Roberto describes his leadership style as hands-on yet evolving. He doesn’t believe in hierarchy for its own sake; instead, he believes in clarity, trust, and accountability.

“Leadership isn’t about giving orders,” he says. “It’s about helping others make better decisions.”

He learned much of this from mentors and past colleagues, people who led by example rather than authority.

He reflects, “My role model wasn’t a famous CEO. It was a CTO I once worked for, someone who knew everything, stayed calm under pressure and respected his people.”

Finding Balance

Even with his success, Roberto admits balance is a work in progress.

He shares with a smile that, “I’m about to become a father, it’s exciting and terrifying at the same time. I know I’ll have to learn to balance work and family, as right now, I still sleep very little.”

That honesty reflects his leadership style, which is real, grounded and human.

“At the end of the day,” he says, “I’m just someone who loves technology and tries to build something meaningful with good people.”

Looking Ahead

The future of Virtual Cave is focused on growth, diversification, and innovation. Roberto and Daniel are leading efforts to strengthen commercial operations, explore European markets, and deepen the company’s expertise in AI and automation.

“We’ve built something solid,” Roberto concludes. “Now it’s time to scale it without losing our culture.”

Conclusion

From four friends with laptops to a 55-person digital powerhouse, Virtual Cave’s journey is a testament to vision, teamwork, and adaptability. Under Roberto’s leadership as CEO, the company continues to prove that great things can grow even from an island in the Mediterranean.

“Technology can be built anywhere,” Roberto says. “But people are what make the real difference.”