Milan VCs 🇮🇹
THE GUIDE to the Milan Venture Capital Scene Famed for its fashion and financial prowess, Milan has rapidly cemented its status as the unequivocal "Palo Alto of Italy," drawing the vast majority of the country's venture capital funding. Fueled by world-class institutions like Bocconi University and the Politecnico di Milano, a highly-skilled and cost-effective talent pool, and excellent infrastructure, the city provides a fertile environment for scaling disruptive technology. Milan's dynamic ecosystem is currently experiencing a surge in activity, with startups reaching record valuations and attracting increasing attention from international investors. The city leverages its industrial heritage and economic power to drive innovation across key sectors like FinTech (where Milan is a European leader), SaaS & Enterprise Software, Life Sciences & HealthTech, and FashionTech. Backed by Venture Capital, a strong network of accelerators and incubators, Milan is the critical hub for any founder or investor looking to capture the immense growth potential in Italy. Did I miss anyone? Reach out here.
Italian Founders Fund
Introduction: Italy's first founder-backed VC, managed by Koinos Capital SGR. They back Italian entrepreneurs with global ambitions, offering a fast and founder-friendly process. Sectors: Sector-agnostic tech (Fintech, SaaS, AI, Digital). Notable investments: Jet HR, Glaut, Skillvue
Primo Ventures
Introduction: Primo Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage startups, providing support and funding for innovative companies. They have two funds concentrating on digital technology and industrial technology. Sectors: Digital Tech, Industrial Tech, Space Tech, Cybersecurity. Notable Investments: Astradyne, Warda, Cyber Guru.
United Ventures
Introduction: United Ventures is an independent Italian venture capital firm that invests in innovative technology companies. They provide both capital and strategic guidance to help founders scale their businesses on a global level. Sectors: SaaS, Fintech, AI, Deep Tech, Industrial Tech. Notable Investments: Foorban, Credimi, Musement, Tiledesk.
P101 Ventures
Introduction: P101 is one of Italy’s leading venture capital firms, specializing in investments in early-stage technology companies. They are a prominent player in the Italian tech ecosystem, known for their hands-on approach and strong network. Sectors: Digital, B2B, Fintech, E-commerce, FashionTech. Notable Investments: Credimi, Depop, Satispay, Bending Spoons.
360 Capital Partners
Introduction: With offices in Milan and Paris, 360 Capital is a well-established European VC firm that backs innovative deep tech and digital entrepreneurs. They are known for investing early and supporting their portfolio throughout their growth journey. Sectors: Deep Tech, SaaS, FinTech, E-commerce, Consumer Digital. Notable Investments: Aircall, Leetchi, Le Trefle.
RedSeed Ventures
Introduction: RedSeed Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in promising companies and scaleups, primarily in Europe and Italy. They are known for working closely with founders to help transform business ideas into global successes. Sectors: EdTech, Online Commerce, Space Technology, AI, Health Tech, Transportation. Notable Investments:
Milano Investment Partners SGR
Introduction: MIP SGR is a global investment platform specializing in venture capital, managing several alternative and reserved funds across various sectors. Sectors: Consumer Goods, Fashion, Food & Beverage. Notable Investments: Otrium, Buuddy, Sonatus.
Proximity Capital
Introduction: A venture capital fund based in Milan that invests in early-stage startups with high growth potential. They have a particular interest in the financial technology and payments space. Sectors: Payments, FinTech. Notable Investment:
Italian Angels for Growth (IAG)
Introduction: IAG is the largest network of business angels in Italy. They are a prominent player in the early-stage ecosystem, providing not only capital but also mentorship and a strong network to their portfolio companies. Sectors: Internet, Life Sciences, Biomedical, Clean Tech, High Tech. Notable Investments: Bending Spoons, Satispay, Casavo.
Indaco Venture Partners
Introduction: Indaco is a major independent Italian VC asset management company with multiple funds. They focus on technology sectors, often collaborating with academic institutions and innovation hubs. Sectors: Medtech, Biotech, Electronics, Robotics, Digital, New Materials. Notable investments:
dPixel
Introduction: dPixel is a venture capital advisor and management consulting firm that funds early-stage internet companies. They provide hands-on advice and operational support to help startups succeed. Sectors: Online Shopping, Food Tech, Internet-based businesses. Notable Investments: Cortilia, Aworld, Spooky.
Boost Heroes
Introduction: Boost Heroes is an Italy-based holding company founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. They focus on providing seed and early-stage capital across a variety of sectors, with a particular focus on the Italian and emerging markets. Sectors: Financial Services, Insurance, Marketplace, B2C. Notable Investments:
CDP Venture Capital SGR
Introduction: As part of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti group, CDP Venture Capital is the national venture capital fund of Italy. Their mission is to support the entire Italian innovation ecosystem through various dedicated funds. Sectors: All sectors, with a focus on Deep Tech, Healthcare, and Corporate Venture. Notable Investments: Hyperloop TT, A.I.Venture, Planet Farms.
Fondo Italiano d'Investimento
Introduction: Fondo Italiano d'Investimento is an asset management company that operates multiple funds focused on providing capital to Italian businesses. They play a significant role in strengthening the country's private equity and venture capital markets. Sectors: Generalist, with a focus on Italian SMEs and startups. Notable Investments: Caffeina, WeSchool, Treedom, Casavo.
Club Italia Investimenti 2
Introduction: A Milan-based investment firm specializing in seed capital. They focus on supporting early-stage, tech-focused businesses and helping founders get off the ground with local support. Sectors: Tech, Digital, B2C. Notable Investments:
Oltre Venture
Introduction: Oltre Venture was the first social venture capital fund in Italy. They focus on impact investing, aiming to combine financial returns with positive social and economic value for the community. Sectors: Healthcare, Social Services, Education, Sustainable Agriculture. Notable Investments: Accadueo Impianti, Jobtech, Faba.
The Techshop SGR
Introduction: A venture capital and private equity firm that invests in Italian B2B digital startups. They focus on companies that have achieved a first market validation and are seeking pre-seed or seed funding. Sectors: B2B Tech, Financial Services, FinTech. Notable investments:
Panakes Venture
Introduction: Panakes is a VC fund focused on the Medtech sector in Europe and Israel. They finance medical companies with promising products that have a positive social impact. Sectors: Medtech, Life Sciences, Biotechnology. Notable Investments: Corwave, Elicio Therapeutics, Biorep.
Alchimia Investments
Introduction: Alchimia is an investment company primarily operating in the venture capital sector, based in Milan. They are sector-agnostic and target innovative opportunities globally, helping founders with strategic and operational resources. Sectors: Generalist, including Fintech, Agtech, Media, and Enterprise Software. Notable Investments: NoTraffic, Hyperloop One, WeRoad, Gardin.
Sella Venture Partners
Introduction: A venture capital firm associated with the Sella banking group. They invest in technology and digital startups, leveraging the group's expertise in financial services and innovation. Sectors: FinTech, Digital, Tech. Notable Investments;
Innogest Capital
Introduction: Innogest Capital is one of Italy's most experienced VC firms, focusing on Seed and early-stage investments. They have global expertise and support companies in the ICT, medical technology, and finance sectors. Sectors: ICT, Medical Tech, Finance, Sustainability, Digital. Notable Investments: Supermoney, CardioLogic.
Growth Engine
Introduction: Growth Engine is a Seed and early-stage investor that supports startups with strategic advice and resources. They act as a diversified asset class to minimize liquidity issues. Sectors: Sector-agnostic. Notable Investments: The website does not list specific portfolio companies.
