Italy is often an underestimated entrepreneurial ecosystem, yet it abounds with creativity and innovation.

The Italian ecosystem has consistently recorded fewer venture capital investments than other European counterparts. In 2019, the number (amount) of venture capital deals in Italy was 194 ($0.8B), compared to 1,425 ($14.3B) in the UK, 444 ($6.6B) in Germany, and 425 ($4.4B) in France. However, the gap is narrowing: by 2024, Italy had reached 628 deals ($1.14B), versus 1,921 ($17.45B) in the UK, 1,407 ($7.69B) in Germany, and 780 ($8.63B) in France. Since 2019, Italy has recorded a 224% increase in the number of deals and a 43% increase in capital invested.

The Italian industrial fabric is rich in highly innovative and specialized small and medium-sized enterprises. These companies are supported by a skilled and talented workforce, and they possess unique know-how in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, fashion, fintech, food & beverage, pharma, space, supply chain, and robotics.

These hidden gems are well positioned to transform the industries in which they operate, not only in Italy but also on a global scale. We have noticed that, in recent years, there has been a growing number of Italian entrepreneurs who are early adopters of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies, integrating them effectively into both business processes and solutions.