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CDP Venture Capital SGR is an Italian venture capital management company founded in 2015. It operates as part of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Italy's national promotional institution, and is headquartered in Rome and Milan. The firm was established to bolster the growth of innovative startups and enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Italy. As one of the largest VC fund managers in Europe, CDP Venture Capital plays a crucial role in the Italian venture capital landscape.
Currently, CDP Venture Capital SGR manages a diverse portfolio of 246 companies and has a team of 36 professionals, including 13 partners. The firm operates multiple funds, including the National Network of Accelerators, AI & Cybersecurity Fund, Digital Xcelerator, Boost Innovation Fund, and Green Transition Fund. These funds are designed to support startups across various sectors, reflecting the firm’s commitment to fostering innovation in Italy.
CDP Venture Capital SGR has made significant strides since its inception, with 46 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm’s backing by the government provides a unique advantage, allowing it to offer substantial resources and a broad network to its portfolio companies. This support is vital for enhancing the startup ecosystem in Italy and driving economic growth.
CDP Venture Capital SGR focuses on growth-stage investments across a wide range of sectors, including InfraTech, Mobility, Clean Tech, IndustryTech, Healthcare & Lifescience, AgriTech & FoodTech, AI, and SpaceTech. The firm adopts a sector-agnostic approach, allowing it to invest in various industries while primarily targeting innovative startups that demonstrate potential for significant growth. This flexibility enables CDP to adapt to emerging trends and opportunities within the market.
The organization manages several funds aimed at fostering innovation and supporting startups. These include the National Network of Accelerators, which aims to enhance the startup ecosystem, and the AI & Cybersecurity Fund, which focuses on advancing technology in these critical areas. CDP Venture Capital SGR looks for founders who are passionate, resilient, and possess a clear vision for their companies. The firm values strong leadership and a commitment to innovation, which are essential for success in the competitive startup landscape.
CDP Venture Capital SGR boasts a diverse portfolio of 246 companies, showcasing its extensive reach across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects CDP's commitment to supporting innovative companies across consumer, energy, healthcare, IT, automotive, fashion, food, fintech, and insurtech sectors. The firm’s active engagement in the startup ecosystem is evident through its 46 new investments made in the last year.
Anna Lambiase: President of CDP Venture Capital SGR, Anna has extensive experience in venture capital and corporate finance, contributing to the firm's strategic direction.
Emanuele Levi: CEO and General Director, Emanuele leads the organization with a focus on enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Italy.
Cristina Bini: Director of Indirect Investments, Cristina oversees investments in other Italian VC funds, ensuring a diversified approach to supporting innovation.
Patrizia Carrarini: Director of Corporate Affairs, Patrizia manages corporate governance and stakeholder relations, playing a key role in the firm's operations.
Antonio Crisafulli: Head of Administration, Finance & Control, Antonio ensures the financial health and operational efficiency of the organization.
Giancarlo Di Benedetto: Head of Internal Audit, Giancarlo is responsible for maintaining compliance and risk management within the firm.
Alessandro di Gioia: Head of Legal Affairs, Corporate and Procurement, Alessandro manages legal matters and corporate governance.
Daniele Lattanzi: Head of Human Resources, Organization and Operations, Daniele focuses on talent management and organizational development.
Marina Piccioni: Chief Risk Officer, Marina oversees risk management strategies to safeguard the firm's investments.
Umberto Rosini: Head of ICT, Umberto manages the firm's information and communication technology infrastructure.
Alessandro Scortecci: Director of Direct Investments, Alessandro leads direct investment strategies and portfolio management.
To pitch to CDP Venture Capital SGR, startups should utilize the preferred channel available on their application page at CDP Venture Capital's application page. Founders are encouraged to include a comprehensive deck that outlines their business model, market analysis, and growth strategy. While specific response time expectations are not disclosed, startups should anticipate a thorough review process given the firm's active investment strategy.
Warm introductions can enhance the chances of securing a meeting with CDP, as the firm values connections within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Founders should consider leveraging their networks to facilitate introductions to the partners at CDP Venture Capital SGR.
CDP Venture Capital SGR manages several programs aimed at fostering innovation and supporting startups. Key programs include:
Each program has specific eligibility criteria and application processes, which can be found on the CDP Venture Capital SGR website.
In the past year, CDP Venture Capital SGR has made 46 new investments, showcasing its active engagement in the startup ecosystem. The firm has also completed 13 acquisitions, including notable companies such as Arduino, Nozomi Networks, and Everli.
CDP Venture Capital SGR continues to expand its influence in the Italian venture capital landscape, managing multiple funds aimed at fostering innovation. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Digital Xcelerator and the Green Transition Fund, which are designed to support startups in their growth journeys.
As of March 2026, CDP Venture Capital SGR remains a key player in the Italian VC market, with a strong focus on enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting innovative startups across various sectors.
What are the investment criteria for CDP Venture Capital SGR?
CDP Venture Capital SGR primarily invests in growth-stage startups across various sectors, including mobility, healthcare, AI, and space-tech. The firm looks for innovative companies with strong leadership and a clear vision for growth.
How can startups apply or pitch to CDP Venture Capital SGR?
Startups interested in pitching to CDP Venture Capital SGR can visit their application page at CDP Venture Capital's application page. The firm encourages detailed presentations that highlight the startup's vision, market potential, and team capabilities.
What makes CDP Venture Capital SGR different from other investors?
CDP Venture Capital SGR is backed by the Italian government, making it a national VC vehicle. This unique position allows the firm to provide substantial resources and a broad network to its portfolio companies, enhancing their growth potential.
What is the geographic scope of CDP Venture Capital SGR's investments?
The firm primarily focuses on investments within Italy, although it may consider opportunities across Europe. Its mission is to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Italy.
What is the typical check size for investments made by CDP Venture Capital SGR?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, CDP Venture Capital SGR typically invests in growth-stage companies, which may involve significant capital to support their expansion and innovation efforts.
What kind of post-investment involvement does CDP Venture Capital SGR have?
CDP Venture Capital SGR provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies through access to a broad network, resources for innovation, and potential follow-on investments to help them scale effectively.
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