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Vento is a venture capital organization founded in 2022, based in the United States. The firm originated from the organizers of Italian Tech Week in Turin, which has become a significant event in the tech calendar, attracting global attention and notable figures such as Sam Altman and Elon Musk. Vento is backed by Exor, the Agnelli family's Dutch investment holding company, and is chaired by John Elkann, who also serves as the chairman of Stellantis.
Currently, Vento manages a fund size of €75 million and has invested in over 100 startups. The firm is dedicated to supporting Italian founders worldwide, believing that Italy's tech ecosystem is underserved relative to its talent pool. Vento's approach includes providing standardized small checks at scale to catalyze growth in the Italian tech sector.
Vento has also established a venture building program that has successfully created 26 startups across three cohorts. This initiative, along with the annual Italian Tech Week, positions Vento as a key player in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the Italian tech landscape.
Vento invests primarily in early-stage technology companies, focusing on sectors such as AI, SaaS, healthcare, fintech, consumer, climate, edtech, proptech, mobility, and food-agtech. The firm targets pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, with an initial check size of €150,000 and the capacity for follow-on investments up to €1 million. This investment strategy emphasizes innovation and growth potential, aiming to empower exceptional talents and support disruptive ventures, particularly from Italian founders.
The firm’s investment thesis is centered around the belief that Italy's tech ecosystem is underserved compared to its entrepreneurial talent. Vento seeks to provide standardized small checks at scale, which can catalyze the ecosystem and drive significant growth. The organization is committed to identifying and supporting startups that demonstrate strong potential for innovation and market impact.
Vento has built a diverse portfolio of over 100 startups, showcasing its commitment to early-stage investments. Notable companies in its portfolio include:
These companies represent a mix of sectors, reflecting Vento's sector-agnostic approach while maintaining a strong emphasis on supporting Italian founders globally.
Diyala D'Aveni - CEO of Vento. D'Aveni has a strong background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, focusing on supporting early-stage startups.
John Elkann - Chairman of Vento, also serves as chairman of Exor and Stellantis. Elkann brings extensive experience in investment and corporate leadership.
Diego Piacentini - Member of the Investment Committee, previously held a senior position at Amazon and has a wealth of experience in technology and business strategy.
Mike Volpi - Member of the Investment Committee, formerly with Index Ventures, Volpi has a strong track record in technology investments and startup growth.
Jean de La Rochebrochard - Member of the Investment Committee, known for his expertise in venture capital and technology sectors.
To pitch Vento, founders should visit their application page at Vento's application page. It is essential to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and team qualifications. Vento prefers pitches that are concise yet informative, providing a clear picture of the startup's potential.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial, especially from individuals within Vento's network or those associated with Italian Tech Week.
Vento operates a venture building program that spans five months, designed to support early-stage startups in developing their business models and go-to-market strategies. This program has successfully created 26 startups across three cohorts, demonstrating Vento's commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent.
In March 2025, Vento announced the launch of its second fund, targeting a hard cap of €75 million. This fund aims to make 375 investments over the next five years, continuing the firm's commitment to supporting Italian founders globally.
Vento has also been featured in various media outlets, including TechCrunch and EU-Startups, highlighting its focus on early-stage investments and the impact of its venture building program.
What are Vento's investment criteria?
Vento focuses on early-stage technology startups, particularly those founded by Italian entrepreneurs. The firm invests in various sectors, including AI, SaaS, healthcare, fintech, and more. They look for companies with strong innovation potential and a clear growth trajectory.
How can I apply or pitch to Vento?
Founders interested in pitching to Vento can visit their application page at Vento's application page. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and highlight the unique aspects of your startup.
What makes Vento different from other VC firms?
Vento is uniquely positioned as it specifically targets Italian founders globally, providing not only capital but also access to a robust venture building program and the annual Italian Tech Week, which serves as a significant networking and deal flow opportunity.
What is the geographic scope of Vento's investments?
While Vento is based in the United States, it focuses on supporting Italian founders regardless of their location, aiming to tap into the global talent pool.
What is the fund size and check size for investments?
Vento's current fund size is €75 million, with initial check sizes typically around €150,000 and the potential for follow-on investments up to €1 million.
What is Vento's post-investment involvement like?
Vento actively engages with its portfolio companies through its venture building program, providing resources, mentorship, and support to help startups scale effectively.
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