“In Italy, we were impressed by what we saw, the combination of good universities, experience and history in different vertical sectors and enthusiasm for new technologies will certainly lead to exciting results”. This comment comes from Gilad Engel of Target Global, investment fund with offices in Berlin, London, Tel Aviv, Moscow and Barcelona, following the meeting with TeiaCare, Winelivery, Wood-skin, Wetaxi, Sogni di Cristallo, Snowit, Mulan Group, D-Heart and Busforfun.com, nine Italian startups who, thanks to EndeavorX, met six investors from different European countries (Spain, UK, France, Germany) and interested in focusing on Italy.
In addition to Gilad Engel from Target Global, Sebastián Fernández Medrano, director and head of investment for Southern Europe at Samaipata, Guglielmo Reina, investor at Global Founders Capital, Mario Branciforti, angel investor and recently Managing Director of Samsung NEXT Ventures, based in London, also attended the Investor Day; Anthea Greco, Head of Partnerships and Investment for Wayra UK, is responsible for accelerating technology companies especially in areas such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Cybersecurity or Fintech; Fabio Lancellotti, Partner of Aster, a Paris-based venture capital fund with offices in London, San Francisco and Tel Aviv.
“The Italian tech ecosystem is expanding thanks to the success of local startups, which are growing thanks to VC funds and public support. – added Sebastián Fernández Medrano – Samaipata wants to become a reference VC, pan-European and specialized and Italy is a key component in the future of our signature”.
EndeavorX is the program created to support entrepreneurs whose companies have not yet reached business maturity or the size necessary to overcome the rigorous process of selection of the international network of Endeavor (e.g. annual turnover of more than 1 million euros), but who demonstrate to have the potential to play, in the future, a leading role in the local and international business ecosystem.
Selected from over 50 applications, the 9 companies that took part in the second edition of the programme belong to 4 different industrial sectors (F&B, Furniture&Design, Healthcare&Wellness, Travel&Entertainment): in 2019 their aggregate turnover exceeded 15 million euros, with a growth rate of 97% compared to 2018, and have collected investments for more than 8.5 million euros. The companies underwent a 6-month process that included an initial assessment of the work plan in collaboration with EY, personalised mentorships, networking events and workshops held by Business Coach and Strategic Advisor Ed Capaldi in OGR in Turin.
At the final activity of the program, the Investor Day, companies had the opportunity to meet with international investors who, in addition to having the opportunity to evaluate investment opportunities, took on a mentor role, giving feedback to entrepreneurs on how to improve their pitch and deck.
“This final event gave EndeavorX entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet with representatives of major investment funds,” explains Raffaele Mauro, Managing Director of Endeavor Italy. “EndeavorX is a path that has allowed entrepreneurs to improve their performance. Special thanks go to mentors such as Endeavor entrepreneurs Alessandro Petazzi, Simone Maggi and Elena Lavezzi and members of the Endeavor Italy Board such as Fabio Cannavale who have followed and supported the companies, as well as to Business Coach and Strategic Advisor Ed Capaldi who at the OGR in Turin held 4 workshops on Pitch Preparation, OKR Performance Management / Agile Methodology, Core Customer & Branding Promises”.
