At the Voice of Business, we believe passionately that there is an enormous, untapped potential for US and Italian entrepreneurs, investors and companies to discover and exploit the unique synergy between these two business cultures. Traditionally, Italy has a surplus of under-valued entrepreneurial talent and the US has the capital that can launch startups into the global arena. That is why we are so excited to bring you this week's interview with Luigi Capello, founder of LVenture Group whose mission is to discover Italian startups that have a global vision, invest in them strategically to prepare them for major capital investment & IPOs and then shape an exit strategy that is beneficial for all. Alexis Christoforous also probes Capello's partnership with LUISS Labs which brings young Italian startups into contact with major players like Accenture and Facebook. |
|
|
By Alexis Christoforous When serial entrepreneur and angel investor, Luigi Capello, founded the venture capital firm LVenture Group in 2012, he wanted to help develop the best startups in Italy and scale them globally. Fast forward ten years and LVenture Group is a holding company listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (MTA) with over 90 companies in its portfolio. “We look for smart entrepreneurs who have a global vision.” Capello told The Voice of Business from LVenture’s 97,000 square foot Hub in Rome’s Termini Station. |
|
|
The firm owns the Startup Accelerator LUISS EnLabs, born from a joint venture with Italy’s Luiss University. “Normally, we invest a small amount of money. Our money is called Smart Money, because we help startups to grow up. Our business model is based mainly on capital gains from the exits of our startups,” he said.Capello said LVentures works with early stage startups, mostly in the tech space, helping them scale their business and identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to attract more investor interest and eventually assist the company in its exit strategy. |
|
|
“When we invest, we think immediately about an exit strategy,” he said. “Perhaps it's not very easy. It's not very close, but it takes time. It’s very important to have a path to a successful exit.” Capello said a company’s “exit” could come in the form of a merger or acquisition, or an Initial Public Offering. He said the firm is mostly focused on green, clean technology as well as artificial intelligence and blockchain. One of its recent investments is in Rome-based Screevo, a hands-free voice assistant for Industry 4.0. It recently closed a funding round for over $520,000 to expand its operations both nationally within Italy and internationally in the US and beyond. |
|
|
“Many US investors are looking to our market because there is great opportunity to invest here,” Capello said. In the next five years, he hopes to open a startup incubator in the United States to continue building a bridge between US and Italian investors. “Just like many US accelerators come to Europe,” Capello said, “we would like to go to the US.” |
|
|
For the full interview with Luigi Capello please click on the link below! |
|
|
VC Firm in Rome Has Global Vision For Green Tech & AI-Focused Startup AcceleratorBy Alexis Christoforous When serial entrepreneur and angel investor, Luigi Capello, founded the venture capital firm LVenture Group in 2012, he wanted to help develop the best startups in Italy and scale them globally. Fast forward ten years and LVenture Group is a holding company listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (MTA) with over 90 companies in its portfolio. |
|
|
And...In case you missed earlier articles and interviews from Season 2 you can find them here! |
|
|
CEO of Italy's Enel X on the Future of EnergyBy Alexis Christoforous As one of the world's largest utilities, the Italian energy giant Enel provides energy to half a billion people every day. Enel X is the advanced energy services global business line of Enel. |
|
|
Tech Entrepreneur Wants to Make Italy the Next Silicon ValleyAs a serial entrepreneur, Fabrizio Capobianco has successfully founded and sold at least half a dozen tech companies in his decades long career. Now, at 51-years old, he is ready to prime the next generation of entrepreneurs in his home country of Italy. "I want to do something for the country," Capobianco told The Voice of Business. |
|
|
Master Brand Designer On Why Italy Needs a 'Ministry of Beauty'Maurizio di Robilant, President & CEO of Robilant Associati speaks with Alexis Christoforous about his firm's quest to find each company's essence and soul, the importance of having an empathic relationship with his clients, the challenges of selling the idea of Italy to Italians, and his belief that there is a unique competitive identity which gives every country a marketing edge. |
|
|
The CEO of Engineering on How the Metaverse Will Revolutionize work and PlayBy Alexis Christoforous The metaverse may be in its infancy, but Maximo Ibarra, CEO of the Rome, Italy-based digital technology company Engineering is preparing for the future with immersive virtual apps. Ibarra tells The Voice of Business that Engineering is pouring resources into innovative technologies in the world of healthcare, finance, fashion, and retail to guide its clients through their journey into "the digital business transformation." |
|
|
Enel X Way Charges Up EVs for Big Business Partners in the USBy Alexis Christoforous Enel X Way is making a big push to expand its network of electric vehicle charging stations across North America. The global smart e-mobility platform of Italy's Enel Group has partnered with U.S.-based Stable Software to provide businesses and cities with information on where charging stations are needed most. |
|
|
Female CEO Steers Italian E-Mobility Firm from Start-up to Motor Valley LeaderBy Alexis Christoforous In the heart of Italy's Motor Valley, nestled among auto legends Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini, is the electric motorcycle company Energica. One of the world's leading EV motorcycle manufacturers, Energica recently sold a 70% stake in the family-run business to the U-S based electric vehicle company, Ideanomics (IDEX). |
|
|
See you next week! Fernando Napolitano,
Founder and CEO Newest Media |
|
|
|
|
