CDP Equity

CDP Equity, a holding company based in Milan, Italy, operates as a key strategic investor for the Italian economy. It is an integral part of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) Group, Italy's National Promotional Institution. While the provided description refers to "venture capital," CDP Equity's investment mandate extends far beyond traditional early-stage venture funding. Its primary mission is to support the growth, innovation, and internationalization of Italian companies deemed of national strategic interest, acting as a patient, long-term investor.

The firm focuses on injecting equity and quasi-equity capital into established, significant businesses across vital sectors such as infrastructure, energy transition, digital transformation, and other key industrial areas. CDP Equity typically invests alongside other institutional investors, both domestic and international, aiming to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Italy's industrial base. Its approach involves taking substantial stakes, often minority but sometimes majority, in companies crucial for the country's economic fabric.

CDP Equity's investment sizes are considerably larger than those of typical venture capital firms, reflecting its focus on mature, strategic assets. For instance, the company invested approximately €140 million ($151 million) in GreenIT, a joint venture focused on renewable energy, demonstrating its commitment to the energy transition. On the larger end, CDP Equity participated in the acquisition of Autostrade per l'Italia, contributing around €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) to the transaction, underscoring its capacity for large-scale, strategic interventions. These figures highlight that CDP Equity primarily engages in growth equity and private equity investments rather than early-stage venture capital.

Through its significant capital deployments and strategic partnerships, CDP Equity plays a pivotal role in fostering the development and resilience of Italy's most important companies. Its long-term perspective and focus on national strategic interests distinguish it as a unique and influential player in the Italian investment landscape, dedicated to boosting the country's economic output and global standing.