CDP Venture Capital

CDP Venture Capital SGR is the venture capital arm of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the Italian National Promotional Institution. Established with the strategic objective of boosting Italy's innovation ecosystem, the firm plays a pivotal role in supporting startups and innovative SMEs across the country. It acts as a cornerstone investor, often catalyzing private capital and fostering a more robust venture landscape in Italy. As of early 2024, CDP Venture Capital manages over €3.5 billion in assets, making it one of the largest and most influential venture capital players in the Italian market.

The firm employs a multi-fund strategy, overseeing 12 specialized funds designed to address different stages of company growth and specific technological sectors. These funds include initiatives focused on pre-seed and seed investments, early-stage rounds (Series A and B), and later-stage growth capital. Key areas of focus span from technology transfer and university spin-offs to digital transformation, green technologies, and corporate venture capital initiatives. This comprehensive approach allows CDP Venture Capital to support companies from their nascent stages through to their scaling phases, ensuring a continuous pipeline of innovation within Italy.

CDP Venture Capital's investment philosophy is characterized by its long-term commitment to developing the Italian innovation landscape. While its specific check sizes vary significantly depending on the fund and the stage of investment, the firm is known for deploying capital across a broad spectrum. Typical first checks can range from as little as €100,000 for very early-stage seed investments, particularly through its dedicated Seed Fund, up to €15,000,000 for growth-stage companies seeking substantial capital for expansion. This wide range underscores its mandate to support the entire lifecycle of innovative enterprises, from initial concept validation to market leadership, thereby strengthening Italy's position in the global innovation economy.