The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation actively supports the attraction of venture capital investment to Italy, for the benefit of both domestic startups and internationalisation projects, thereby helping to strengthen the growth and competitiveness of Italian companies in foreign markets.
At the same time, close attention is paid to the international expansion of Italian venture capital, as a tool for growth and for strengthening these Italian firms, which are essential to the future development of the country’s innovation and startup ecosystem.
Italy is strengthening its attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment, with significant growth in research and development funding and a consolidation of productive capacity in strategic supply chains. At the same time, the country is establishing itself as an international entrepreneurial hub, offering companies a dynamic and competitive ecosystem.
Venture Capital in Italy
Venture capital consists in the provision of risk capital to innovative companies that are still in the development phase and have high growth potential.
Venture capital operators acquire equity stakes in startups, contributing to the creation and growth of new high-tech businesses.
In 2025, the Italian venture capital market recorded total fundraising of EUR 1.48 billion, representing a 32% increase compared with the previous year. [1]
The same year also marked an evolution in venture capital in Italy, characterised by an increase in average ticket size and the growth of Series A and Series B rounds. The average value of transactions rose by 62%, from EUR 3.9 million to EUR 6.3 million. At the same time, a significant increase was recorded in Series A and Series B rounds. In particular, Series B rounds showed annual growth of 83%, exceeding the levels reached in the previous two years.
In 2025, the largest investments were recorded in the following sectors:
- Deep Tech: EUR 413 million
- Health & Life Science: EUR 357 million
- Software & Digital Services: EUR 266 million
- Energy & Climate Tech, followed by Fintech [2]
Italy’s venture capital fund system is broad and diversified, with growing attention devoted to supporting innovation and competitiveness. A central role is played by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), which, through CDP Venture Capital SGR, a company established in 2020, promotes strategic investment and facilitates access to capital for startups and innovative SMEs.
The role of MAECI
MAECI and Office IV of the DGCE for the Promotion of Innovative Industrial Supply Chains and Startups work with the leading Italian venture capital associations, promoting events and initiatives aimed at strengthening networking opportunities and enhancing the expertise within the ecosystem. INNOVIT can also serve as a valuable tool for Italian venture capital firms seeking to establish and expand contacts and partnerships in Silicon Valley.
Since October 2025, at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in cooperation with MIMIT and the Transatlantic Harmonic Foundation, the Transatlantic Venture Platform has been established. The platform is designed to foster connections between Italian and US investors in strategic sectors, while strengthening transatlantic cooperation in innovation and investment.
Some of the main venture capital associations active in Italy include:
[1] The Italian venture capital market – Bankitalia 2025.pdf
[2] EY venture capital barometer 2025
Last updated: January 2026