Atlante Ventures

Atlante Ventures emerged as a prominent Italian venture capital fund, operating under IMI Fondi Chiusi SGR, which was a part of the esteemed Intesa Sanpaolo Group. Established around 2008, its flagship fund, simply named Atlante Ventures, was capitalized with a substantial target size of €100 million. The fund's core mission was to catalyze growth within Italy's high-tech and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), spanning sectors such as information and communication technology (ICT), life sciences, and advanced materials. This strategic focus aimed to bolster the nation's entrepreneurial ecosystem and foster groundbreaking advancements.

The investment approach of Atlante Ventures was characterized by its commitment to early-stage and growth-stage companies. Typically, the fund deployed initial investments ranging from €1 million to €5 million per company. Beyond the initial capital injection, Atlante Ventures was prepared to provide significant follow-on funding, potentially increasing its total commitment to a single portfolio company up to €10 million. This capacity for sustained support underscored their dedication to nurturing long-term growth and scaling promising ventures.

Further demonstrating its commitment to regional development, Atlante Ventures also launched Atlante Ventures Mezzogiorno. This specialized fund, with a capital pool of approximately €20 million, was specifically designed to stimulate innovation and economic prosperity in Southern Italy, addressing unique regional opportunities. While Atlante Ventures, as a distinct active fund, is no longer making new first-time investments under that specific brand, its legacy and the management of its historical portfolio have been integrated into Intesa Sanpaolo Private Equity. This transition reflects the evolution of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group's private equity activities, yet Atlante Ventures remains a significant chapter in Italy's venture capital history.