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Growth Engine

Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milan

Description

Growth Engine S.p.A. is a Milan-based venture capital holding company focused on investing in innovative, high-growth potential startups, primarily within the digital and tech-driven sectors. Established in Italy, the firm positions itself as a strategic partner for entrepreneurs, offering not just capital but also active support and strategic guidance to accelerate the development of its portfolio companies. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying promising early-stage and growth-stage businesses that demonstrate strong market potential and scalable business models.

The firm's investment strategy is characterized by its commitment to fostering long-term value creation. Growth Engine typically targets companies that are past the initial ideation phase and are ready for significant scaling, often exhibiting initial traction or a proven product-market fit. They are particularly interested in businesses leveraging technology to disrupt traditional industries or create new market opportunities. Beyond financial backing, Growth Engine emphasizes providing operational expertise, access to their network, and strategic mentorship to help founders navigate challenges and achieve their growth objectives.

Growth Engine provides significant capital injections to its portfolio companies. Their typical initial equity investments range from €0.5 million to €3 million per round, which translates approximately to $540,000 to $3,240,000 based on recent exchange rates. This flexible check size allows them to support a diverse range of companies, from those seeking initial seed or Series A funding to more mature startups requiring growth capital. The firm also indicates a willingness to participate in follow-on rounds, demonstrating a sustained commitment to their most promising investments as they continue to scale. Their approach as a holding company suggests a patient capital model, aligning with the long development cycles often seen in high-growth tech ventures.

Investor Profile

Growth Engine has backed more than 38 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 3 rounds, about 8% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Secondary Market, Pre Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom.
  • Strong thematic focus on Information Technology, E-Commerce, Software.
  • Typical check size: $540K – $3.2M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (39%)
  • Secondary Market (26%)
  • Pre Seed (16%)
  • Convertible Note (16%)
  • Post Ipo Secondary (3%)

Country Focus

  • Italy (92%)
  • Mexico (3%)
  • United Kingdom (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Information Technology
  • E-commerce
  • Software
  • Saas
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Cyber Security
  • Retail
  • Internet Of Things
  • Internet
  • Consulting
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Growth Engine frequently co-invest with?

Growth Capital
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milan
Co-Investments: 2
360 Capital
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Co-Investments: 2
PranaVentures
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milano
Co-Investments: 1
LVenture Group
Europe, Lazio, Italy, Roma
Co-Investments: 2
Azimut Holding
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milan
Co-Investments: 1
Exor Ventures
Europe, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands, Amsterdam
Co-Investments: 2
Cassa Depositi e Prestiti
Europe, Lazio, Italy, Rome
Co-Investments: 1
Bonsai Venture Capital SCR
Europe, Madrid, Spain, Madrid
Co-Investments: 1
Primo Ventures
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milan
Co-Investments: 2
Vertis
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milan
Co-Investments: 1

Which angels does Growth Engine often collaborate with?

FM
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milan
Shared Deals: 7
GG
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 1
MD
Europe, Ticino, Switzerland
Shared Deals: 1
DV
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milan
Shared Deals: 1
FF
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milan
Shared Deals: 1
FZ
Europe, Campania, Italy, Napoli
Shared Deals: 1
JZ
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
GM
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milan
Shared Deals: 1
MP
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milan
Shared Deals: 1
VF
Europe, Lombardia, Italy, Milano
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Growth Engine?

TimeFlow

Milan, Lombardia, Italy

The first international and ever-expanding network of qualified Technological Partners, makes the sourcing process fast and less expensive

Information TechnologyPaaSProcurementSaaS
SeedFeb 17, 2025
Amount Raised: $4,197,382
TrueScreen

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

TrueScreen certifies any multimedia file, email and document with legal and probative value, ensuring authenticity and immutability

Cyber SecurityInformation TechnologyInsurTechLegal Tech
SeedSep 25, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,671,116
Cubbit

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Your Cloud. Your Rules. Anywhere. Cubbit is the 1st geo-distributed cloud Enabler. Compose your S3 cloud in minutes, benefit for years.

Cloud InfrastructureCloud Storage
SeedJul 16, 2024
Amount Raised: $12,500,000
StarTric

Milan, Lombardia, Italy

StarTric develops a transcatheter tricuspid valve repair system to treat tricuspid heart valves.

ManufacturingMedicalMedical Device
SeedJul 8, 2024

Transform users' voice into value

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Machine LearningProductivity ToolsSaaSSoftware
Pre SeedMay 28, 2024
Amount Raised: $1,736,207
Guidoio

Venturina, Toscana, Italy

Guidoio is an ed-tech company that streamlines the process of getting your driver's license.

EdTech
Pre SeedFeb 13, 2024
Amount Raised: $749,595
TrueScreen

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

TrueScreen is a mobile app that allows users to certify any media obtained using a mobile device.

Cyber SecurityInformation TechnologyInsurTechLegal Tech
Convertible NoteSep 15, 2023
TextYess

Milano, Lombardia, Italy

TextYess enables eCommerce brands to sell on WhatsApp through conversational AI.

AdvertisingE-CommerceMarketing AutomationMobile
Pre SeedMay 3, 2023
Amount Raised: $650,000
Cosmico

Milan, Lombardia, Italy

Cosmico connects designers, copywriters, marketers, and freelance developers.

ConsultingCopywritingFreelanceHuman ResourcesVirtual Workforce
SeedMar 22, 2023
Amount Raised: $2,010,760
Holifya

Milano, Lombardia, Italy

Holifya serves in the health-tech field and offers a personalized service.

FitnessHealth DiagnosticsWellness
Pre SeedFeb 21, 2023
Amount Raised: $532,571