
iStarter
Description
iStarter is an Italian angel-led startup accelerator based in London, uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between Italian entrepreneurial talent and international markets. Founded with the mission to support promising Italian early-stage companies, iStarter provides a comprehensive ecosystem of capital, mentorship, and global network access. Its primary focus is on high-growth Italian startups that demonstrate strong potential for international expansion, leveraging London as a strategic hub for global connectivity and market access.
iStarter's investment strategy centers on early-stage funding, typically participating in pre-seed and seed rounds. They offer initial ticket sizes that generally range from approximately $54,000 to $270,000, based on recent exchange rates from their stated €50,000 to €250,000 range. Beyond the initial capital injection, iStarter actively supports its portfolio companies through follow-on investments, which can extend up to approximately $1.08 million as companies achieve significant milestones and require further scaling capital. This tiered investment approach allows iStarter to maintain a long-term relationship with its ventures, guiding them from nascent stages through growth.
A key differentiator for iStarter is its robust network, comprising over 100 experienced business angels and mentors. These individuals contribute not only capital but also invaluable industry expertise, strategic guidance, and access to their extensive professional connections. The accelerator's program is designed to equip startups with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of international markets, focusing on areas such as market entry strategies, fundraising, and operational scaling. By fostering a collaborative environment, iStarter aims to significantly increase the success rate of Italian startups on the global stage, transforming local innovation into international success stories.
Investor Profile
iStarter has backed more than 65 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 27 rounds, about 42% of its total and boasts 9 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Italy, United Kingdom, United States.
- Strong thematic focus on E-Commerce, Information Technology, Software.
- Typical check size: $54K – $270K.
Stage Focus
- Seed (57%)
- Series Unknown (22%)
- Series A (8%)
- Pre Seed (6%)
- Undisclosed (3%)
- Series C (3%)
- Series B (2%)
Country Focus
- Italy (62%)
- United Kingdom (20%)
- United States (14%)
- Spain (2%)
- Switzerland (2%)
Industry Focus
- E-commerce
- Information Technology
- Software
- Health Care
- Financial Services
- Fintech
- Internet
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Mobile
- Food And Beverage
Frequently Asked Questions
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