LIFTT

LIFTT S.p.A. is a prominent Italian Tech Transfer Investment Fund headquartered in Turin, dedicated to bridging the critical gap between academic research and market-ready innovation. Established with the mission to accelerate the commercialization of deep technology originating from Italian universities and research centers, LIFTT plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the country's nascent deep tech ecosystem. The fund primarily focuses on groundbreaking advancements across diverse sectors, including artificial intelligence, advanced materials, biotech, cleantech, digital technologies, and robotics, among others. Their strategic approach aims to transform scientific discoveries into viable, scalable businesses.

The fund's investment strategy is centered on early-stage companies, typically engaging in pre-seed, seed, and occasionally Series A rounds. LIFTT is known for its hands-on approach, providing not only crucial capital but also strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to an extensive network of industry experts and potential partners. Their typical first cheque for initial investments ranges from approximately $108,000 (€100,000) to $540,000 (€500,000), depending on the maturity of the technology and the specific needs of the startup. While these initial tickets are designed to validate concepts and build initial teams, LIFTT also provides significant follow-on funding, demonstrating a long-term commitment to its portfolio companies, with total investments per company potentially reaching several million euros.

As of early 2024, LIFTT has made over 60 investments, establishing itself as a key driver of deep tech commercialization in Italy. With a total fund size exceeding $91 million (€84.4 million), the firm is well-positioned to continue its impactful work in nurturing high-potential startups. By actively supporting the development of innovative technologies from their foundational stages, LIFTT contributes significantly to the economic growth and technological advancement of Italy, helping to translate complex scientific research into tangible products and services that address global challenges.