European venture capital firm 360 Capital has announced the successful closing of its Poli360 2 fund at $98 million, with a final target of $115 million. This new fund is dedicated to advancing Italy's deeptech ecosystem by investing in early-stage startups emerging from universities and research centers. The initiative aims to bridge the critical gap between scientific innovation and industrial application, fostering a new wave of technological leaders.
Building on a Proven Strategy
Poli360 2 continues the successful technology transfer strategy established by its predecessor, Poli360 1, which cultivated a portfolio of 20 innovative companies. Notable alumni from the first fund include pioneers like Energy Dome, Isaac, and Inxpect, demonstrating a strong track record of identifying and nurturing high-potential ventures. The new fund is set to build on this legacy, planning to complete between 20 and 25 investments in promising deeptech startups.
Investment Focus and Geographic Allocation
The fund’s investment strategy is centered on two key pillars: Industry Automation and Sustainability, reflecting major global technological and environmental trends. The Industry Automation vertical targets fields such as robotics, Industry 4.0, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the Sustainability vertical focuses on new materials, the energy transition, and the circular economy to address pressing environmental challenges.
Poli360 2 maintains a strong commitment to fostering domestic innovation, with at least 80 percent of its capital earmarked for startups based in Italy. This primary focus is strategically complemented by an allocation of up to 20 percent for compelling opportunities across the broader European landscape. This dual approach enables the fund to bolster the local ecosystem while capitalizing on international technological breakthroughs and collaborations.
A Coalition of Key Investors
A diverse and influential coalition of investors has committed capital to Poli360 2, signaling strong confidence in its mission and strategy. Key backers include prominent public institutions such as the European Investment Fund (EIF) and CDP Venture Capital. The fund has also attracted capital from Italian pension funds, family offices, and major corporate investors including Brembo, MBDA, and Lucchini RS.
Reinforcing its commitment to responsible investment, Poli360 2 is classified as an Article 8 fund under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). This designation confirms that the fund actively promotes environmental or social characteristics alongside its primary financial objectives. This alignment with ESG principles positions the fund to meet the growing demand for sustainable and impactful venture capital investments.
Fostering a New Generation of Technology Leaders
Alessandro Zaccaria, a Partner at 360 Capital, highlighted the fund's mission to close the divide between academic research and industrial commercialization. He emphasized the firm's hands-on approach, working side-by-side with universities, research centers, and visionary founders. The ultimate goal is to support startups developing avant-garde technologies throughout their entire growth journey.
This collaborative model is designed to transform groundbreaking scientific discoveries into commercially viable enterprises capable of redefining future technological paradigms. By providing both capital and strategic guidance, the fund aims to cultivate the next generation of deeptech companies. This approach is essential for navigating the complexities of technology transfer and scaling disruptive innovations in the market.
The launch of Poli360 2 represents a significant injection of capital and expertise into the Italian and European deeptech sectors. With its focused strategy, strong investor backing, and commitment to sustainability, the fund is well-positioned to accelerate technological progress. 360 Capital's extensive experience, dating back to 1997, further solidifies its role as a key player in shaping Europe's innovation landscape.