Z_One Fund has closed its first round at €35 million to back Italian Pre-Seed and Seed startups. Eureka! Venture SGR manages the fund. Investors include CDP Venture Capital, Zest, Lazio Innova, and Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo.
Fund targets
The fund aims to raise €60 million in total. It plans to make as many as 100 early-stage investments. Initial checks can reach €250,000, with selective follow-on funding for companies that reach milestones.
Team experience
The investment team includes Luigi Capello, Giulio Montoli, and Giulia Fazzini. Together they have completed more than 340 investments and 25 exits. They manage over €80 million in assets.
Investment sectors
The fund will back AI applications in business processes, public administration, and citizen services. It will also invest in urban tech, such as connected mobility, smart water, waste management, and public spaces. A parallel fund supported by Lazio Innova will apply the same strategy in the Lazio region.
Zest provides the fund's acceleration program and exclusive advisory support. The fund has started its investment period after the first closing. It will begin in Italy and plans to grow its portfolio and deal flow across Europe.