180 business angels, 20 million euros, 39 startups and SMEs: these are the numbers of the first decade of activity of the Club degli Investitorione of the most important business angel groups in Italy, which has supported, among others, successful realities such as Satispay, Talent Garden, D-orbit and Genenta.
The General Assembly chaired by Giancarlo Rocchietti approved the strategic plan regarding the next steps of the association, including the doubling of investments in the short term. Other points discussed were the growth of the network beyond the borders of our country, aiming at the internationalization of the association.
"More than ten years ago we started in five, when in Italy there was still no mention of Business Angel. We launched ourselves into a challenge that allowed us to support almost 40 entrepreneurs in the development of their businesses" - said Giancarlo Rocchietti, Founder and President of Club degli Investitori - "That spirit and enthusiasm are more alive than ever. We set ourselves the ambitious goal of doubling what we invest in startups every year, leveraging the experiences made so far that will be the basis for a new beginning."
2021 will begin under new leadership. The General Meeting appointed Andrea Rota as the new managing director:born in Turin, he graduated from the Politecnico di Torino and has an MBA from the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne. In addition to a brilliant managerial career behind him, between California and Europe in top-tier companies such as SAP or eBay, he was previously named Business Angel of the Year in 2019 and invested in 30 startups in Italy and abroad. Rota commented on the nomination and the current situation on the sidelines of the Assembly: "The critical situation we are experiencing has taught us the importance of innovation as a tool for adapting to and overcoming difficulties, and gives us a unique opportunity to bring out new entrepreneurial realities with global reach. The Club degli Investitori has demonstrated in recent years its ability to promote and support ambitious startups with great potential. The path identified in the Club's strategic plan of network development and internationalization is the key to becoming increasingly decisive and effective in this mission.
During the pandemic, the Club invested more than 3.5 million euros in 8 companies, most of them operating in the fields of biotech, pharmaceuticals, medicine, health, and personal care.
