A high-quality venture portfolio created by the combined experiences of leading executives, investors, and former entrepreneurs.
Backing the next generation of great tech leaders
Growth Engine is a sector-agnostic VC holding, investing from Pre-Seed to Pre-Series A.
Thesis-driven and built on one conviction: exceptional founders win.
Growth Engine was built by entrepreneurs, venture capital pioneers, and top executives who have themselves built and scaled companies and helped shape the Italian and European venture ecosystems. Drawing on an investment committee that has deployed and managed billions in enterprise value, Growth Engine is able to identify the opportunities that truly stand out.
While we enter early, our portfolio companies span every stage of maturity, from early-stage to growth, offering diversification across both sectors and stages, and mitigation of risk.
.png)
.png)
Founders First
No matter the stage or the sector, we look for brilliant founders willing to solve real-world problems.
A Proven Eye
Our selection process backs winners early.
Our track record speaks for itself.
.png)
Unfair Dealflow Advantage
Our dealflow is fueled by Growth Capital and A-Road, allowing us to capture the best emerging champions early on.
European tech investment bank with offices in Milan, Madrid, and London. Focused on M&A, fundraising, and advisory activities, with a 90% success rate and €350M+ raised since 2019.
Italy’s leading acceleration program for scaleups heading to Series A. Selected companies receive initial capital, fundraising support, mentorship, and network access.
Portfolio
.png)
.png)
Investment Committee
The Investment Committee combines decades of experience across industries and investment cycles.
Its members are among the pioneers of venture capital in Europe, having contributed to the development of the ecosystem from its inception.
Chairman of
AME & Solar Ventures,
Co-Founder of Italy's first IT-focused VC,
ex-Senior Manager at McKinsey,
with 20+ years as an active investor
Michele
Appendino
Chairman of Datamaran, former
Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Syntegra Capital and Chairman at Moleskine,
with 25+ years in Private Equity
Marco
Ariello
Founding Partner of Growth Capital, former Venture Partner at Eurazeo (€32B AUM),
Founder of RenEn,
with past roles at McKinsey, ENEL and Russell Reynolds
Fabio Mondini
de Focatiis
Michele Appendino
Chairman of AME & Solar Ventures, Co-Founder of Italy's first IT-focused VC,
ex-Senior Manager at McKinsey, with 20+ years as an active investor
Marco Ariello
Chairman of Datamaran, former Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Syntegra Capital and Chairman at Moleskine, with 25+ years in Private Equity
Fabio Mondini de Focatiis
Founding Partner of Growth Capital, former Venture Partner at Eurazeo (€32B AUM), Founder of RenEn, with past roles at McKinsey, ENEL and Russell Reynolds
.png)
If you’re building something exceptional, we want to hear from you
Growth Engine S.r.l.
Piazza Diaz 5, 20123 Milano (MI)
P.Iva: IT11724580961
E-mail: info@growthengine.it