LIFTT, an Italian venture capital firm focused on deep-tech investments, and Techstars Transformative World Torino, an accelerator managed by US-based Techstars, the world's leading pre-seed accelerator, have formed a strategic partnership agreement to strengthen the innovation ecosystem of OGR Torino and investments in deep-tech startups.

The agreement envisages the development of operational synergies through scouting and screening committee of high-potential companies, mentoring programs, and startup development (from the transformation of the idea into a business to financing). Co-investments will also be possible. 

The partnership with Techstars is part of the internationalization path of LIFTT, the second venture capital company in Southern Europe by the number of investments.

The agreement between LIFTT and Techstars Torino reflects the spirit of collaboration that characterizes OGR Torino, the main innovation hub in Turin, and generates a further opportunity for the growth of new deep-tech entrepreneurship. 

In April 2024, LIFTT and Techstars Torino will jointly promote a networking event to foster dialogue between start-ups, mentors, and investors. 

Giovanni Tesoriere, CEO of LIFTT, said: 'The alliance with a leading global player reinforces the positioning we are pursuing: to be an operator with a strong national base and an international operational remit. The development of this partnership in the setting of OGR Torino. confirms the importance of this hub for the new entrepreneurship of Turin and the country'.

Martin Olczyk, Managing Director of Techstars Transformative World Torino, said: ‘The LIFTT team has played a crucial mentoring role for our startups over the past years. We're excited to take this relationship to the next level by officially partnering with such a renowned VC firm and infusing significant deep-tech expertise into our program. This partnership will not only bolster the growth journey of our portfolio companies but also create a unique offering for local and international startups at OGR Torino, elevating it as a leading tech hub in Italy for building companies from idea to IPO.’

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Sheila Simon, Program Manager, Techstars Transformative World Torino

Email: sheila.simon@techstarsassociates.com

About LIFTT

Chaired by the scientist and entrepreneur Stefano Buono, LIFTT came to life as an operating company in 2019 thanks to Compagnia di San Paolo, Politecnico di Torino and LINKS Foundation. The aim is to encourage technology development and transfer from University to Industry, but also to clear the way from a simple business idea to the creation of an innovative product, offering a dynamic and modern vision of venture capital as applied to Technology Transfer. LIFTT guarantees high visibility to ideas and new businesses at a national and international level, investing and attracting capital and ensuring maximum impact on the local and national territory. To date, the company has raised EUR 103,5 million and has completed 44 investments, from a pipeline of +3000 companies, operating in all market sectors. www.liftt.com 

Head of Communications & Investor relations: alice.mariotti@liftt.com

About Techstars Transformative World Torino

Techstars Torino is a leading global startup accelerator that empowers entrepreneurs to bring new technologies and innovations to market. With a robust network of mentors, investors, and industry experts, Techstars Torino provides startups with unparalleled resources and support, enabling them to thrive in today's competitive business landscape. The program started with a focus on Smart Mobility in 2019 and since then has evolved into Cities of The Future and now Transformative World accelerator that has invested in more than 40 international startups which raised +EUR85 million in follow-on funding and have created more than 400 jobs. The program is executed in collaboration with Fondazione Compagnia Di San Paolo, Fondazione CR, and Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and is headquartered in Italy’s largest innovation hub, OGR Torino.

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