Insider Brief
- Scientifica Venture Capital has launched a €200 million fund, Scientifica Fund 1 (SF1), to support start-ups in future computing, smart materials, advanced industry, and environmental technologies at all development stages.
- The fund introduces a Zero CapEx investment model with access to 4,000 m² of proprietary labs and 70 certified labs in Italy, removing economic barriers to innovation and accelerating time-to-market.
- With strategic expansions in Europe and the U.S., including a Silicon Valley HUB, Scientifica aims to bridge European talent and American resources while fostering global technological excellence.
Scientifica Venture Capital announces the launch of Scientifica Fund 1 (SF1), a €200 million fund — or about $209 million US — dedicated to supporting start-ups and technological projects in future computing, smart materials, advanced industry, and environmental technologies across all stages of development.
The fund aims to foster a new era of technological competitiveness and economic growth by leveraging a robust convergence of scientific excellence, venture capital, and industrial processes.
It will support innovative companies at all stages of development, from the initial idea to the scale-up phase, optimizing research time and costs while accelerating their path to market.
Zero CapEx Investment Model
Scientifica will launch a Zero CapEx investment model to enable young companies to access advanced technological resources without bearing the initial costs of spaces, machinery, or equipment. This model will allow them to focus their efforts on research, development, and scalability, removing economic barriers to innovation.
Companies will have access to 4,000 m² of proprietary laboratories and a network of 70 Scientifica Lab Approved certified laboratories across Italy, providing cutting-edge infrastructure that accelerates development timelines and reduces operational risks.
An Ambitious Industrial Project
The launch of the fund, scheduled for the first half of 2025, marks the cornerstone of a comprehensive industrial project involving over 100 professionals, new research infrastructures, laboratories, and a series of initiatives aimed at bridging science and the venture capital world.
Among the key initiatives is the future development of additional vertical funds dedicated to technology transfer in frontier technologies, as exemplified by the launch of Quantum Italia. These funds aim to transform scientific research outcomes into market-ready solutions.
The project has garnered strong interest from private investors and family offices, thanks to the roots of the holding company, Scientifica Venture Capital, which was founded through the shared vision of two family offices. This origin has fostered a culture of trust and collaboration around the initiative, generating robust engagement. It has also attracted new generations of entrepreneurs and investors eager to contribute to sustainable and lasting value creation.
Strategic Collaborations and International Presence
With an already established presence in London, Scientifica has embarked on an ambitious strategic expansion plan, strengthening its role in Europe and the United States through decisive initiatives that are redefining its global positioning in the innovation landscape.
In France, Scientifica has solidified its position through a strategic partnership in the field of quantum technologies. This European positioning was further boosted by the launch of the first coordinated European Start-up Competition between Italy and France. The project, praised by the French Ministry of Economy, has been recognized as a dynamic example of cooperation between companies, universities, and institutions from both countries, establishing itself as a model for all of Europe.
In the United States, Scientifica has expanded its reach with the establishment of a strategic and operational HUB in Silicon Valley. Led by Jon Lunetta, a resident key figure, this center will provide European start-ups, particularly those in the Artificial Intelligence sector, with direct access to the unique resources and opportunities of the American tech ecosystem. This initiative will solidify Scientifica’s role as a bridge between Europe and the United States, enabling the global advancement of European technological excellence.
This dual expansion focus—European and American—lies at the core of Scientifica’s strategy, poised to revolutionize how innovation is nurtured, supported, and brought to global success.
Leadership Perspectives
Riccardo D’Alessandri, Managing Partner:
“Scientifica Fund is the tangible expression of a strategy that integrates research, venture capital, and industry to accelerate technological innovation and create sustainable value. With high-level international collaborations, we are ready to position Italy as a central player in the global innovation ecosystem.”
Patrick Leoni Sceti, General Partner:
“This fund marks the beginning of an ambitious project aimed at supporting companies capable of redefining global standards and fostering sustainable economic growth. Our goal is to build an ecosystem that maximizes the potential of innovation, creating a positive and lasting impact.”
Jon Lunetta, Key Man USA:
“The HUB in Silicon Valley will provide Italian start-ups with privileged access to the heart of global innovation, forging strategic connections between European talent and American resources.”
