Led · Seed · Jun 2026

X-nano has developed a patented, non-catalytic pyrolysis reactor process that converts gaseous hydrocarbons of various origins into high-purity synthetic graphite for lithium batteries and hard carbon for sodium batteries. The startup was founded by Fabio Di Fonzo from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and operates three sites, including a main plant in Casarile and two locations in Milan. X-nano employs 17 people and is led by a team of four executives. The company plans to use the €3.7 million seed proceeds to build a pilot production plant sited between Lombardy, Abruzzo and Puglia. Management targets completion of the pilot by the end of 2027 with commercial activity beginning between late 2027 and the first half of 2028. The articles do not disclose revenue, users, or a prior valuation.

Participated · Series A · Apr 2026

Wearable Robotics develops wearable robotic systems integrated with augmented and virtual reality to support neuromotor rehabilitation and activities of daily living. Its flagship device, ALEX RS, is a bilateral upper-limb rehabilitation system with more than 50 units deployed internationally. The company is focusing on expanding its product portfolio toward modular and integrable solutions to address additional rehabilitation areas. Following the Series A, Wearable Robotics plans to advance regulatory approvals in key markets, strengthen compliance processes, and accelerate time-to-market. It is also prioritizing the scaling of commercial capabilities and expansion of its distribution network, with a targeted push into North America.

Participated · Series A · Nov 2025

Founded in 2019 as a spin-off of the University of Padua’s Applied Nuclear Physics Department, Finapp builds and sells patented probes that use Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing (CRNS) to quantify water in soil and snow by detecting cosmic-ray generated neutrons. The technology delivers real-time, wide-area readings of soil moisture and snow-water equivalent, enabling precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, early warning for landslides, floods and fires, and leakage detection in water networks. Finapp has achieved operational breakeven within six years and has deployed devices on every continent, including Antarctica. The company has earned accolades such as the EU’s EIC Accelerator award, the UN’s AI for Good recognition, and a prize at COP28. Proceeds from the latest funding will be used to open new offices in France and the United States, scale the team to meet international demand, and expand production and R&D capabilities in Italy. Finapp aims to globalize its water-measurement solutions and accelerate industrial growth while promoting sustainable water management worldwide.

Participated · Seed · Jul 2025

Tulum Energy commercializes a methane pyrolysis process that splits natural gas into pure hydrogen and solid carbon using a modified electric arc furnace and no expensive catalysts. The company was spun out after Techint Group engineers rediscovered the reaction and is led by CEO Massimiliano Pieri. Tulum plans to build a pilot plant in Mexico alongside an existing Techint steel plant using its recently raised seed funding. At commercial scale the company projects two tons of hydrogen and 600 tons of carbon per day. It aims to produce hydrogen for about $1.50 per kilogram in the U.S., roughly $0.50 above most hydrogen from natural gas and below some green-hydrogen methods. Tulum intends to sell both the hydrogen and the solid carbon co‑product and competes with firms such as Modern Hydrogen, Molten Industries, and Monolith.

Participated · Series A · Nov 2024

Naturbeads develops a patented process to refine cellulose into perfectly round, biodegradable microbeads intended to replace plastic microplastics in cosmetics and multiple industrial applications. The company commercialises a continuous manufacturing process and built its first production plant in Puglia, Italy, targeting a 2026 product launch and a production ramp in June. Its cellulose beads are being tested in cosmetics, personal care, paints and coatings, adhesives, packaging and other applications, and the company claims they are 100% biodegradable with performance comparable to plastic microbeads. Naturbeads was founded in 2018 as a University of Bath spin-out by Professor Davide Mattia, the late Professor Janet Scott, and CEO Giovanna Laudisio. Financially, Naturbeads raised a €8.9 million Series A in 2024 led by Eos Advisory and has now received a €4.1 million EU grant to help fund its plant and R&D. The company expects regulatory changes in the EU banning certain microplastic uses to drive increased demand for its alternatives.