Participated · Equity · Jul 2023

Leaf Space operates a fully owned, globally distributed network of ground stations that enables telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) and payload data transmissions via an easy-to-use interface and proprietary autonomous scheduling software. The company supports around 80 satellites and offers global coverage to simplify spacecraft communications for operators. Leaf Space plans to use new capital to expand its ground-station network and add several new locations worldwide, support new frequencies for remote sensing satellites, and continue simplifying its user experience. Management also intends to hire additional talent to scale operations and to pursue new market segments and special projects with customers and partners. Founded in 2014, Leaf Space has offices in Lomazzo, Italy, and Delaware, US. The company is led by CEO Jonata Puglia and CSO Giovanni Pandolfi Bortoletto. Leaf Space is a Milan-based spacetech company founded in 2014 that provides satellite telecommunications-as-a-service, managing and procuring the entire ground segment for microsatellite operators. Its service suite includes time-shared access to ground stations, customized telecommunication solutions, ground station procurement, consultancy and backup services, turning the ground segment into a predictable recurring cost. The company currently supports over 15 customers, including Astrocast, Pixxel, Virgin Orbit and D-Orbit, as well as institutional customers such as ESA, Telespazio-Leonardo and ISRO. Leaf Space announced a €5 million Series A that brings its total funding to €10 million. The new capital will be used to further develop its ground segment services and globally scale operations, with plans to expand operational ground stations from eight to 11 in the first trimester of 2021 (deploying in Sri Lanka, Canada and Australia) and to reach 15 stations by the end of 2021. The company will also provide additional ground stations to client Astrocast via its Leaf Key service. Leaf Space is a Milan, Italy-based software platform that facilitates access to space data for private microsatellite operators. Founded in 2014 and co-founded by Jonata Puglia, Michele Messina, Giovanni Pandolfi, Matteo Boiocchi and Caterina Siclari, the company was accelerated within Turin-based I3P in 2015. Its primary product under development is Leaf Line, a TLC service dedicated exclusively to enabling private microsatellite operators to access space data. Leaf Line and other dedicated services target applications including marine traffic tracking, deforestation control, precision agriculture, natural disaster response, air pollution monitoring, illegal spills and sea search and rescue. The company raised €1m in venture capital in a round led by RedSeed Ventures with participation from Como Venture, Key Capital, PoliHub and others. Leaf Space intends to use the funds to launch its first solution, Leaf Line, and to develop additional dedicated services.

Led · Equity · Jun 2018

Liquidweb develops BrainControl, a brain-computer interface (BCI) device intended to allow locked-in patients to communicate using brainwaves. The system uses a helmet capable of performing an electroencephalogram paired with a tablet; proprietary software interprets electrical brain-activity maps to control external devices. The device also includes other biometric sensors designed to assist patients throughout disease progression. Founded in 2010 by Pasquale Fedele and based in Siena, Italy, the company sells a combined hardware-software assistive solution for severely disabled patients. Liquidweb plans to use new funding to continue growing operations.

Led · Equity · Feb 2017

Fazland operates an online and mobile marketplace that lets users request services and receive personalized quotes from professionals across home, business, personal and event categories. Users can compare proposals and close deals by phone through the platform. The company reports over 1,000 daily requests, more than 500,000 monthly views and had over €1m turnover in 2016. Fazland was co-founded in 2012 by Vittorio Guarini, Alessandro Iotti, Giovanni Azzali and Federico Panini and is based in Reggio Emilia, Italy. It intends to use new capital to continue expanding its operations. To date the company has raised more than €6m in funding. Fazland operates an online marketplace that connects service providers to people in need, allowing providers to describe skills and users to compare proposals by price, certifications and reviews. The platform is likened to Thumbtack in the USA and has helped over 20,000 home services providers expand their business and acquire new clients. Fazland is already present in Romania and Germany and plans to use new funding to grow further in Italy and across Europe. The company intends to expand its category offerings beyond home services into personal care (photographers, personal trainers, etc.) and business services (accounting, translation, consultants). Founded in 2012, its leadership includes CEO Vittorio Guarini, COO Alessandro Iotti, CPO Giovanni Azzali and CTO Federico Panini. The company recently raised a €1M Series A to support these expansion plans.

Participated · Equity · Jul 2014

Midnight Call operates Fazland.com, a digital platform that lets homeowners describe refurbishment needs via online forms and connect with professionals who provide price and quality estimates. The platform enables users to compare proposals based on price, qualitative criteria, references and reviews from other users. The company raised €500k in funding to support its next phase of growth. Midnight Call intends to use the funds to expand the platform abroad, first into other European markets, and to develop a mobile offering. The raise included participation from RedSeed Ventures and angel investors represented by Fausta Pavesio; Federico Panini, the company CTO, also invested. The company was co-founded by Vittorio Guarini, Alessandro Iotti and Giovanni Azzali.

Participated · Equity · Mar 2014

WIB Machines operates a fully automated, web-based store that lets customers buy on-site, online, via web or smartphone and pick up purchases 24/7 from the chosen machine. The solution enables retailers to deploy an actual store in strategic locations to reach customers through proximity and convenience. The company was created within incubator Consorzio ARCA by Nino Lo Iacono and Marco Bicocchi Pichi. WIB Machines has already deployed its solution in partnership with COOP. The company intends to use the new capital to continue expanding operations. As of the report, WIB Machines had raised approximately €2.5m in total funding. WIB develops automated vending machines and the software to operate them, allowing purchases via on-site touch interface or through web and mobile, with customers selecting the most convenient machine from a map and picking up purchases at any time. Its machines target use cases across airports, malls, companies, urban centers and hospitals, aiming to let retailers deploy low-investment physical stores. The company has partnered with a local retailer and plans to present its solution in the USA. Founded in 2013, the team has designed machines for multiple retail categories including grocery, wine and pharma. WIB intends to use recent funding to manufacture machines and expand marketing efforts. The product and distribution strategy emphasize low operating cost for partners and rapid roll-out into key commercial areas.