Italy, renowned for its rich history, art, and cuisine, is increasingly making its mark in the world of innovation and technology. The Italian startup ecosystem has been growing rapidly in recent years with entrepreneurs across the country developing groundbreaking solutions in various sectors. From revolutionizing real estate transactions to enhancing cybersecurity for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, these companies represent the dynamic and diverse landscape of Italian entrepreneurship.
Best Italian Startups to Follow
Every year, new startups pull to the forefront of their industry through exciting innovation and industry-disrupting business models. We’ve rounded up the most exciting Italian startups of 2024 that startup-lovers, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs should follow.
Disclaimer: With so many exciting Italian startups launching and growing each year, we aren’t able to cover them all. Furthermore, the startups listed below aren’t officially ranked and are listed in no particular order.
1. Cubbit
- Industry: Cloud Infrastructure
- Founder(s): Stefano Onofri, Alessandro Cillario, Marco Moschettini
- Founded In: 2016
- Funding: Seed, $25 Million
- Investors Include: Verve Ventures, LocalGlobe, ETF Partners
Cubbit is a cloud storage company that offers a decentralized and secure alternative to traditional cloud services. The company uses a distributed network of devices to store data, enhancing privacy and reducing its environmental impact. Cubbit’s innovative approach allows users to contribute unused storage space from their own devices to the network, creating a collaborative and eco-friendly cloud solution.
2. Exein
- Industry: IoT, Cybersecurity
- Founder(s): Gianni Cuozzo
- Founded In: 2018
- Funding: Series B, $25.5 Million
- Investors Include: eCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERS, Future Industry Ventures, United Ventures
Exein is a cybersecurity startup that focuses on IoT devices. The company develops embedded security solutions to protect connected devices from cyber threats, using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Exein’s technology aims to secure the entire IoT ecosystem — from smart home devices to industrial equipment — by providing real-time threat detection and response capabilities.
3. Casavo
- Industry: Real Estate, Proptech
- Founder(s): Giorgio Tinacci
- Founded In: 2017
- Funding: Series D, $944 Million
- Investors Include: Endeavor Catalyst, Fuse Venture Partners, Bossa Invest
Casavo is a proptech company that operates as an instant buyer in the real estate market. The company uses technology to streamline the home-selling process, offering to purchase properties directly from owners and reselling them after renovation. Then, the company acts as a real estate agent to connect sellers with buyers. By leveraging data analytics and market insights, Casavo aims to provide fair offers to sellers while optimizing the property’s value for resale.
4. Akiflow
- Industry: Software, SaaS
- Founder(s): Nunzio Martinello, Sebastiano Favaro
- Founded In: 2020
- Funding: Seed, $1.93 Million
- Investors Include: Benson Oak Ventures
Akiflow is a productivity tool that aims to help users manage their time more effectively. It integrates with various apps and services to centralize tasks, calendars, and workflows, allowing for better organization and focus. The platform employs AI-driven suggestions to help users prioritize tasks and optimize their daily schedules — ultimately boosting personal and professional productivity.
5. Cosmico
- Industry: HR Tech, Software
- Founder(s): Francesco Marino, Simone Tornabene, Matteo Roversi
- Founded In: 2020
- Funding: Series A, $6.29 Million
- Investors Include: 40Jemz Ventures, Prana Ventures, Bonsai Venture Capital
Cosmico is a talent-as-a-service platform that connects freelancers with companies, streamlining the process of finding and hiring skilled professionals for various projects. The platform leverages technology to match freelancers’ skills and experience with companies’ specific needs, giving businesses on-demand access to a global pool of talent. Cosmico aims to revolutionize the way companies engage with freelancers, providing a flexible and efficient solution for both parties in the gig economy.
6. ALBA Robot
- Industry: Mobility, AI, Robotics
- Founder(s): Andrea Bertaia
- Founded In: 2019
- Funding: Later Stage VC, $9.3 Million
- Investors Include: Techstars, Cysero, FinPiemonte
ALBA Robot is a robotics company that specializes in developing autonomous mobility solutions for indoor environments — particularly in health care settings. The company’s flagship product is an intelligent wheelchair that can navigate independently, assisting people with mobility impairments and potentially reducing the workload of caregivers in hospitals and care facilities.
7. KPI6
- Industry: Software, AI
- Founder(s): Alberto Nasciuti, Luca Castagnetti, Marco Parolin, Andrea Ruggeri, Marco Pederzini
- Founded In: 2015
- Funding: Series A, $4.89 Million
- Investors Include: LVenture Group, Gellify, Patrimon Cube
KPI6 is a data analytics and market intelligence platform that helps businesses make informed decisions based on social media and web data. The company uses AI and ML algorithms to analyze vast amounts of online data, providing insights on consumer behavior, brand perception, and market trends.
8. WeRoad
- Industry: Travel
- Founder(s): Paolo Nadai, Erika De Santi, Fabio Bin
- Founded In: 2017
- Funding: Series B, $37.5 Million
- Investors Include: Anya Capital, B Heroes, E80 Group
WeRoad is a travel startup that organizes group adventures for millennials and young professionals, focusing on unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations. The company combines online booking technology with a network of local coordinators to create immersive travel experiences, fostering a community of like-minded travelers.
9. Cardo AI
- Industry: Fintech, AI
- Founder(s): Altin Kadareja, Daniele Forza, Euron Metaliaj
- Founded In: 2018
- Funding: Seed, $6.78 Million
- Investors Include: Fasanara Capital, Banca Valsabbina, Digital Magics
Cardo AI is a fintech startup that develops AI solutions for the financial services industry — particularly in the realm of credit risk assessment and management. The company’s platform uses ML algorithms to analyze complex financial data, helping financial institutions make more accurate lending decisions and optimize their credit portfolios.