Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural heritage and strategic position in Southern Europe, has long been recognised for its contributions to art, design, and manufacturing. Beyond its reputation for historic landmarks and culinary excellence, Italy has been quietly building its profile as a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship. The country’s blend of creativity and technical expertise provides fertile ground for ambitious ventures, positioning it as an emerging player in the global innovation landscape.
Italy’s startup ecosystem has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, with over 14,000 startups registered as of 2023. These companies are contributing significantly to economic growth and employment. In terms of funding, Italian startups raised €2.1 billion in 2023 alone, with Milan emerging as the top hub, responsible for 40% of total investments. Key sectors driving this growth include fintech, sustainability, and healthcare, and the government has been actively supporting innovation through initiatives like “Smart & Start,” which offers funding and mentorship to young companies.
On that note, we have curated a list of 10 of the most promising startups from Italy, all founded between 2022 and now, that are driving innovation across diverse sectors. From groundbreaking technologies to sustainable solutions, these companies represent the creativity, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit that define the country’s growing ecosystem. Let’s dive into it!
ALKemist Bio: Based in Turin, ALKemist Bio is dedicated to developing next-generation T-cell therapies to treat aggressive ALK-positive cancers, such as non-small cell lung cancer and neuroblastoma, which primarily affect younger patients. Founded in 2023, the company has raised €6.9 million to support its cutting-edge healthcare solutions. By engineering T cells to target ALK antigens specifically, their therapies aim to eradicate ALK+ cancer cells, overcome resistance mutations, and provide longer-lasting remissions, transforming the standard of care for ALK-driven malignancies.
FibreConnect: Based in Rome, FibreConnect designs and builds high-capacity fibre optic networks in the Industrial and Artisanal Areas (AIA), which are still insufficiently supplied by network infrastructure and advanced ultra-broadband services. Founded in 2022, the company has raised €50 million to help SMEs in the AIA innovate and grow sustainably. By collaborating closely with Internet Service Providers as partners in network design, maintenance, and support, FibreConnect empowers Italian enterprises with a secure and reliable”Fiber to the Premises” network, fostering innovation and unlocking new opportunities in underserved industrial zones.
Foreverland: Based in Milan, Foreverland is an Italian foodtech startup and benefit corporation committed to creating a better future by developing sustainable, affordable, and delicious ingredients. Founded in 2023, the company has raised over €3.5 million to innovate the food industry. With a focus on reducing environmental impact, Foreverland tackles the challenges of traditional ingredient production, such as deforestation and high resource usage, by creating innovative alternatives like their flagship product, Choruba, and eco-friendly spreads to promote indulgence without compromise.
IdentifAI: Based in Cesena, IdentifAI is a cutting-edge technology company specialising in distinguishing human-created content from AI-generated material. Founded in 2024, the company has already raised €2.2 million to ensure that developing technologies serve the common good and minimise risks to society. Combining advanced models with AI, linguistic analysis, and style identification, IdentifAI empowers individuals, businesses, and governments to verify the origins of texts, music, images, and videos, safeguarding creative authenticity and upholding transparency in AI’s impact.
Jet HR: Based in Milan, Jet HR is a platform aiming to revolutionise payroll and HR management by eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy. Founded in 2023 with over €16.5 million in funding, it simplifies payroll administration, attendance tracking, and compliance management processes. With the support of expert Partner Labour Consultants, businesses can access assistance for public fund management, disputes, and inspections, enabling them to focus on growth rather than operational inefficiencies. Trusted by leading Italian entrepreneurs and highly rated on platforms like Capterra (4.8/5) and Trustpilot (4.6/5), Jet HR is redefining efficiency in HR operations.
Joinrs: Based in Milan, Joinrs is an AI-driven job platform where students, new graduates, and junior talents can find internships and entry-level opportunities. Founded in 2022, the company has raised €1.7 million to accelerate international expansion and strengthen its position in the Italian market. It now serves 150+ company clients and thousands of users across the UK, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Portugal. By using advanced AI to match job postings with users’ profiles and preferences, and offering interactive online experiences with recruiters, Joinrs provides a seamless and comprehensive platform for starting careers.
Limenet: Based in Lecco, Limenet provides innovative solutions for CO₂ storage by converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into stable calcium bicarbonates stored in seawater. Founded in 2023, the company has raised over €7.4 million to advance its environmental impact initiatives. Using a patented, scalable, and eco-friendly technology powered by renewable energy, Limenet not only offers permanent CO₂ storage for up to 100,000 years but also helps counteract ocean acidification, contributing to a healthier marine ecosystem and a carbon-free future.
Matchfy.io: Based in Brescia, Matchfy.io is a music promotion platform that connects artists with playlist curators, influencers, and magazines to amplify their visibility and audience reach. Founded in 2024, they have raised €2 million to support artists in achieving authentic growth through AI-powered tools that identify fake playlists and ensure organic promotion. With access to over 8 million playlists and innovative features like compatibility scores and targeted pitching, Matchfy.io wants to revolutionise how independent musicians grow their careers and engage with genuine listeners.
Qomodo: Based in Milan, Qomodo is an “all-in-one” payment aggregator that helps physical commercial operators protect and grow their cash flow by offering a range of payment options, including Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) and one-time payments. Founded in 2023, the company has raised €48 million ( €18 million in equity and €30 million credit facility) to focus on merchants providing essential yet often unforeseen services with high transaction values. By integrating smart POS systems, mobile payment solutions, and flexible financing options, Qomodo streamlines payments, enhances customer satisfaction, and supports business growth for over 2,500 merchants across Italy.
Volta: Based in Milan, Volta is a SaaS platform transforming B2B commerce by digitising orders, automating workflows, and enhancing sales processes. Founded in 2024, the company has raised over €6.5 million to streamline and optimise B2B transactions through innovative digital solutions. With features like AI-driven order management, real-time analytics, and seamless ERP integration, Volta empowers brands, wholesalers, and distributors to boost efficiency, collaboration, and customer loyalty in the digital economy.
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