According to Sifted data, one country bucked the trend and didn’t have a European summer: Italy. Since July, Italian startups have already raised more than they did during the second half of last year.
While this was largely thanks to a bumper debt deal announced by Milan-based software giant Bending Spoons, there’s reason to think Italy will host a growing pool of hot tickets. The country bagged 28 out of the top 100 spots on Sifted’s 2025 France and southern Europe leaderboard, which ranks companies based on fastest revenue growth over the past three years.
With that in mind, Sifted thought it would be a goo…
According to Sifted data, one country bucked the trend and didn’t have a European summer: Italy. Since July, Italian startups have already raised more than they did during the second half of last year.
While this was largely thanks to a bumper debt deal announced by Milan-based software giant Bending Spoons, there’s reason to think Italy will host a growing pool of hot tickets. The country bagged 28 out of the top 100 spots on Sifted’s 2025 France and southern Europe leaderboard, which ranks companies based on fastest revenue growth over the past three years.
With that in mind, Sifted thought it would be a good time to ask some local investors for their take on Italy’s up-and-coming startups. The only catch is that they couldn’t name portfolio companies.
Matteo Moscarelli, investor at United Ventures
Matteo Moscarelli, investor at United Ventures
Compri
Compri is an AI-powered procurement platform that provides advanced analytics, instant insights and industry best practices to unlock savings and streamline operations. It’s mainly designed for medium and large manufacturing companies, which often have complex supply chains and limited digitalisation. For these organisations, procurement has traditionally been perceived as a cost centre, but Compri aims to turn it into a strategic driver of efficiency and value.
Smartness
Today, many hotels and restaurants juggle multiple vendors for their digital needs — a setup that’s costly and slows adoption. Smartness aims to streamline this with a single, integrated solution. Its all-in-one platform for hospitality businesses helps customers reduce reliance on online travel agencies by automating digital management and boosting revenue.
Lavinia Ferri, analyst at P101
Lavinia Ferri, analyst at P101
Complaion
Complaion is a platform which helps SMEs secure and maintain ISO certifications, third-party endorsements which prove a company’s compliance with globally recognised safety standards. Complaion’s platform automates up to 80% of the certification process, and then connects businesses with ISO auditors to cover the remaining 20% with ad-hoc support, internal audits and technical advice.
Ephos
Ephos is a deeptech startup which designs and manufactures glass-based integrated photonic circuits to enhance AI and quantum computing processors. It uses photonic technology — using light to transfer data — to minimise signal loss in chips, paving the way for faster and more efficient processing in both AI and quantum computing. It’s been backed by NATO’s tech accelerator Diana, and could strengthen Europe’s role in quantum computing and GenAI.
Moscarelli also chose Ephos
Alessio Pantaleo, associate at Ulixes Capital
Alessio Pantaleo, associate at Ulixes Capital
Pillar
Pillar is an all-in-one construction operating system with embedded finance tools, allowing contractors to handle quotes, invoicing, delivery notes, reporting and cost control in one place alongside built-in credit and bank accounts. In a sector where many firms lack visibility into which projects make or lose money, Pillar gives financial insights that drive efficiency and smarter pricing for contractors and their clients.
Ferri also chose Pillar
Waveful
Waveful is a social app built around interest-based communities like travel or food, letting people share content and connect beyond their immediate circle. Geared toward a slightly older crowd, it emphasises authentic communities over viral stunts, while giving creators a direct way to earn through shared ad revenue and “Superlikes”. The startup passed through a16z’s Speedrun programme and already has millions of users.
Moscarelli also chose Waveful
Zefi
Zefi is an AI platform that helps companies turn scattered customer feedback into clear product insights. It pulls data from tickets, chats, reviews and surveys through integrations with all the key sources, then ranks the most important themes in a unified feed. Built by a team with strong product and technical backgrounds, Zefi gives customer experience and product teams a real-time window into customer needs.
Ambrogio Iacuitti, analyst at Prana Ventures
Ambrogio Iacuitti, analyst at Prana Ventures
Doctorsa
Doctorsa is a telemedicine startup which makes healthcare services accessible to travellers. Via its proprietary platform, users can book in-person or online appointments with English-speaking doctors. In a fragmented and underserved market, it aims to become the go-to platform for travellers’ urgent medical needs.
Collecto
Collecto is an online trading marketplace for premium collectibles — like art and sports memorabilia — whereby users can buy fractional ownership of assets. Every item sold via Collecto is authenticated by experts, insured and securely stored, creating a trusted and transparent ecosystem. It also allows users to resell shares directly within the app.
Pack
Pack is an AI-native platform to help large companies map, measure and grow their employees’ skills. It scaled from zero to over €2.5m annual recurring revenue (ARR) within two years, while remaining profitable. Talent retention has become a real challenge, mainly among Gen Z and Millennials seeking greater recognition and growth. By combining soft skills development with progress tracking, Pack positions itself as a comprehensive solution for companies looking to nurture and retain their workforce.