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Lorenzo Franchini
Senior Partner - Responsabile Fondo Boost Innovation e Co-Responsabile Fondo Evoluzione at CDP Venture Capital SGR - Fondo Nazionale Innovazione
Professional Background
Lorenzo Franchini is a seasoned investor, entrepreneur, and advisor in the venture space with over 14 years of experience. Currently, he serves as the Co-Head of the Evoluzione Fund and is in charge of the Boost Innovation Fund at CDP Venture Capital SGR. His career has been marked by a significant focus on fostering innovation and growth within the tech ecosystem, particularly in Italy. Lorenzo’s leadership at CDP Venture Capital showcases his dedication to empowering startups and nurturing their potential through strategic investment and support.
Before his notable roles at CDP, Lorenzo made his mark as the founder of ScaleIT, a venture and open innovation platform designed to bridge the gap between the burgeoning Italian tech market and international venture capitalists (VCs). His vision and leadership played a crucial role in opening up new pathways for investment and collaboration within the tech sector in Italy. Moreover, Lorenzo co-founded and served as the Managing Director of Italian Angels for Growth, the largest angel investment group in Italy, which expanded impressively from just zero to over 140 members under his guidance.
In his impressive career, Lorenzo has invested in more than 25 startups across various sectors internationally, achieving four profitable exits, including the successful sale of Musement to TUI Group and Voxnest to iHeartMedia. This track record highlights not only his acumen as an investor but also his commitment to identifying and supporting innovative businesses.
Education and Achievements
Lorenzo's educational background is robust, featuring a combination of degrees and executive programs that have equipped him with a diverse skill set. He earned a Laurea in Economics and Business with the highest honors (110/110 magna cum laude) from the Università degli Studi di Firenze. Additionally, he enriched his knowledge through executive education programs at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where he studied as part of the Executive Program for Growing Companies, and Cranfield School of Management, focusing on business management and marketing.
His educational pursuits extend beyond Italy, having studied Economics at Universitat de Barcelona and Business at Victoria University, enhancing his understanding of global business dynamics. Lorenzo's well-rounded academic background has been instrumental in shaping his capabilities in both entrepreneurial ventures and investment strategies, allowing him to effectively navigate and contribute to the evolving landscape of technology and venture capital.
Achievements
Lorenzo Franchini's career milestones reflect his influential role within the startup and investment community. His tenure at CDP Venture Capital SGR includes notable positions such as Senior Partner, where he was responsible for the management of key funds aimed at innovation and supporting emerging businesses. Lorenzo's leadership and vision in these roles have made significant contributions to Italy's venture capital landscape.
Beyond his work at CDP, Lorenzo has garnered respect and recognition as a mentor and board member across various organizations. He has held positions as a board member at Convivit and previously served as a senior advisor at LVenture Group. Lorenzo's commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators is evident through his mentoring roles at esteemed initiatives like the Founder Institute and Startupbootcamp.
Lorenzo's wealth of expertise encompasses marketing and sales, with a decade of international corporate experience where he excelled in bringing products to market across sectors such as automotive, digital, and entertainment. His earlier roles included significant positions at Stage Entertainment Italy and Iveco, where he effectively managed marketing strategies that enhanced brand visibility and market penetration.
In summary, Lorenzo Franchini is a dynamic figure in the venture capital space, characterized by his entrepreneurial spirit, leadership acumen, and a strong commitment to fostering innovation. His track record of successful investments, foundational contributions to the Italian startup ecosystem, and extensive educational background make him a pivotal player in shaping the future of technology and innovation.
Tags
venture capital
investor
entrepreneur
startups
innovation
CDP Venture Capital SGR
Evoluzione Fund
Boost Innovation Fund
angel investing
ScaleIT
Italian Angels for Growth
market access
corporate experience
marketing
economics
executive education
board member
mentorship
international business
successful exits
