The Italian venture capital landscape is experiencing a significant transformation, with women playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation and investment. As we enter 2024, it's crucial to recognize the accomplished female partners who are driving change and fostering growth in Italy's startup ecosystem. This article highlights 13 remarkable women who have risen to top positions in Italian venture capital firms, bringing diverse expertise, unique perspectives, and a wealth of experience to the table. From biotech to fintech, and from early-stage investments to growth equity, these leaders are not only breaking barriers but also actively nurturing the next generation of groundbreaking companies in Italy and beyond.

Anna Amati - Co-founder & General Partner at EUREKA! Venture

Anna Amati is a co-founder and General Partner at EUREKA! Venture, with a background in architecture and extensive experience in innovation and venture capital. She has been involved in founding and leading several organizations, including META Group and Angels4Women, and has served as an expert evaluator for European innovation programs. Amati has received recognition for her work in innovation and finance and holds board positions in cultural and educational institutions.

Antonella Beltrame - Co-Founder and Partner at Indaco Venture Partners

Antonella Beltrame is a co-founder and Partner at Indaco Venture Partners SGR, where she serves as a board member and Investment Director with over 20 years of experience in venture capital and private equity. She holds key positions on various investment committees and boards, including Cortilia and The Data Appeal Company, and is known for her approach of closely collaborating with founders to tackle critical challenges. Beltrame holds a degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University, and is a Chartered Accountant.

Barbara Castellano - Partner at Panakes Partners

Barbara Castellano is a Partner at Panakes Partners, bringing extensive expertise in the cardiovascular and medical device sectors. Her career spans roles such as Director of Clinical Affairs at CID SpA, Director of Business Development & Global Marketing at Sorin Group, and founder and CEO of Techwald SPA. Castellano holds a Master's degree in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Perugia and an Executive MBA from Bocconi University, combining her scientific background with business acumen in the healthcare investment field.

Diana Saraceni - Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Panakes Partners

Diana Saraceni is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Panakes Partners, with over 20 years of experience in venture capital and investing in startups across Europe. Her career includes roles at A.T. Kearney, Lazard's Investment Banking division, and co-founding 360 Capital Partners before establishing Panakes Partners. Saraceni holds a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from La Sapienza University in Rome and an MBA from LUISS Business School, combining her technical background with extensive business and investment expertise in the life sciences sector.

Elisa Schembari - Founder/Partner at RedSeed Ventures/Kairos Ventures ESG One

Elisa Schembari is the Founder of RedSeed Ventures and Partner at Kairos Ventures ESG One, with a venture capital and investment background. She has held roles at Procter & Gamble and McKinsey & Company and serves as an investor and board member for various companies. Schembari holds a Master's in Industrial Engineering and has additional education in ESG Analysis and Investing.

Giulia Giovannini - Partner at United Ventures

Giulia Giovannini is a Partner at United Ventures, where she focuses on investments in fintech, food tech, direct-to-consumer, cybersecurity, and SaaS B2B automation solutions. She has previous experience at Sator, a private equity firm, and co-founded a digital startup for restaurant bookings. Giovannini holds a degree in Economics and Social Science and a master's in Corporate Finance from Bocconi University and serves on the boards of several companies including Aindo, Trustfull, and Young Platform.

Glenda Grazioli - Partner at P101 Ventures

Glenda Grazioli is a Partner at P101 Ventures with over 20 years of experience in venture capital and private equity. She has worked at several firms including Pino Partecipazioni, dPixel, and Vela Capital, participating in multiple divestments and IPOs. Grazioli holds a degree in Economics from Bocconi University and joined P101 in 2013, where she oversees administrative, compliance, and investment processes.

Ilaria Fava - Founder and Managing Partner at B-yond Venture

Ilaria Fava, Founder and Managing Partner of B-yond Venture, has over 20 years of experience as an M&A lawyer and investor with dual US-Italian qualifications. She co-founded B-yond venture in 2019, making numerous seed and early-stage investments, and is a prominent figure in the tech startup ecosystem. Fava holds law degrees from LUISS and Georgetown Universities and is recognized as an Emerging Young Leader.

Lisa Di Sevo - Managing Partner and CEO at PranaVentures

Lisa Di Sevo is the Managing Partner and CEO of PranaVentures, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage startups. She has extensive experience in the investment and startup ecosystem, having previously worked with Barcamper Ventures and dPixel, and is also the Chairman of SheTech, a non-profit supporting women in tech and entrepreneurship. Di Sevo holds a degree from the University of Milan and has additional certification in New Venture Finance, embodying her commitment to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in the tech industry.

Lucia Faccio - Partner at Sofinnova Telethon Fund

Lucia Faccio is a Partner at Sofinnova Partners, leading the Sofinnova Telethon Strategy since 2018. She previously served as Director of Research & Development at Fondazione Telethon and held technology transfer roles at San Raffaele Hospital. Lucia holds a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of l’Aquila in collaboration with Harvard Medical School.

Lucrezia Lucotti - Partner at 360 Capital

Lucrezia Lucotti is a Partner at 360 Capital, where she has held roles since 2021, including Investment Director and Associate. Before joining 360 Capital, she served as a Business Analyst at Roland Berger and gained consulting experience at Gartner and Accenture. She holds a Master's degree in Economics and Management of Innovation and Technology from Università Bocconi and a Double Degree in Strategy Innovation Management and Control from WU Vienna.

Paola Pozzi - Partner at Sofinnova Telethon Fund

Paola Pozzi is a Partner at Sofinnova Partners, leading the Sofinnova Telethon Strategy since 2018. She previously spent 14 years at Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan, managing biotechnology transfer and intellectual property. Paola holds a degree in pharmaceutical biotechnology and a Master’s in Intellectual Property Law.

Silvia Pugi - Managing Partner at Eden Ventures

Silvia Pugi is the Managing Partner at Eden Ventures, an international venture capital firm investing in pre-seed startups since 2022. She also serves as Deputy Secretary General at CEC European Managers and is a member of the ESG/Sustainability Committee at Alternative Capital Partners. Silvia has extensive experience in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and governance, holding leadership roles in various organizations, including ManagerItalia and AWorld.

These 13 female VC partners exemplify the talent and diversity driving Italy's venture capital scene in 2024. Their collective expertise across multiple industries is shaping the future of Italian startups and inspiring the next generation of investors and entrepreneurs. As the ecosystem matures, their leadership is crucial in fostering innovation, driving sustainable growth, and positioning Italy at the forefront of European tech. Their impact extends beyond capital, contributing to a more dynamic and inclusive business environment that promises to propel Italian innovation onto the global stage.