Laura Orestano CEO-SocialFare

Last weekend, I dove deep into a topic close to my heart—Europe’s innovation landscape—sparked by an insightful report (Future of European Competitiveness Report by Former Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Draghi - link: https://lnkd.in/g3xMiJD9) I first heard about thanks to Owen Reynolds. (Thank you, Owen, for making me aware of it). The result? An article where I weave my entrepreneurial lens with Peter Wollmann’s “Three Pillar Framework,” a model I now find myself addicted to thinking with. In this piece, I explore Europe’s innovation dilemma: a continent rich in ideas yet challenged in scaling them. My article unpacks why Europe’s legacy of ingenuity must now be matched with bold risk-taking and systemic transformation. From fragmented markets to risk-averse venture capital, the challenges are significant—but so are the opportunities. From fragmented markets to risk-averse venture capital, the challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities. As an immigrant, American, and former founder, I care deeply about Europe’s future because I believe a strong, innovative Europe benefits the entire world. Tackling global challenges—from climate change to digital equity—requires a uniquely European approach, one that doesn’t imitate the American or Chinese models but instead builds on Europe’s own values and strengths. 📖 Who should read this? Anyone who cares about Europe’s future. Founders, policymakers, investors, and global citizens. #EuropeanInnovation #InnovationProblem #AITransformation #CompetitivenessReport https://lnkd.in/g4bvA3FE

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Discover how sustainability drives value creation at the Responsible Investment Forum: Europe, 20-21 November 2024. Join Manuela Fumarola, Viviana Occhionorelli, Elena Mariotti, and Will Relle for a panel session where they’ll discuss effective ESG integration, ESG risks and opportunities, and how technology can support portfolio companies' value creation plans. View the full agenda here: https://okt.to/MaCYn8 #RIFEurope #Sustainability #ESG #ValueCreation #ResponsibleInvesting

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"It's important to build for longevity and set the right foundations. Although on Day 1 you think you have an idea for a business with longevity, that idea may change. Whatever it is, if you are passionate about it, start building and the rest will come." That's Luca Franchi, CEO and co-founder of Ambient Network, a decentralized network of air quality sensors, on this week's episode of MoneyNeverSleeps. Blockchain has grown up. This is my second interview with an emerging DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure network) founder, and I'm talking to masters of their respective crafts building platforms, networks and yes, businesses, with longevity in mind. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform 👇👇👇 🎧Apple, Spotify, or web player:  https://lnkd.in/eZExgn7H 🎧MoneyNeverSleeps Website: https://lnkd.in/deWZxZk 📰MoneyNeverSleeps Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eRTiXyU 📣 On-air shout-outs to Jamie H. Finn, Carlos Domingo, Martin Olczyk and NATIX Network. #depin #web3 #blockchain #founder #climatetech #environment

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Federico Cristoforoni and his team really impressed me with this latest report. 🌍 The 2024 State of Climate Tech! Over 130 pages of actionable insights. What’s Inside? 📊 Global Climate Tech Funding Trends: An in-depth analysis of 43K+ deals, 16K+ organizations, and private venture market trends, broken down by: • Regions 🌎 • Stages 🚀 • Funding instruments 💰 • Product categories 🌱 🗣 The Voice of the Ecosystem: Findings from 300+ survey responses from innovators, investors, corporations, and other key players shaping Climate Tech. This report is designed to empower Climate Tech innovators, investors, and ecosystem players with transparency and clarity. 💬 What’s your take? Which trends will define Climate Tech in 2025?

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One of the most interesting ideas emerging recently is e/acc, effective accelerationism. I'll have a live conversation about it with Giulio Prisco on May 7 at 3pm CET (in Italian). Join us! https://lnkd.in/dVe8KfUy Giulio Prisco is a renowned futurist, cosmist and advocate of effective accelerationism (e/acc). Discover the interesting intersection between technology, philosophy and the future in this in-depth study of the concepts and principles of e/acc. From great cosmist aspirations to the practical applications of accelerating progress, this conversation is a stimulating exploration of human potential and the role of technology in shaping our future. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of the brightest minds in the field of Futurist thinking. Can you briefly explain the fundamental principles of effective accelerationism (e/acc) and how it differs from other Futurist philosophies? How do you see e/acc as a continuation or evolution of the ideas of cosmism and extropia? In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges facing humanity today, and how can e/acc help solve these challenges? Can you delve deeper into the concept of "out-of-balance thermodynamics" and its relevance to the objectives of e/acc? What is the role you see for artificial intelligence in movement and/acc, and how do you imagine the development and integration of AI with human society? How do you respond to criticism that e/acc could lead to greater inequality or loss of control over technologies? What is your vision for the future of humanity and the universe in the context of e/acc? How do you see the relationship between e/acc and other emerging technologies, such as space exploration, biotechnology and nanotechnology? How can people and society help achieve e/acc goals and accelerate progress towards a better future? What are your thoughts on the ethical considerations surrounding e/acc, and how can we ensure that technology is used responsibly and for the good of all?

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📈 Italy’s New Law for Startups & Innovative SMEs Starting November 22, 2024, Italy's updated Startup Act will offer new incentives for innovative startups and SMEs. Highlights include: 🔹Tax Deductions: 50% IRPEF deduction for investments up to €300,000, held for three years. 🔹  Capital Gains Exemption: Tax-free gains if reinvested in venture capital for innovation. 🔹  Streamlined Setup: Simplified, digital processes to ease startup creation and access to funding. 🔹  CDP Fund: A new fund managed by CDP to attract international investment and support young and female entrepreneurs. These incentives are available until December 31, 2024 and to qualify, businesses must be under five years old and invest at least 15% of their budget in research. Read the full article to learn more 👉 https://lnkd.in/drqw79UE #gnousventures #Innovation #Italy #Business #Entrepreneur

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🎉 I am super happy to announce the publication of the new article co-authored with Chiara Civera, Cecilia Casalegno and Elena Candelo: "Italian Small Retailers' Adaptation to Digital Transformation: A Stakeholder Marketing Approach", in Micro & Macro Marketing! 📝 In this study we explore how small Italian retailers are adapting to the challenges of digital transformation through the lens of stakeholder marketing. The study sheds light on how these companies can remain competitive and foster social sustainability. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dbhHjep7 #Marketing #MultistakeholderMarketing #DigitalTransformation #Retail #Research

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Made in Italy: Shaping a New Industrial Future Italy’s Ministry of Enterprise just launched its “Made in Italy 2030” Green Paper, a roadmap for a new industrial policy aimed at strengthening strategic sectors, including pharmaceuticals, automotive, and high-tech industries. This vision sets ambitious goals: boosting Italy’s role in manufacturing, achieving green and technological advancements, and ensuring supply chain resilience. The pharmaceutical sector’s inclusion highlights a commitment to healthcare innovation—a vital area for growth and collaboration. The consultation is open until December 31, with a final White Paper due in 2025. This is a pivotal moment for Italy’s industrial future. #MadeInItaly #IndustrialPolicy #Pharma #Innovation #Healthcare https://lnkd.in/eBKch3gT

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Together with three #impactinvestors we did a lot of work on Impact Investing over the past twelve months. And there's a lot more happening this summer. Catch up with it here: https://lnkd.in/eiHy8FGD

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🌟Special thanks to Maurizio (Maurice) Abbati for this interview, sharing our commitment to sustainability and impact investing. When we talk about companies, environmental aspects prevail since the Planet crisis is increasingly tangible despite higher costs to face it. New generations are particularly aware of it, also in choosing financial services related to ESG, Green, or Social Bonds. Moreover, without governance, you go nowhere. Therefore, the regulatory framework allows companies to develop properly, also through targeted sanctions. The three pillars are then crucial on the same level. Their balance is the key, which is seen even more in the current international crisis. Global Thinking Foundation ETS MonacoEcoArt for Business (MonacoEcoART, MŒA enPR= Monaco MyHeart) is a new media editorial project aimed at discovering sustainability from different angles with a special focus on projects, relevant figures, best practices and smart ideas linked to the Principality of Monaco and its vast network. https://lnkd.in/d6gJk6Nb

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🌿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗖𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝘽𝙤𝙮𝙨🌿 Exciting Day at #BioInvestIT in Milan! A big thank you to Bill Barber for the invite and insightful introduction. He highlighted critical concepts for the VC community. The event on circular bioeconomy was a great success, showcasing innovative startups driving sustainability and technological advancement. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀: 🚚 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗖𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝘽𝙤𝙮𝙨: Bill humorously quoted the "Shrek" movie, defining VCs as Delivery Boys, underscoring our responsibility to ensure that startups not only start strong but also finish strong. ​​ 🏎️𝗩𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹: •⁠ ⁠𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Rapid technology adoption makes velocity essential for staying competitive. •⁠ ⁠𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: Timely and adequate funding can make or break a project. •⁠ ⁠𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴/𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴/𝗣𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗖𝘀: Quick and insightful decision-making, identifying potential issues early as well as addressing and servicing enhance the likelihood of success. VCs must redefine their processes to seize and serve the best opportunities. 📈 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: In mature ecosystems (like in the US), ROI is a must, not just social impact or deployment per se. 💪🏼 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀: Leveraging the strengths of our ecosystem is key to delivering successful projects. The Italian ecosystem, with its strengths in 🏭 manufacturing, 👜fashion/design🍥 , 🥗 food/agri 🚜 , 🧬 biotech/lifescience 💊 and 🚀 aerospace/automotive 🚘 , provides a robust foundation for startups to leverage. 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱: •⁠ ⁠🌾 agreenet: Enhancing food shelf-life •⁠ ⁠☕️ Coffeefrom: Transforming coffee grounds into bioplastic pellets •⁠ ⁠🥕 The Garum Project: Turning food waste into flavor enhancers •⁠ ⁠🦐 BioChiCa srl: Converting shellfish into chitosan •⁠ ⁠🏜️ DND Biotech: Reclaiming contaminated soil •⁠ ⁠🍅 TomaPaint: Using tomato cutin for hydrophobic bio resin •⁠ ⁠🛢️ Isuschem: Creating oxygenated solvents from vegetable oils •⁠ ⁠🐟 Relicta - Innovation of Packaging: Producing biodegradable bioplastics from fish waste These startups are not only pushing innovation but also contributing to a more sustainable future. Thanks again to Bill for inviting me at BioInvestIT. #BioInvestIT #VC #Velocity #CircularEconomy #Startup #Milan #ROI #Technology

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Time is more relevant than money. Mentioned Andrea Di Camillo, Founding Partner at P101. Building a leading tech company involves many moving parts: 👉 developing products 👉 adapting to markets 👉 scaling internationally 👉 establishing governance This doesn’t happen overnight. Italy might not be the next Silicon Valley just yet. BUT, with the right direction and time, the future looks bright. Tune in for the full story on EUVC & your favorite streaming platforms. 🎧 https://lnkd.in/dXSsg2fd #EUVCpodcast #venturecapital #angelinvesting #startupfunding #europe

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Climate tech investing in Europe is on the rise and I have to say that it's more fund than I ever expected. If you are curious about the stage of climate innovations and the most promising approaches to lowering global greenhouse gas emissions, we will be discussing a few learnings at the DDC Investor Summit in the beautiful city of Prague.

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Lorenzo Franzi and the Italian Founders Fund. Congratulations! <3 This week, Lorenzo and his team launched the Italian Founders Fund. They brought together over 100 founders and entrepreneurs, pooling €50M to support the next generation. It’s a big deal for Italian entrepreneurship. He has watched the Italian market with Global Founders Capital for three years. He has seen tremendous progress, met many talented people, and met ambitious new founders. Now, they're building the next wave of tech companies and putting Italy on the venture capital map. The pay-it-forward model—where experienced founders help the new generation—has worked in many places. Lorenzo and his team are making it happen in Italy with the Italian Founders Fund. They’re looking to work with angels and local investors. They're also excited about the growing interest from international investors. Their goal? Support Italian founders abroad and welcome foreign ventures to Italy. #ItalianFoundersFund #VC #Tech #Entrepreneurship #Italy #Innovation

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🚀 Web3Startup Pitch Competition Highlights I got some great insights from reviewing top startups: ECOVERSE🌿, Folks Finance, Term Structure, Crown Chaser, and Memstagram during the #EthConnect Milan Web3 Startup pitch Competition organized by 🚀 Carlo Moretti and Malak Albaw. Based on my evaluation, Folks Finance and ECOVERSE🌿 lead with an average score of 8.6, showcasing strong potential in the metaverse and decentralized finance spaces. Term Structure follows closely with 8.2, excelling in financial infrastructure development. These startups bring unique offerings to the table, from gaming innovations in Crown Chaser to meme-driven social engagement in Memstagram. What a strong and interesting future for Web3 and decentralized ecosystems they may bring as these startups scale, innovate, and disrupt their industries. 🌟 #Startups #Innovation #Web3 #Metaverse #DeFi #Blockchain

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"Shaping a More Inclusive Future for Finance: The Rise of Gender Lens Investing" è l’articolo di Mario Calderini uscito su The European Business Review, dedicato al tema di dare forma a un futuro più inclusivo nella finanza.   Il pezzo approfondisce lo studio “Empowering women, building sustainable assets: Strengthening the depth of gender lens investing across asset classes”, condotto da UN Women, in collaborazione con il Politecnico di Milano (progetto di TIRESIA Polimi), Phenix Capital Group e Università Bocconi – AXA Research Lab on Gender Equality.   Scrive Mario Calderini: “By elevating gender issues to a political level and adopting new investment approaches, GLI can become a cornerstone of sustainable development efforts. It offers investors an opportunity to align their financial interests with broader societal goals, ultimately creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all. More importantly, raising the attention to GLI is a joint effort that should involve policymakers, investors and target investees. Indeed, top-down incentives and regulatory mechanisms that preserve the integrity of gender issues in the mindset of financial investors may encourage target investees to raise the level of equality and women empowerment”.   Potete leggere l'articolo completo qui: https://lnkd.in/ejiFHJVA     Per approfondire, trovate qui il report #GenderLensInvesting: https://lnkd.in/dWyu6vXq Politecnico di Milano Dipartimento di Ingegneria Gestionale - Politecnico di Milano POLIMI Graduate School of Management POLIMI School of Management

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🔑 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 We compiled the best fundraising tips from our recent event, Breaking Barriers. Thank you, Andrea Ippolito, Manuela Zoninsein, and Melanie Samba, for sharing your journeys and thoughts with us.  Andrea Ippolito’𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲: 💼 Engaged with 140 unique VC firms for a $6M seed round. 🤝 Leveraged personal networks and portfolio companies for intros 🎥 Key Tool: Andrea tracked investor engagement with TCP DocSend to refine her pitch. Melanie Samba’𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡: 📊 Raised funds in stages with clear milestones to de-risk investments. Manuela Zoninsein’s Persistence: ⏳ Raised 4 SAFE notes and secured a priced round after 4.5 years. 🌟 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲: Treat fundraising like a marketing campaign—build relationships and hit milestones. Read more in our blog, "𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬” https://lnkd.in/dy5vdHNR #TheStartupStation #PowerUpGlobally #FemaleFounders #Funraising #VC

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It feels like almost a year and indeed it was January '24 when Giovanni Paratore and I shared some of our thoughts via VC Unpacked. Here we are soooo back with an end-of-year gift 🚀 After a turbulent year made of a lot of data-cleaning activities, we're back with one of the first articles we'll share about VC performances against several variables 📊 In the current issues, we're digging deep into one of the most talked about and controversial topics of the year: Fund Size. What are the best-performing sizes? What are the implications of the rise of Multi-Stage firms? Have a look and let us know what you think! #venturecapital #vc #fundsize #fundraising

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