The eternal city may be best known for its ancient wonders, but it’s far from being stuck in the past. Although Milan is the biggest player in Italy’s startup scene, Rome’s large student population means it has a huge reservoir of talent to tap in to. Its universities lead the way when it comes to fostering innovation, with the LUISS ENLABS accelerator and the University of Rome Tor Vergata’s SpinOver incubator offering seed funding and mentorship.
These are complemented by independent initiatives such as Pi Campus, a venture fund that also gives startups office space and accommodation. “It’s a virtuous circle, with universities validating startups and preparing them for accelerators, incubators and business angels,” says Gianmarco Carnovale, president of the Roma Startup consortium.
Fashion and food are naturally among the capital’s strong suits, but there are success stories in gaming and artificial intelligence, too. The biggest struggle startups face in the city is attracting investment from overseas. “Rome is a good launch pad, but it isn’t an international hub,” explains Luigi Capello, CEO of VC firm LVenture Group. Some advice for prospective entrepreneurs: it’s easier – and far more enjoyable – to get around on a Vespa than rely on the city’s public transport system.
Pedius: Pediusis an app that converts speech to text in real time, allowing people with hearing impairments to make phone calls. Founded 2013 Investment raised £1.6m Founders Stefano La Cesa, Lorenzo Di Ciaccio, Alessandro Gaeta
**Game Pix **: Game Pix is a platform that lets companies distribute HTML5 games through web channels rather than via app stores. Founded 2013 Investment raised Undisclosed Founders Edouard Wawra,Valerio Pullano, Justine Silipo
** wineOwine**: This online wine club and e-commerce company provides subscribers with wine from local independent winemakers. Founded 2013 Investment raised €1.16m Founders Federico Laurentino De Cerchio, Eros Durante
Atooma: Atooma's Resonance tool monitors people’s behaviour across devices and apps to personalise their experience Founded 2013 Investment raised €1.09m Founders Fabrizio Cialdea, Gioia Pistola
** Remoria VR **: Produces portable devices, such as its Lignum VR controller, for mobile virtual reality Founded 2016 Investment raised £670,000 Founders Marco De Falco, Matteo Pisani
Accelerators: LUISS Enlabs
Venture Fund: Pi Campus
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
