Growth Engine

Growth Engine operates as a specialized Venture Capital holding focused on identifying and nurturing high-potential startups at Pre-Seed and Seed stages. The firm has built an impressive track record with its diversified investment approach, strategically mitigating liquidity challenges through careful sector and stage allocation. With over 40 companies in its portfolio, Growth Engine has demonstrated remarkable success in transforming early-stage ventures into thriving scaleups, creating substantial value for both founders and investors alike.

The founding team brings together exceptional expertise across venture capital, private equity, and entrepreneurship. Michele Appendino, who co-founded Europe's first IT-focused venture capital fund, provides deep technological investment insights. Marco Ariello contributes over 25 years of private equity experience, offering sophisticated financial structuring and portfolio management capabilities. Andrea Marangione brings the valuable dual perspective of both a business angel and successful entrepreneur, while Fabio Mondini de Focatiis leverages his background as a former Venture Partner at one of Europe's most active Series A and B investors.

This complementary leadership team enables Growth Engine to provide comprehensive support beyond mere capital injection. Portfolio companies benefit from strategic guidance, operational expertise, and access to an extensive network of industry connections. The firm's investment philosophy centers on identifying disruptive technologies and business models with significant scaling potential, while maintaining a disciplined approach to valuation and risk management. Their sector-agnostic strategy allows them to capitalize on emerging opportunities across various industries, from fintech and healthtech to enterprise software and sustainable technologies.

Growth Engine has established itself as a trusted partner for ambitious founders navigating the critical early stages of company building. Their hands-on investment approach includes active board participation, recruitment support, and facilitating follow-on funding rounds. The firm's European roots combined with global ambitions have positioned it to identify cross-border scaling opportunities for portfolio companies. As the European startup ecosystem continues to mature, Growth Engine's proven methodology for transforming promising startups into successful scaleups makes it an increasingly influential player in the continental venture capital landscape.