Italian Business Angel Network

Italian Business Angel Network serves as Italy's premier association dedicated to fostering the business angel ecosystem nationwide. Established on March 15, 1999, this non-profit organization with legal personality emerged from the European Commission's "DG Enterprise" initiative. IBAN has positioned itself as the central coordinating body for early-stage investment activities throughout Italy, connecting informal investors with promising small businesses seeking capital. The association operates under a registered Italian trademark, ensuring its recognized status within the country's financial landscape.

IBAN's membership comprises a diverse group of professionals specializing in investor-entrepreneur matchmaking. These members include both organizations and individual business angels actively participating in the association's various initiatives. The network encompasses representatives from public sector entities, private organizations, and non-profit institutions, creating a comprehensive support system for early-stage funding. This multi-stakeholder approach enables IBAN to address the needs of Italy's entrepreneurial ecosystem from multiple perspectives while maintaining its non-profit status under Italian law.

At the national level, IBAN functions as the central hub connecting individual business angels, regional business angel networks (BANs), and investor clubs throughout Italy. The association facilitates deal flow, provides educational resources, and establishes best practices for angel investing in the Italian market. Internationally, IBAN maintains strong ties with Business Angels Europe (BAE), representing Italian interests within the broader European early-stage investment community. This continental connection allows IBAN to share insights, access cross-border opportunities, and align with European investment standards.

Since its founding over two decades ago, IBAN has significantly contributed to the development of Italy's startup funding landscape. The association has helped establish a structured approach to angel investing in a market traditionally dominated by family businesses and bank financing. Through conferences, training programs, and networking events, IBAN educates potential investors about the opportunities and methodologies of angel investing. By facilitating risk capital investments in innovative small businesses, IBAN continues to play a crucial role in bridging the early-stage funding gap for Italian entrepreneurs while promoting economic growth and innovation across the country.