MassChallenge

MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and social impact, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge connects high-potential startups with industry experts and investors to foster innovation and facilitate growth. The accelerator operates on a non-equity model, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain full ownership of their companies while benefiting from strategic partnerships and tailored training programs. Through its diverse initiatives, such as targeted accelerator programs like MassChallenge HealthTech and FinTech, the organization aims to drive impactful change and enhance the global innovation ecosystem.

Cait Brumme

Acting CEO

Nick Dougherty

Managing Director, MassChallenge HealthTech

Siobhan Dullea

CEO

Matt Lashmar

Managing Director

Camila Lecaros

Managing Director

Yonit Serkin

Managing Director

Devon Sherman

Founding Director, Head of MassChallenge FinTech

Michelle Williams

Vice President and Head of Texas Strategy

Past deals in Italy

Genuino

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Genuino is a sports technology company based in Italy that specializes in transforming sports memorabilia into certified assets. The company’s innovative platform allows users to buy and sell game-worn apparel directly through a peer-to-peer system. Utilizing blockchain technology, Genuino has established a certification protocol that authenticates and certifies match-worn apparel, ensuring its legitimacy. This approach not only provides provenance and ownership evidence for each piece but also enhances trust between consumers and brands. Genuino supports its operations with proprietary web and mobile applications, complemented by Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which facilitates bidding on authenticated game-worn items. Through its focus on transparency and data integrity, Genuino aims to reshape the landscape of sports memorabilia.

Stellar Project

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Stellar Project is a space technology startup based in Padua, Italy, that focuses on innovative solutions for light satellites. The company specializes in the development of miniature low-power laser communication terminals, which enhance communication capabilities in the space sector. In addition to its manufacturing efforts, Stellar Project provides consultancy services that assess the risks associated with spacecraft missions, particularly concerning the threats posed by space debris and space weather. Through its advanced technologies and risk analysis, Stellar Project aims to contribute significantly to the evolving space economy.

Diamante

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Diamante is an Italian company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Verona, specializing in the development and manufacture of diagnostic devices for autoimmune diseases using advanced nanomaterials. The company utilizes plants as bioreactors to produce nanoparticles derived from modified plant viruses. This innovative approach facilitates the creation of new diagnostic tools and therapies aimed at addressing autoimmune diseases, particularly through techniques that involve the re-induction of these conditions. By leveraging plant-based nanotechnologies, Diamante is positioned to contribute significantly to advancements in autoimmune disease diagnosis and treatment.

React4life

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
React4life is an Italian biotech company established in 2016 by Silvia Scaglione and Maurizio Aiello, following over 15 years of research and development. The company focuses on advancing biomedical research through its innovative technology, MIVO® (Multi In Vitro Organ), which represents a next-generation organ-on-a-chip system. This microphysiological platform allows researchers to simulate human biology more accurately in laboratory settings, addressing the limitations of traditional in vitro assays and animal testing. React4life's technology enhances the reliability and predictivity of various applications, including pharmaceutical drug testing, personalized medicine, immuno-oncology therapies, cosmetics, dermatology, and nutraceuticals. By enabling the cultivation of three-dimensional human-like tissues for in vitro testing, React4life aims to improve the effectiveness of laboratory experiments and promote ethical research practices.

FlyingBasket

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
FlyingBasket is a company based in South Tyrol, Italy, that specializes in drone delivery systems, particularly heavy-payload cargo drones capable of lifting up to 100 kg. The company operates a Drone as a Service model across various industries, including telecommunications, energy, and logistics. FlyingBasket designs, manufactures, and operates its own unmanned aerial vehicles, which are particularly suited for delivering goods to remote locations such as mountainous regions and islands. Additionally, the company offers services in civil protection, cable stretching, monitoring, and multi-sensor analysis, providing clients with efficient solutions for tasks that are traditionally challenging and expensive to execute.

Orange Fiber

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Orange Fiber is an Italian company that specializes in creating sustainable fabrics from by-products of citrus juice production, which would otherwise be discarded. By transforming these materials into a silk-like cellulose yarn, the company offers a refined and lightweight fabric that maintains a soft hand-feel. This innovative approach not only provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fabrics but also aligns with Italy's rich heritage in high-quality textiles and fashion. Orange Fiber's commitment to sustainability and elegance allows it to contribute to the reduction of waste while delivering exquisite materials to the fashion industry.

Glickon S.p.A.

Funding Round in 2019
Gickon is a predictive Employee Experience and People Analytics platform that allows HR & business leaders professionals to to inform and improve strategic decision making.

Yarok Microbio

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Yarok Microbio has developed an innovative microbiological testing technology that significantly enhances the speed and accuracy of pathogen detection in the food supply chain and agriculture. The system can identify dangerous microbes such as E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, and various yeasts and molds within 45 minutes, a substantial improvement over traditional testing methods that take days. This rapid testing capability helps food producers safeguard consumer health, prevent costly product recalls, and mitigate potential legal issues. Additionally, Yarok's technology allows for early detection of plant pathogens, enabling agricultural producers to implement timely phytosanitary measures and reduce pesticide use, thereby minimizing losses of high-value crops. The company's research and development laboratory is located in Jerusalem, Israel, while a demonstration lab in Milan, Italy, supports marketing efforts in Europe. Yarok has been recognized for its contributions to agribusiness innovation, receiving the 2017 Innovation Award from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and being named one of the top disruptors in the food technology sector by the Institute of Food Technologists in 2019.

Glickon S.p.A.

Non Equity Assistance in 2017
Gickon is a predictive Employee Experience and People Analytics platform that allows HR & business leaders professionals to to inform and improve strategic decision making.

D-Orbit

Grant in 2014
D-Orbit S.r.l. is an Italian New Space company founded in 2011 and headquartered in Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. The company specializes in providing solutions for satellite design, development, launch, commissioning, and decommissioning, with a focus on enabling the safe disposal of artificial satellites to mitigate space debris. D-Orbit offers a range of services, including last-mile delivery of satellites, orbital transportation, and space logistics, aimed at optimizing operations both in orbit and on the ground. By streamlining all phases of a satellite mission, D-Orbit enhances spacecraft design, reliability, and resource utilization while reducing operational costs. The company operates with a commitment to social benefit and environmental sustainability, catering to the needs of satellite owners and operators in a rapidly evolving space marketplace. With approximately 35 employees, D-Orbit also has subsidiaries in Washington, DC, and Lisbon, Portugal.
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