Plug and Play Tech Center, established in 2006, is a global innovation platform that connects startups, investors, and corporations. Based in Sunnyvale, California, with operations in 22 locations worldwide, the company runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs twice a year, fostering collaboration between major corporations and high-quality startups. These programs span sectors such as Fintech, Insurtech, IoT, Brand & Retail, Mobility, and Health & Wellness, among others. Plug and Play invests in seed, angel, and Series A rounds, with a focus on great teams leading emerging growth companies. Since inception, their startup community has raised over $9 billion in venture funding, with notable success stories including Dropbox, PayPal, and LendingClub.
Managing Partner of Travel and Hospitality Center of Innovation
Saeed Amidi
CEO
Davis Auksmuksts
Principal, Ventures and Director, Fintech
Thomas Bigagli
Partner
Wade Bitaraf
Founder, Energy and Sustainability
Kieran Borrett
Director, United Kingdom
Kristi Choi
Operating Partner
Matthew Claxton
Partner and Global Director of Sustainability
Alex Cobos
Director, Mexico
Dana Diefendorf
Investor
Tarek Elessawi
Principal
Garnett Ge
Ventures Associate, Cross Border
Eugenio Gonzalez JD
Partner
Omer Gozen Ph.D
Partner
Gemma Guilera
Senior Partner Success Manager
Aziz El Hachem
North Africa Director
Karima El Hakim
Country Director - Egypt
Jackie Hernandez
Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships and Founding Member
Andrea Sanchez
Director
Salim Laouiti
Fintech Associate
Tanya Ma
Ventures Associate, Brand and Retail
Alireza Masrour
General Partner
Javier Megias
Managing Partner, EMEA VC Fund
Omeed Mehrinfar
Managing Partner, Middle-East
Kevin Parakkattu
Partner
Blanca Ribas Pombo
Investor
Julianne Roseman
Principal - Digital Health Ventures
Alex Roudi
Managing Partner, San Diego
Michelle Shi
Senior Venture Associate
Noorjit Sidhu
Ventures Associate
Kohei Suzuki
Associate
Erena Estellés Tatay
Ventures Analyst
Alexander Tran
Partner
Philippe Vincent
Co-Founder, Managing Partner and Co-CEO
Carolin Wais
Partner
Kevin Withstandley
Senior Director, Partner Success
Claire Xiong
Director
Vanessa Yang
Investor, Plug and Play Investment
Ivan Zgomba
Partner, Ventures
Chen Zhao
Managing Partner, China and Senior Technology Analyst
Lindsay Lebahn
Senior Program Manager and Director
Past deals in Italy
Macai
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Macai is an Italian grocery delivery platform that specializes in providing a wide range of essential goods directly to customers' doorsteps within minutes. As a pioneer in the quick commerce (q-commerce) sector in Italy, Macai offers up to 7,500 stock-keeping units (SKUs) and aims to deliver products in as little as 30 minutes. Founded by Giovanni Cavallo, a seasoned entrepreneur in the food delivery industry, Macai operates in several Italian cities and positions itself as a full-service grocer. The company sources a diverse selection of food and non-food items, which are picked up and stored in its warehouse, allowing for efficient delivery tailored to customer needs.
AIFI
Seed Round in 2016
AIFI, established in May 1986, is an association dedicated to promoting and representing venture capital and private equity activities in Italy. The organization comprises a diverse range of members, including Italian and international banks, industrial investment firms, closed-end funds, and public financial institutions. AIFI focuses on the direct investment of funds and the management and advisory of independent funds, targeting unquoted companies for acquisition, management, and eventual divestment. The association has evolved alongside the growing significance of the private equity and venture capital sectors. In addition to its representation functions, AIFI offers institutional research and educational programs designed to enhance awareness of financial industries and support the development of the venture capital landscape in Italy.
Vitesy
Venture Round in 2016
Vitesy, based in Pordenone, Italy, specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative air purification solutions and indoor air quality monitors. Founded in 2015, the company offers products such as Natede, a natural air purifier that integrates nature, technology, and design, and Eteria, a system that combines air purification with monitoring capabilities. Vitesy's mission focuses on ensuring that its products are accessible in homes, schools, and offices, aiming to protect individuals from environmental challenges and promote healthier living. The company's smart air purifiers utilize advanced sensor technology to analyze and improve indoor air quality while also emphasizing aesthetic appeal. Through its commitment to clean air and a healthy environment, Vitesy advocates for the idea that access to pure air is a fundamental human right.
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