Intesa Sanpaolo Start-Up Initiative

Intesa Sanpaolo Start-Up Initiative is a comprehensive program aimed at start-ups looking for concrete business opportunities: every few months, a rigorous selection and training process leads the best start-ups to high-profile, technology-specific events called Arena Meetings, where they can pitch to international investors and corporations.

• Step 0: Scouting
  We are constantly on the lookout for innovative business ideas, start-ups and spin-offs to include in our process. Ideas submitted online are processed, screened and assigned to a target event.
• Step 1: Tutoring and business coaching
  In the weeks preceding an event, we provide personalized training sessions to help entrepreneurs refine their business plan and tailor their communication for investors, in cooperation with Silicon Valley angel investor network Maverick Angels.
• Step 2: Evaluation and selection
  A panel of industry experts and technology specialists evaluates the candidates for each event, naming a batch of a dozen start-ups to move forward.
• Step 3: Arena Meeting
  The selected start-ups take part in the Arena Meeting, a focused networking event where they can pitch to an audience of committed investors.
• Step 4: Follow-ups
  We collect feedback from interested investors, and facilitate interaction with start-ups via a dedicated online platform (MySUI).
• Step 5: International roadshow
  We organize further Arena Meetings in key European and worldwide locations, allowing the most promising entrepreneurs to maximize their business opportunities.