This is Kobo Ventures
We accelerate Italian companies' growth through capital and know-how
We accelerate Italian companies' growth through capital and know-how
SMEs are the backbone of the Italian economy
They have high growth potential but face many challenges
They have high growth potential but face many challenges
Under-developed ecosystem
Financing still relying heavily on banking
Under-invested segment
Less competition between investors
Under-valued companies
Abundance of investment opportunities at lower multiplies
Abundance of investment opportunities at lower multiplies
Abundance of target companies
Unexplored national & international growth potential
Active government programs
Large availability of additional finance
Large availability of additional finance
Strong entrepreneurial spirit and skills
Products and services of proven quality and excellence
Products and services of proven quality and excellence
A minimum of 6,000 Italian SMEs could triple in value in 3 years:
this is a huge opportunity for investors
At least 6K italian SMEs could triple in value in 3 years. This is a huge opportunity for investors.
Introducing our new Fund
Introducing our new Fund
In partnership with LFG+ZEST, we have launched a small-cap private equity fund that invests in Italian SMEs, providing capitals and execution needed to accelerate growth
In partnership with LFG+ZEST, we have launched a small-cap private equity fund that invests in Italian SMEs, providing capitals and execution needed to accelerate growth
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Fund size: €50m
Fund size: €50m
Fund type: open-end fund
Fund type: open-end fund
Target Portfolio: 8-10 companies (listed/not listed)
Target Portfolio: 8-10 companies (listed/not listed)
Preferred stake: 25%+
Preferred stake: 25%+
Investment focus: micro-smallcaps €1-3m EBITDA, B2B
Investment focus: micro-smallcaps €1-3m EBITDA, B2B
Investment strategy: buy and hold
Investment strategy: buy and hold
Investment approach: active management
Investment approach: active management
LFG+ZEST holds one of the largest portfolios of independent wealth management companies in Switzerland
LFG+ZEST holds one of the largest portfolios of independent wealth management companies in Switzerland
3
Billion CHF
of managed assets among the four companies
700+
Clients
over 4 Markets
(EU, Switzerland, US, Mexico)
60
Talented Prof.
with more than 20 years of track record
Proprietary
Quant models
to support investment ideas and time to market
4
Authorizations
FINMA Porffolio and fund management, CSA Canadian Advisory, US SEC Inv. Advices
Trading desk, middle & B.O.
grant maximum efficiency at execution and control level
3
Billion CHF
of managed assets among the four companies
700+
Clients
over 4 Markets
(EU, Switzerland, US, Mexico)
60
Talented Prof.
with more than 20 years of track record
Proprietary
Quant models
to support investment ideas and time to market
4 Authorizations
FINMA Porffolio and fund management, CSA Canadian Advisory, US SEC Inv. Advices
4 Authorizations
FINMA Porffolio and fund management, CSA Canadian Advisory, US SEC Inv. Advices
Trading desk, middle & B.O.
grant maximum efficiency at execution and control level
FOR SMEs
FOR SMEs
Easier & Faster Capital Raising
Maximising funding efficiency to let entrepreneurs focus on business management
Plug-and-play Know-How
Through our vertical expert panels we support the organization where needed
Fast Go-To-Market
Engaging our business network to increase opportunities for our portfolio ventures
Easier & Faster Capital Raising
Maximising funding efficiency to let entrepreneurs focus on business management
Plug-and-play Know-How
Through our vertical expert panels we support the organization where needed
Fast
Go-To-Market
Engaging our business network to increase opportunities for our portfolio
FOR INVESTORS
FOR INVESTORS
Tech & Data driven pipeline
We scan market opportunities with AI and we digitize all deal flow processes to increase investment speed
Faster & lower-risk returns
By backing SMEs poised for expansion, we guarantee a swift and secure return on investment
Limpid
Transparency
We guarantee continuous transparency on investment performance through our structured KPI framework
Tech & Data driven deal flow
Scanning market opportunities using AI and digitalizing deal flow processes, increasing investment timeliness
Faster & lower-risk returns
By backing SMEs poised for expansion, we increase the likelihood of a superior IRR
Timely information
We guarantee access to portfolio performance through a structured KPI framework
Why Kobo Ventures
Why Kobo Ventures
Advantages for Entrepreneurs
Advantages for Entrepreneurs
Kobo Ventures is a fund made by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs A “plug and play” partner for growth
Kobo Ventures is a fund made by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs A “plug and play” partner for growth
Capital that can be accessed quickly and efficiently
By conducting rapid due diligence in financial, commercial, and HR areas, followed by efficient approval procedures
Comprehensive and integrated approach to managing diverse capital sources
Through swift due diligence across financial, commercial, and HR sectors, followed by streamlined and efficient approval processes
Real and continuous strategic and operational support
Through our Growth Partners, a network of experienced professionals in each expertise and market best practice
Ongoing processes that ensure consistent alignment across teams and goals
Dedicated to providing comprehensive support while driving continuous progress, ensuring growth and development at every step
Continuous support and guidance provided throughout the entire process
Belonging to the ambitious individual who launches and manages a business, taking risks to achieve success
The company’s go-to-market strategy starts immediately after launch
Providing essential guidance and valuable insights, along with an extensive network of influential contacts for strategic growth
Capital that can be accessed quickly and efficiently
By conducting rapid due diligence in financial, commercial, and HR areas, followed by efficient approval procedures
Comprehensive and integrated approach to managing diverse capital sources
Through swift due diligence across financial, commercial, and HR sectors, followed by streamlined and efficient approval processes
Real and continuous strategic and operational support
Through our Growth Partners, a network of experienced professionals in each expertise and market best practice
Ongoing processes that ensure consistent alignment across teams and goals
Dedicated to providing comprehensive support while driving continuous progress, ensuring growth and development at every step
Continuous support and guidance provided throughout the entire process
Belonging to the ambitious individual who launches and manages a business, taking risks to achieve success
The company’s go-to-market strategy starts immediately after launch
Providing essential guidance and valuable insights, along with an extensive network of influential contacts for strategic growth
Advantages for Investors
Advantages for Investors
Kobo Ventures offers a more efficient approach to investing in private markets
Kobo Ventures offers a more efficient approach to investing in private markets
Simplified process for building and managing a project pipeline
The Italian SME segment supply outsizes demand creating less competition with other funds seeking investments
The true value of this opportunity is often greatly underestimated
The still immature Italian credit market allows equity purchasing at lower values than the EU average
There is a significantly higher possibility of a successful exit
The potential value of the companies in which we invest (€ 20-30M €) offers a greater number of buyers (e.g.: Private Equity funds)
The company provides active and ongoing management support for growth
Leveraging our growth leaders network and founders' experience, we actively support entrepreneurs, driving success and ensuring ROI
This investment option presents a lower risk compared to others
Unlike Venture Capital, we invest only in companies that have already demonstrated product-market fit and solid EBITDA
Simplified process for building and managing a project pipeline
The Italian SME market has more supply than demand, resulting in reduced competition among funds seeking investment opportunities
The true value of this opportunity is often greatly underestimated
The relatively undeveloped Italian credit market offers opportunities to purchase equity at lower prices compared to the European average
There is a significantly higher possibility of a successful exit
The potential value of the companies in which we invest (€ 20-30M €) offers a greater number of buyers (e.g.: Private Equity funds)
The company provides active and ongoing management support for growth
Leveraging our growth leaders network and founders' experience, we actively support entrepreneurs, driving success and ensuring ROI.
This investment option presents a lower risk compared to others
Unlike Venture Capital, we invest only in companies that have already demonstrated product-market fit and solid EBITDA
Gerd Koops
Partner, The Acceleration Group
Supporting SMEs with our
Growth Leaders Network
Supporting SMEs with our
Growth Leaders Network
The entrepreneurs and companies we believe in will no longer be alone: thanks to our network of senior advisors and the experience of our founders, we offer continuous support on industrial strategy, management skills (e.g. marketing, sales, HR, digital innovation, finance) and internationalization (opportunity analysis, corporate setup abroad, team setup).
The entrepreneurs and companies we believe in will no longer be alone: thanks to our network of senior advisors and the experience of our founders, we offer continuous support on industrial strategy, management skills (e.g. marketing, sales, HR, digital innovation, finance) and internationalization (opportunity analysis, corporate setup abroad, team setup).
Gerd Koops
Partner, The Acceleration Group
Gerd Koops
Partner, The Acceleration Group
Companies we are looking for
Companies we are looking for
€1-3M EBITDA
facing growth challenges, with untapped potential
Software & Tech-driven
with high scalability potential
B2B/B2B2C model
with a unique value proposition on the market
Product-Market Fit
validated, with clear KSFs and growth drivers
Expandable market share
with high national & international growth potential
Outstanding Founders
with industry knowledge and growth mindset
€ 1-3M ebitda
with growth challenges and unexpressed value
Software & Tech-driven
companies, with high scalability potential
B2B/B2B2C model
with a unique value proposition on the market
Product-Market Fit
validated, with clear KSFs and growth drivers
Expandable market share
with high growth potential, national & international
Outstanding Founders
with industry knowledge and growth mindset
We are Kobo Ventures
We are Kobo Ventures
A next-generation investment advisory company
A next-generation investment advisory company
With an ideal mix of finance and entrepreneurship, capital and execution, we accelerate the growth of high-potential Italian SMEs, providing the capital and support they need
With an ideal mix of finance and entrepreneurship, capital and execution, we accelerate the growth of high-potential Italian SMEs, providing the capital and support they need
We innovate the traditional fund and support model ensuring faster and more secure returns for investors
We innovate the traditional fund and support model ensuring faster and more secure returns for investors
Kobo Ventures is powered by Kobo Funds
A global network of investors and venture partners in a fully digitalized fintech ecosystem
Kobo Funds is our AI-powered backbone for opportunity scanning and deal flow automation. Since late 2013, this fintech solution has been a global platform uniting experienced Venture Partners and accredited investors
140+
140+
Deals globally
Deals globally
280M+
280M+
Funds raised
Funds raised
8M
8M
Average
deal size
Average
deal size
20%
20%
Platform approval rate
Platform approval rate
300K+
300K+
Connected
professionals
Connected
professionals
41%
41%
Internal rate of return
Internal rate of return
Meet Kobo Funds
A large network of investors and venture partners plus a fully digitalized deal flow.
A large network of investors and venture partners plus a fully digitalized deal flow.
Kobo Funds is our backbone for opportunity scanning and deal flow automation, powered by AI. Launched at the end of 2013, this fintech solution is also a global community of experienced Venture Partners and qualified investors.
Who are our partners
Who are our partners
Where we are
Where we are
London, UK
222 Kensal Road
Westbourne Park
Find us
London, UK
222 Kensal Road
Westbourne Park
Find us
Milan, Italy
Via Savona 19/A
Find us
Milan, Italy
Via Savona 19/A
Find us
Contact us
Contact us
Contact us
We will process your request within 24h
We will process your request within 24h
We will process your request within 24h
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