Intesa Sanpaolo Start-up Initiative - Pilot edition

Milan, Italy - September 30, 2009

Multisector

Intesa Sanpaolo presents the first edition of  its “Start-Up Initiative”, a project devoted to start-ups and investors ready to support them. It is the first platform in Italy that matches start-ups and investors through a process comprising training, selection and on-site pitching with the of finalizing investments.

Over 45 start-ups applied for this edition; 26 gained access to the training and evaluation phase; and 14 were admitted to the final Arena Meeting, where they pitched to over 50 attending investors, who collectively expressed over 70 interest manifestations.

The Start-Up Initiative project expands Intesa Sanpaolo Group’s service offering for Italian companies. In particular, the project is designed for firms that intend to undertake a process of growth through innovation and research: from university spin-offs to start-ups, from small and medium-sized hi-tech Companies to technological groups, the Bank offers assistance, professional advice, loans and equity through dedicated structures.