360 Capital, a venture capital firm, has raised €85 million for Poli360 2, its latest technology transfer fund, targeting a total size of €100 million.
The fund will focus on early-stage DeepTech startups, with backing from investors including the European Investment Fund, CDP Venture Capital, Italian pension funds, family offices, and corporates such as Brembo, MBDA, and Lucchini RS.
What The Company Does
Poli360 2, managed by 360 Capital, is designed to support the commercialization of research-driven innovations by investing in startups emerging from universities and research institutions. The fund will target Seed and early-stage companies developing technologies across industrial and digital sectors.
Its investment focus includes areas such as robotics, Industry 4.0 systems, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, IoT, cybersecurity, and industrial infrastructure. It also covers sustainability-related technologies, including advanced materials, energy transition solutions, and circular economy models.
The fund plans to build a portfolio of 20 to 25 companies, working closely with academic institutions and research centers to identify and support promising technologies at an early stage.
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Market Context / Industry Background
Europe continues to produce a strong pipeline of scientific research, but translating these innovations into scalable businesses remains a challenge. Technology transfer funds play a key role in bridging this gap by providing early-stage capital and operational support to research-driven startups.
There is increasing demand for DeepTech solutions across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and digital infrastructure, driven by industrial transformation and sustainability goals. At the same time, early-stage DeepTech ventures often require longer development timelines and closer collaboration with research institutions.
Funds like Poli360 2 aim to address these challenges by aligning academic research with market needs and supporting the transition from laboratory innovation to commercial deployment.
Founder / Investor Commentary
Alessandro Zaccaria, Partner at 360 Capital, described the fund as a continuation of the firm’s strategy to convert European research into globally competitive companies. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between investors, academic institutions, and founders in building scalable DeepTech businesses.
Zaccaria noted that supporting early-stage innovation requires both capital and close engagement with research ecosystems, particularly in regions where commercialization pathways are still developing.
Growth Plans / Use Of Funds
Poli360 2 will deploy at least 80 percent of its capital in Italy, with the remaining investments allocated across Europe. The fund will continue to strengthen partnerships with universities and research centers to source new opportunities.
It builds on the track record of Poli360 1, which invested in 20 companies across sectors including energy, photonics, and cybersecurity. Several of these companies have progressed toward commercialization and scale.
The fund is classified as an Article 8 fund under the EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, reflecting its integration of environmental and social considerations into its investment strategy.
About 360 Capital
360 Capital is a European venture capital firm founded in 1997, with offices in Milan and Paris. The firm invests in early-stage companies across DeepTech, climate tech, and digital sectors, with a focus on supporting innovation emerging from research ecosystems. It has backed more than 170 companies and has participated in notable exits, including Preligens and Exotec.
