Intesa Sanpaolo has joined forces with Vertis SGR in a new strategic alliance designed to nurture the expansion and development of forward-thinking startups and small-to-medium enterprises across Southern Italy. The partnership aims to reinforce the area’s emerging innovation landscape, creating stronger pathways for growth in a region viewed as having significant untapped potential.
Vertis SGR stands out as the sole asset management firm headquartered in Southern Italy that specializes in private equity and venture capital operations.
This local expertise makes it a suitable collaborator for Intesa Sanpaolo, whose Banca dei Territori Division and dedicated Innovation Center will now offer comprehensive support.
The two entities will deliver tailored guidance, facilitate national and global networking opportunities, and roll out targeted programs to speed up innovation.
These efforts will also help bridge gaps between businesses, academic institutions, research organizations, and potential investors.
Building on its track record, Intesa Sanpaolo’s Banca dei Territori Division channeled €70 million in 2025 toward innovative firms in the South.
The bank is now broadening this commitment through a full suite of financial and non-financial tools.
These include flexible financing options, specialized acceleration schemes such as Up2Stars and Terra Next, along with ongoing work from ESG-focused labs and innovation hubs located in Naples and Bari.
Meanwhile, the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center will spearhead open-innovation projects that encourage deeper collaboration between established companies and emerging talent pools.
A key pillar of the agreement is Neva SGR’s investment—on behalf of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group—in Vertis Venture 6 Digital Sud (VV6), a dedicated fund managed through the group’s Innovation Ecosystem Development Fund (SEI).
The VV6 vehicle targets companies at every stage of development, deploying investments between €0.5 million and €5 million.
Its focus areas align closely with the digital economy’s most dynamic fields, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and agritech.
By backing these sectors, the fund seeks to establish robust technology clusters in Southern Italy, draw in fresh capital and specialized skills, and ultimately create high-value job opportunities.
Launched just over a year ago, VV6 has already secured more than €49.5 million in commitments.
It has finalized seven investments and anticipates completing six additional deals by the close of the current year.
This momentum underscores growing confidence in the South’s capacity to host competitive tech ventures.
The collaboration between Intesa Sanpaolo and Vertis SGR represents more than a simple funding arrangement; it signals a coordinated push to transform Southern Italy into a vibrant hub for innovation.
By combining banking strength, venture expertise, and targeted ecosystem-building initiatives, the partners now aim to unlock new economic prospects, retain local talent, and position the region as a meaningful contributor to Italy’s broader digital transition.