Excellis Holding
Venture capitalTorino · Pre-Seed–Series A · 2 people tracked
Investment thesis
Excellis focuses on Italian founders, co-founders, or key people who hold a master's or PhD from prestigious universities and have built careers abroad as researchers and entrepreneurs. It targets deep-tech technologies emerging from top global research labs, protected by strong patents and carrying high potential impact. The firm co-invests in startups that already have pre-seed or seed funding — including research grants and awards — and are ready to raise larger rounds led by qualified international VCs. Its stated aim is to address Italy's brain-drain problem by creating value for its partners, portfolio companies, and co-investors across four deep-tech sectors expected to shape the future.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 7, 2026.
Team · 2 people
from public directoriesWhat they invest in
from 11 of 16 portfolio companiesDeep Tech ×6AI & Machine Learning ×5Biotech ×3Semiconductors ×3Cleantech ×2Healthtech ×2Medical Devices ×2Advanced Manufacturing ×1
HQs:Switzerland×3Austria×1United Kingdom×1United States×1
Investments · 16 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathDeepMirror develops AI software for hit-to-candidate molecule design in drug discovery, enabling teams to generate novel chemical candidates and predict molecular properties using proprietary data while maintaining strict data privacy and IP security.
AI & Machine LearningBiotechDeep Tech
FluoRok, a spin-out of the University of Oxford, develops patented fluorinating technologies to produce fluorochemicals such as Li-ion battery electrolytes, agrochemicals, and pharmaceutical ingredients without generating toxic hydrofluoric acid.
CleantechDeep TechNew Materials
Gabriele Pupo(CEO & Founder)Véronique Gouverneur(Founder)
Mentium Technologies designs ultra-low-power, radiation-tolerant Edge AI co-processors and an accompanying SDK for size-, weight-, and power-constrained systems such as satellites, spacecraft, drones, robotics, bodycams, and security devices.
AI & Machine LearningSemiconductorsSpace TechSanta Barbara, US
John Bowers(Director)Mirko Prezioso(CEO)Farnood Merrikh Bayat(CTO)Paul Daniel(CFO)Craig Ensley(Chair)Konstantin Likharev(Co-founder)
MintNeuro designs purpose-built, low-power integrated circuits for neural implants, supporting functions like neural signal acquisition, stimulation, power management, and on-chip signal processing.
Deep TechMedical DevicesSemiconductors
Dorian Haci(Co-Founder & CEO)
NodeQuantum provides software for modelling, optimizing, and emulating quantum-safe networks and for designing quantum computing networks, including post-quantum encryption and validation of quantum key distribution hardware.
CybersecurityDeep TechQuantum Computing
QuantActions provides smartphone-based measurement of user interaction behavior and derived cognitive performance and sleep proxies for research studies.
AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtech
ToffeeX develops cloud-native generative design software that optimizes industrial components using physics-based algorithms, enabling faster design cycles across manufacturing processes including 3D printing, machining, stamping, and chemical etching.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningCloud Computing
Zaphiro develops software for monitoring and automating electrical networks used by public utilities and grid operators, with emphasis on cybersecurity and integration with renewable energy sources to support the energy transition.
CleantechDeep TechEnergyNot specified, CH
Paolo Romano(Founder & Chief Executive Officer)Lorenzo Zanni(Founder & Chief Operating Officer)Marco Pignati(Founder & Chief Technology Officer)
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Excellis Holding invest at?
- Excellis Holding invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What sectors does Excellis Holding focus on?
- Excellis Holding focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Biotech, Cleantech, Deep Tech, Energy, Hardware, Medical Devices, New Materials, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors.
- Where is Excellis Holding located?
- Excellis Holding is headquartered in Torino, IT.
- Does Excellis Holding lead rounds?
- Excellis Holding typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
Similar investors
DCVC (Data Collective) is a venture capital firm that backs founders building companies which apply technology to major challenges across areas such as energy, biotech, agriculture, and machine learning.
Phoenix Venture Partners invests in early to revenue-stage companies tackling major challenges in computing, electronics, transportation, energy, industrial, and life sciences, offering hands-on support and access to a network of strategic partners.
Everywhere Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that backs founders globally, supported by a community of founders and operators as LPs.
Chalmers Ventures is a deep-tech investor and venture creator within the Chalmers entrepreneurial ecosystem, transforming university research into impact-driven companies through combined venture creation and investment.
Playground Global is a venture firm focused on deep technology, working alongside founders as engineers, operators, and scientists to help commercialize breakthrough technology into scalable businesses.

