H-FARM

H-FARM is a venture builder that creates innovation ecosystems, known as 'circles of impact,' to drive meaningful change and empower new generations to lead with purpose, all fueled by AI. Founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Riccardo Donadon, H-FARM connects people and ideas in ecosystems that nurture creativity, cultivate talent, and spark ripple effects. The company operates through its headquarters in Roncade, Veneto, Italy, and has additional offices in Milan, Rome, and Turin. H-FARM specializes in open innovation, education, investments, startups, events, business, and college initiatives.

As a venture capital firm, H-FARM focuses on seed and early-stage investments in sectors such as technology, education, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, blockchain, edutech, agritech, fashion, and innovation. The firm operates through two main programs: H-Camp, a three-month acceleration bootcamp where participants receive €15,000 in exchange for a 10% equity stake, and H-Ack, a 24-hour hackathon designed to help traditional businesses find new ideas and market approaches through digital tools. Since its inception, H-FARM has invested €14.5 million in 52 startups, with plans to invest an additional €10 million over the next four years.

H-FARM's portfolio includes notable companies such as Depop, ForceManager, and The Data Appeal Company. The firm has also made acquisitions, including Liquid by Exit in 2019. In October 2024, H-FARM proposed a capital increase of up to €15 million over the next five years to bolster its assets and support new investments, particularly in the education and real estate sectors. This move aims to ensure financial stability and facilitate the company's growth plans, despite anticipated losses in the upcoming fiscal year. The proposal was presented at an Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting in November 2024. In November 2024, H-FARM reported significant improvements in its financial results, with increased production value and reduced EBITDA losses across its education and business operations. The company is set to resume investments in startups and is committed to further real estate developments to support its growth plan. The strategic focus on expanding its education sector has positioned its campus as an international hub for innovation and collaboration.

H-FARM's mission is to empower young minds and foster their potential by connecting people and ideas in ecosystems that nurture creativity, cultivate talent, and spark ripple effects. The company's approach combines seed investment with incubation services, providing an inspiring workplace, centralized general administration, press office, human resources, legal and financial consultancy, and support in defining commercial strategies, business plans, partnerships, and exit strategies for its portfolio startups. This hybrid model reflects H-FARM's dual role as both a venture capitalist and an incubator, aiming to accelerate the development of internet startups and drive meaningful change in various industries.