The Techshop SGR

The Techshop SGR is a venture capital firm based in Milan, Italy, specializing in early-stage investments in B2B digital startups. Founded in 2021 by Aurelio Mezzotero and Gianluca D'Agostino, the firm focuses on providing both capital and strategic support to founders at the seed stage, assisting them in product development, go-to-market strategies, and international expansion.

The firm's investment strategy is centered on B2B software solutions, particularly those offering Software as a Service (SaaS) and artificial intelligence applications aimed at enhancing business processes. The Techshop SGR is agnostic regarding industry verticals, seeking to invest in defendable technology products and digital disruptors that have the potential for global reach, with a particular emphasis on startups that view Italy as a launchpad for international growth.

In November 2024, The Techshop SGR announced the closing of its Techshop I Fund, surpassing its initial target by raising approximately €53 million. This fund attracted new investors, including CDP Venture Capital through the Digital Transition Fund, which utilizes resources from the EU's NextGeneration EU initiative to support the digital transformation of supply chains and small and medium-sized enterprises. The fund's limited partners also include FoF VenturItaly and CDP Venture Capital's Fondo Italia Venture II, along with several prominent banking foundations and private investors.

The Techshop SGR's portfolio includes several notable investments, such as Shop Circle, a leading provider of integrated software solutions for e-commerce brands. In September 2023, Shop Circle secured a significant Series A funding round, with The Techshop SGR participating alongside other Italian venture capital firms. This investment underscores The Techshop SGR's commitment to supporting innovative B2B digital startups in Italy and its role in fostering the growth of the country's digital economy.

The firm's approach is characterized by a hands-on partnership with founders, emphasizing active support and strategic guidance. The Techshop SGR encourages the adoption of OKR-driven management models to set and monitor company goals, actively contributing to the portfolio companies' growth and success. This collaborative approach reflects the firm's dedication to nurturing the next generation of digital innovators in Italy.