Advertisement

Five Italian startups to look out for

The Local Italy
The Local Italy - [email protected]
Five Italian startups to look out for
Photo: Stefan/flickr

There are currently 4,365 registered startups in Italy. Here are are some of the ones making waves within just a few years of launching.

Advertisement

CharityStars

Photo: Brian Turner

CharityStars was founded in Milan in 2013 and was conceived "in order to raise funds and make a difference, all through a truly innovative and exciting approach". The company’s concept consists of donations made by celebrities, which can be signed memorabilia or an encounter with them, which is then bid on by the public. The highest bid wins and 85 percent of the proceeds go to non-profit organizations. They employ 24 people spread across offices in Milan, London and Catania. So far they have raised over €1.8 million through their auction-style fundraising.

BeMyEye

Photo: Mikey Jones

Founded in 2011 by Gian Luca Petrelli, BeMyEye is a crowdsourcing website that allows people to act as mystery shoppers. Retailers publish jobs through the site and then people nearby can fill the role of mystery shopper via their smartphone. Some €2.47 million has already been raised in funding and the company employs 38 people across Italy, Germany, France and the UK.

Snapback

Photo: Johan Larsson

Based in Rome, Snapback creates software for sensory technology which makes smart devices more accessible. Using simple hand, voice and air gestures, Snapback aims to minimise touch and sight interactions with smart devices, making interfaces seamless. Established in December 2013 by five co-founders, the staff now includes a further three employees who are focused on developing "new, intuitive and revolutionary ways to interact with smart devices".

MusiXmatch

Photo: Brett Levin

Founded in Bologna in 2010 by Massimo Ciociola, MusiXmatch is a lyrics database with over seven million lyrics in 39 different languages. The company has brought in over €8.8 million in funding and employs over 30 people, which includes translators and technical staff. With over 40 million users worldwide, the site has expanded from Bologna where its headquarters remains, to New York.

Waynaut

Photo: Paolo Margari/Flickr

Founded in Milan in 2011, this startup creates a journey planning platform which incorporates all means of transport. The site allows you to view every alternative to your journey to ensure the one you choose is the most efficient. With everything from trams to planes, and buses to carpooling, Waynaut aims "to offer the best way to get everywhere in the world, in just one click". In May 2013, Waynaut received €50,000 worth of investment and now employs 10 people.

By Ellie Bennett

 


 

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also