The turning point came when Linda met Pietro Sella, CEO of Gruppo Banca Sella, in 2015. A few
minutes into Linda's presentation of the model, he kindly stopped her, explaining that he had already
embraced Endeavor's vision and mission and was open to becoming its champion for the Italian
market. His participation in an ISP meeting the following month further convinced him. With Pietro's
guidance and other business leaders' crucial help, Endeavor Italy's launch sped up. In 2016 the new
affiliate opened its Milan-based office.
Soon after launching Endeavor Italy, Raffaele Mauro was named the local Managing Director.
His experience in venture capital and in-depth knowledge of both the Italian and international
entrepreneurial ecosystem, demonstrated his "high-impact potential" and proved him to be the ideal
candidate to lead Endeavor Italy.
Chaired by Pietro Sella, Endeavor Italy's founding board included: Monica Mandelli - Managing Director
of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts; Paolo Ainio - Executive Chairman of Banzai; Fabio Cannavale - CEO of
lastminute.com Group; Riccardo Donadon - CEO of H-Farm; Alessandro Fracassi - CEO of Gruppo
MutuiOnline; and Diego Piacentini - Commissioner for the Italian Government Digital Agenda.
550+
MENTORING SESSIONS
between Endeavor Italy Entrepreneurs
and Endeavor mentors
662
JOBS CREATED
by Endeavor Italy
companies
€182M
RAISED
in debt & equity capital by
Endeavor Italy Entrepreneurs
€60M+
REVENUES
generated by Endeavor Italy
Entrepreneurs in 2017
20
