- Digital technology
- Deeptech
- Industrial technology
- B2B software
- Advanced materials
- Life sciences technology
About
i-nest capital is a Milan-based venture capital firm investing in Italian innovation. It backs early and growth-stage technology companies across digital and industrial sectors. Its mandate is centred on developing Italy's domestic venture ecosystem.
i-nest capital invests in Italian technology companies at seed through Series B, on the thesis that Italy produces strong technical and industrial innovation but has historically lacked domestic growth capital to keep those companies from leaving. It focuses on digital, deeptech and industrial technology with an emphasis on Italian founders scaling internationally.
Founded in May 2019 and based in Shibuya, Tokyo, an independent VC investing seed through later stage in ventures creating new industries and solving social problems. Representative General Partner Taku Yamanaka ranked 4th in Forbes Japan's 2024 ranking of Japan's most influential venture investors. Shigeo Tsukamoto is General Partner; Tetsuya Nakashima joined as Partner in June 2026 after 12 years in startup support, most recently as General Partner at Colopl Next where he achieved 24 exits including the Timee and adish IPOs, starting his career as a locksmith. Fund II was established in March 2025 at a ¥6–8bn target, and the firm was certified as a Shizuoka Prefecture venture capital in September 2025. Roughly 52 portfolio companies, 67–70 investments and six exits, with IPOs including Secure, THECOO, Cover and Basic.