Zanichelli Venture

Zanichelli Venture is the venture capital arm of Zanichelli Editore, the Italian educational publisher founded in 1859. Director Enrico Poli previously served as Chief Digital Officer at the parent company before moving to lead the venture unit. The firm draws its capital and mandate from the publisher's permanent balance sheet rather than from third-party limited partners.

The firm invests in early-stage companies building 'bicycles of the mind' — tools that help users achieve goals and learn in the process. Its portfolio centers on tech-augmented learning, AI copilots for education and professional growth, and platforms that make skill-building an embedded feature rather than a separate activity. Confirmed positions include Gamindo, Tomorrow University, and Amplify.

Yes. The firm's mandate covers both Europe and North America. Its portfolio includes US-based companies like Amplify, a K–12 curriculum provider serving over three million students nationally, and UK-based institutions like the London Interdisciplinary School. The team co-invests with lead investors across both regions.

The firm does both. It makes direct equity investments from pre-seed to Series A and also invests in venture funds, according to its own materials. The precise split between direct and fund commitments is not publicly disclosed.

The venture unit sits alongside ZNEXT, a venture builder for market-defining tech businesses, and an M&A vehicle that acquires majority stakes in high-potential education startups and established companies in Italy and beyond. The three entities share a vision but operate as distinct structures.

Enrico Poli, the firm's Director, leads investment decisions. He spent fifteen years in digital learning and product strategy at Zanichelli Editore before moving to the venture unit. Financial analyst Alessandro Camassa handles due diligence, financial modeling, and portfolio support.

Two portfolio companies have been acquired in recent years: Aktiv Learning was purchased by Top Hat in December 2022, and Kide Science was acquired by Accelerate Learning in 2023 (per the firm's portfolio disclosures). Both were edtech platforms serving institutional education markets.