CDP Venture Capital invests in NOB-Imatra
CDP Venture Capital, the largest venture capital operator in Italy and one of the biggest in Europe, through its Digital Transition fund, which uses resources allocated by the EU through the NextGeneration EU initiative with the aim of fostering the digital transition of supply chains and small and medium-sized enterprises, has signed an agreement for a progressive investment of up to 5 million euro, to be paid in several steps as milestones are reached, in NOB 4.0 Srl Società Benefit, owner of the Imatra app and digital platform.
CDP Venture Capital, the largest venture capital operator in Italy and one of the biggest in Europe, through its Digital Transition fund, which uses resources allocated by the EU through the NextGeneration EU initiative with the aim of fostering the digital transition of supply chains and small and medium-sized enterprises, has signed an agreement for a progressive investment of up to 5 million euro, to be paid in several steps as milestones are reached, in NOB 4.0 Srl Società Benefit, owner of the Imatra app and digital platform.
The transaction took place as part of capital raising initiated by the Company for a total of 8 million euro, involving other private investors alongside the founders.
Imatra is a digital fintech and sportstech start-up that aims to build loyalty among the international community of cyclists and cycling enthusiasts around the world, increasing their connection and offering added value to the sport. In fact, through their passion for cycling (or in the future for many other sports), Imatra users can generate “Imatra Coins” with their physical activity, a completely green proprietary digital cashback system that can then be used in the imatra.com marketplace featuring the most important premium cycling and sports lifestyle brands.
Founders Manolo Bianchini and Luca Celli were immediately joined two years ago by Fintech Partners, an SRI Group vehicle specialising in venture capital investments, with Giulio Gallazzi and Bernardo Vacchi as its main shareholders. After only 18 months of operation the start-up was able to achieve breakeven and positive cash flows at the end of 2024.
Manolo Bianchini, CEO of NOB-Imatra, confirmed that “NOB-Imatra represents an integrated project that combines the capacity of a social network, engaging a global community of amateur cyclists by offering concrete added value to their own cycling, with an offer of targeted products and services for the growing community worldwide. At the same time, NOB-Imatra makes it possible to capitalise on the value of one's own activity by generating a digital currency – a closed-loop for now – that rewards the use of the platform by promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle”.
“The European market for services related to cycling has surpassed 21 billion euro and is growing steadily”, said Enrico Filì, Senior Partner and Manager of CDP Venture Capital's Digital Transition Fund. “Imatra allows users to transform the energy generated by their physical activity into goods and services, integrating traditional payments with a cashback system on the platform and incentivising a virtuous lifestyle. We’re proud to support the Imatra team as the system continues to develop over the coming years”.
For the NOB-Imatra transaction the company availed itself of the assistance of SRI Group Global as advisor and deal arranger, an international group active in Financial Advisory and Corporate Investment Banking, with a team comprising Partner Alessandro Lamura and Senior Advisor Ludovico Corbetta, as well as Studio Villa e Associati of Bologna for the legal aspects and Studio Mascherpa e Associati for the tax and financial aspects. CDP Venture Capital was assisted by Spada Partners as financial and tax advisor, and by Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP for the legal aspects.
