Bpifrance and CDP Venture Capital share a common ambition to deepen economic and technological ties between France and Italy and are willing to contribute to the emergence of leading European innovative companies in strategic sectors relating to the deeptech space, creating bridges between two of Europe’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. This initiative builds on the Quirinal Treaty, signed by France and Italy in 2021, which laid the groundwork for enhanced bilateral cooperation in key strategic areas.

The MoU, signed by Pascal Lagarde, Executive Director of Bpifrance and Emanuele Levi, CEO of CDP Venture Capital, provides that the partners will cooperate to co-invest in:

- Innovative companies (seed and Series A), particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare, semiconductors and advanced electronics, sensors and photonics, and advanced materials;

- Italian and French venture capital funds, with the aim of developing and internationalizing the Italian ecosystem and strengthening the French ecosystem.

Regarding direct investments, the parties will explore the creation of a joint venture to further streamline investments and accelerate the development of European champions, further institutionalizing the partnership.

This agreement envisions a strong partnership with a high level of operational integration between Bpifrance and CDP Venture Capital, both leveraging on their resources and expertise in their respective ecosystems.

Pascal Lagarde, Executive Director of Bpifrance in charge of International, Strategy, Research and Development, says: “This partnership with CDP Venture Capital reflects our shared commitment to innovation and economic growth. The Quirinal Treaty laid the foundation for deeper cooperation between our two nations, and today, with this MoU, we are taking a concrete step toward building a crossborder innovation hub. By combining our strengths, we will not only foster the emergence of European leaders in deeptech but also create a stronger, more integrated Franco-Italian innovation ecosystem—one that will act as a catalyst for European technological leadership."

Emanuele Levi, CEO and General Manager of CDP Venture Capital, affirms: “The Memorandum of Understanding signed with Bpifrance marks a significant milestone in fostering more structured cooperation between Italy and France in venture capital. The industrial strength of our countries could be a powerful catalyst for our strategic deep-tech initiatives and the growth of transnational champions. We are convinced that this agreement will generate long-term value for our countries by accelerating the opening up of new innovation frontiers and strengthening European technological sovereignty”.