Founded in 1990, SIMEST is a venture capital fund that supports the growth of Italian businesses abroad. It invests in companies beyond the European Union, focusing on regions such as BRIC, the Americas, and the Middle East, typically during the Series A stage. SIMEST can take up to a 49% stake in foreign firms and supports startups, expansions, and buyouts. Notable investments include Daze. In addition to providing capital, SIMEST offers technical assistance and advisory services to help Italian companies internationalize. It is part of the European Development Finance Institutions and the Italian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.
