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Italy is taking a major step toward developing its EtA ecosystem with the launch of a new strategic initiative led by ELITE, the Euronext platform dedicated to accelerating SME growth. The effort is backed by key partners: Intesa Sanpaolo, POLIMI Graduate School of Management, and SDA Bocconi School of Management.
ETA, already well-established internationally, is gaining traction in Italy through the growing presence of SFs, attracting increasing interest from institutional investors and family offices.
The ELITE initiative will support searchers across the full lifecycle: from sourcing and acquisition to post-deal management. It will also leverage the ELITE network to connect entrepreneurs with SMEs, advisors, investors, and banks—facilitating efficient dealmaking and long-term value creation.
Academic institutions will play a key role. POLIMI, which recently launched Italy’s first EtA Observatory, and SDA Bocconi will offer strategic training and foster synergies between education, finance, and operational execution. Intesa Sanpaolo, via Banca dei Territori, will provide financial support and local expertise to fund ETA transactions.
This coordinated effort marks a turning point for EtA in Italy, aiming to professionalize the ecosystem, empower a new generation of entrepreneur-operators, and accelerate the growth and continuity of Italian SMEs.
Fabrizio Testa, CEO of Borsa Italiana, Euronext Group, said: “This initiative is fully in line with Borsa Italiana and the Euronext Group’s strategy to strengthen the capital market as a growth engine for Italian companies. Supporting innovative models such as EtA means promoting the continuity and competitiveness of our industrial fabric, creating an efficient and inclusive ecosystem capable of attracting talent, investments and development opportunities for companies. The hope is that some of these companies will be able to access the Stock Exchange over time, both through equity and debt instruments”
Marta Testi, CEO of ELITE, Euronext Group said: “Supporting EtA means creating a bridge between emerging entrepreneurial talent and Italian small and medium-sized enterprises looking for continuity and new momentum. A goal perfectly aligned with ELITE’s mission, which is to accompany companies on their growth path, providing capital, skills and relationships to promote sustainable and long-term development.”
