We build & scale tech companies by M&A
5 companies | 6 IPOs
Our track record
Established in 2011, our firm has successfully initiated and promoted five merger and acquisition (M&A)-driven entrepreneurial ventures within the technology-enabled service sector across Southern Europe. Each of these companies has not only achieved the milestone of being listed on a Stock Exchange, but they have also emerged as significant entities within their respective market niches.
5
INVESTMENTS
6
IPOs
>700
EMPLOYEES*
>USD 250m
MARKET CAP*
* the data refer to our 5 portfolio companies
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Current Projects
DHH – Southeast Europe’s Internet Platform
(2015 – present)
A technology group, DHH offers proprietary cloud computing and internet access technologies. It serves over 120.000 clients in emerging European markets and beyond.
Icona Technology – Advancing Post-Sale Services in the Digital Realm
(2021 – present)
This scale-up enterprise specializes in designing and developing software for remote assistance and customer support.
Creactives Group – Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Procurement
(2020 – present)
Focusing on AI-enhanced data management tools, Creactives Group aids procurement processes for over 30 multinational corporations globally.
Previous Projects
MailUp Group – Pioneering in Marketing Technology
(2014 – 2018)
A prominent European entity in data-driven marketing technologies, MailUp Group has served over 18.600 customers across 100+ countries.
Digital Magics – Italy’s Digital Business Incubator
(2012 – 2014)
As a venture incubator, Digital Magics fosters and develops digital businesses, supporting startup founders and offering acceleration services to over 70 startups.
Asset management
We also engage in asset management, utilizing our proprietary funds.
Our investment strategy centers on promising Small Caps in the tech-enabled service sector, with a preference for:
01
Companies exhibiting robust KPIs, including dynamic growth, sound margins, moderate leverage, and effective cash flow
02
Enterprises led by experienced and capable entrepreneurs
03
Firms undervalued relative to their intrinsic worth and not yet recognized as market favorites
Key Historical Achievements
2011
- Establishment of Grafoventures by Giandomenico Sica and organization of Kultur Convivio, a key European Venture Capital summit
2012
- Engagement with Digital Magics and formation of the Digital Magics Angel Network
2013
- Digital Magics’ IPO on the Italian Stock Exchange, securing EUR 10m
2014
- Investment in MailUp and initiation of Digital Magics’ investment in Talent Garden (IRR: 80%)
2015
- Launch of DHH, undertaking three acquisitions within its initial three months
2016
- DHH’s IPO on the Italian Stock Exchange, raising EUR 4,2m
2017
- Facilitation of MailCult’s acqui-hire, merging with BEE Content Design in the U.S., and orchestrating a EUR 6M capital increase for MailUp
2019
- Completion of over 10 acquisitions by DHH, establishing it as a regional cloud computing leader
2020
- Foundation of Balaban Technology SpA and its subsequent merger with Creactives SpA, renamed Creactives Group
2021
- Establishment of Errera Technology SpA, merging with Icona Srl and rebranding as Icona Technology
2022
- DHH’s expansion into the B2B ISP market with the acquisition of Evolink and its inaugural Corporate Venture Capital investment in Warian
2023
- Icona Technology’s acquisition of Explan Consulting
Team Overview
Grafoventures is the family holding founded by Giandomenico (Nico) Sica
Core team
Giandomenico Sica
Founder and Managing Partner
- Founder and Managing Partner at Grafoventures, supporting the portfolio companies with strategy, equity capital market, M&A, and corporate finance
- Prior to Grafoventures, he was a Co-Founder and Executive Director of Polimetrica (2004-2010), an international academic publisher that created 100+ books promoting open access to the scientific literature
- Graduate in Philosophy (cum laude) at the University of Milan
Viviana Sica
Operations Manager
- Operating Partner at Grafoventures, supporting the portfolio companies with compliance and project management in the corporate development area
- Prior to Grafoventures, she worked as a Partner & COO at Polimetrica (2004-2014), an international academic publisher that created 100+ books promoting open access to the scientific literature
- Graduate in Management Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan
Remote Team Dynamics
Grafoventures employs a multicultural remote team of 5-10 individuals, including academic researchers, analysts, business developers, web researchers, graphic designers, and web developers. The organization also maintains collaborations with listing sponsors and professionals in law, auditing, and accounting.