ExoLab Italia, a biotech startup specializing in the development of products and applications based on exosomes, has announced a capital increase of €5 million in a Series A funding round. The operation involved four investment funds: dsmfirmenich Ventures, CDP Venture Capital Sgr – with an equal placement from Fondo Acceleratori and Fondo Italia Venture II – Fondo Linfa, managed by Riello Investimenti Sgr, and Maia Ventures.
Founded in 2020, ExoLab Italia focuses on developing cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications for plant-derived exosomes. These cellular vesicles, extracted from fruit, enhance the effectiveness of traditionally used ingredients. The company’s vision is to leverage the abundant resources of Italian organic agriculture and transform them into a foundation for scientific breakthroughs. With proprietary technology and an advanced R&D program, ExoLab Italia is now a leader in natural functional active ingredients innovation.
Scaling Up for Global Growth
“The funds raised will enable us to execute an ambitious strategic plan that includes industrial scale-up, international expansion, and significant investment in human and territorial capital,” said Gabriele Campi, CEO of ExoLab.
“We are particularly proud of this partnership with ExoLab,” commented Alessandro Scortecci, Chief Direct Investment Officer at CDP Venture Capital Sgr. “Plant-derived exosomes are emerging as a revolutionary frontier in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. Thanks to the advanced research conducted by the ExoLab team, they stand out as a potential game-changer in the cosmetic, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Their extraordinary bioactive properties, combined with high biocompatibility, make them ideal for developing innovative applications aimed at improving health and well-being, opening new horizons for rapidly evolving markets.”
The Founders of ExoLab
ExoLab Italia was founded by Mariantonia Logozzi (Chief Technology Officer) and Stefano Fais (Scientific Director), who have extensive experience at the Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), along with Lorenzo Cilli (Chief Financial Officer) and Valerio Carconi (Head of Marketing & Sales). The innovative vision behind the project immediately attracted the interest of Scientifica Venture Capital, an early investor in ExoLab Italia, which recognized the company’s potential and has supported its growth from the beginning. Within Scientifica’s laboratories in L’Aquila, ExoLab Italia launched its pioneering Research & Development program. Today, Scientifica continues to support ExoLab as a strategic partner, accompanying the company in this new phase.
Industrial Scale-Up: A New Era for ExoLab Italia
With the support of new investors, ExoLab Italia will expand from a 300 sqm research and production laboratory to a larger facility exceeding 1,000 sqm, also in L’Aquila. This expansion is designed to optimize production processes and position ExoLab Italia as a global leader in plant-derived exosome ingredient manufacturing. The increased space will not only boost production capacity but also provide new opportunities for advanced research projects. “This capital increase marks a turning point for ExoLab Italia. We are laying the foundations for a future of sustainable growth and continuous innovation,” stated Mariantonia Logozzi.
International Expansion and Hiring Plans
Through this investment, ExoLab Italia aims to strengthen its presence in European and non-European markets and expand into new key geographical areas. This step will be driven by a strategy focused on building local partnerships and enhancing global brand visibility. In parallel, the company plans to expand its team, with the hiring of 20 new employees over the next three years, prioritizing specialized talents and highly qualified professionals.