Italian publishing house Zanichelli Editore today announces the launch of ZNEXT, a €60 million build-and-acquire initiative dedicated to developing world-class technology businesses focused on unlocking human potential.
This launch marks a new chapter in Zanichelli's 166-year history, which has seen millions of Italian citizens use its books in schools and universities across the country.
ZNEXT will collaborate with entrepreneurs in Italy and beyond through a venture builder model, launching an M&A vehicle to buy majority stakes in startups and established businesses with high growth potential.
The investment thesis will focus on edtech, the future of work, lifelong learning and wellbeing technology.
"Zanichelli Editore has an incredible history, including being the first to translate Charles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' into Italian in 1864. Darwin understood that humans are constantly changing, and it is neither the strongest nor the most intelligent that survive, but those most responsive to changing environments," says Elena Lavezzi, CEO of ZNEXT, who previously held senior roles at Uber and Revolut.
"Diversification is key, and the core Zanichelli business has continuously innovated, harnessing the potential of evolving markets for over 150 years. ZNEXT, alongside the existing VC fund Zanichelli Venture, represents the next branch in the company's evolutionary tree," says ZNEXT CEO Elena Lavezzi.
The venture builder will act as a co-founder to visionary entrepreneurs from across the globe, as well as 'intrapreneurs' from Zanichelli Editore. ZNEXT will invest up to €150,000 in initial pre-seed funding, with the capacity to follow on, as well as offering operational support and access to expertise and its network.
The M&A vehicle will take majority stakes in both small, established businesses and startups with compelling propositions aligned with the core investment thesis.
ZNEXT will then work with the existing leadership team to introduce or optimise technology to drive growth and value in the business.
"The accelerating pace of technological change, globalisation, and evolving societal needs underscore the critical importance of human adaptability," says Ferrante Enriques, major shareholder in Zanichelli Editore and ZNEXT, who spearheaded ZNEXT's creation.
"Whilst we are, and will always continue to be, vocal advocates for traditional education, there is no doubt that the world is changing and innovative technology is unlocking human potential.
We are committed to investing in this evolution, enabling citizens across the world to adapt the way they live, work and learn."
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