I know that complex problems in need of global solutions are increasingly evident in our shifting world. Industries such as energy, water, transportation, information technology and healthcare are facing a future quite different from their past. Now is the time to combine the capital, technology, people and partners to fashion the transformative companies for a new economy. Building these companies places unprecedented demands on capital providers – the old model doesn’t quite work in the new world. I supply my portfolio companies with much more than creative capital. A network of collaborators, experts, external advisors and world-class strategic partners provide extraordinary guidance in finance, human capital, legal, marketing, science, portfolio management and much more.
Chelonia is the name I give when people ask for an affiliation. My industry sector interests and equity risk participations comprise a variety of areas – some of them intersecting:
- Environment and IT/Internet: I get involved in several industry affairs including Ecosquare. This was in 2000 the first online marketplace founded to trade waste & recyclables. I founded it jointly with Nomura the bank of Japan. The project aimed to develop and distribute a code useful to characterize materials in physical/chemistry terms and economic value to boost introduction in new cycle of production. I’m involved in projects where IT, cleantech and biotechnology will find meeting points.
- Energy: I am involved in renewable power generation projects. Solar jointly with Pirelli group. Wind jointly with ASM Brescia Spa (named A2A after merging with AEM). Biomass jointly with Italian Infrastrutture e Gestioni SpA (project sold to RWE). Just to name someone of them. Today still scouting and developing new opportunities.
- Health care: I started in 2010 taking a look to the market and understanding how much is huge the potential market. Now I’m managing an equity participation in Genebright (a consumer genetic company). The company, playing the newly emerging industry of direct-to-consumer genetic testing services, offers a growing line of products, enabling consumers to seek an affordable over-the-counter test which allows them to plan ahead, prepare for life changing events, and address specific lifestyle choices. These DNA tests are based on individual’s genetic profile and provide information on how the consumer can adjust lifestyle for a better life and lower health risk personal profile.
- Non profits: I began to travel West Africa in 2002-2003. In Jan 2002 in New York City – immediately after the Sept 11 event – during World Economic Forum I knew Halidou Ouedraogo and I started to help him at Inter-African Union for Human Rights. I represented the pan-African association at UN system being UIDH an accredited NGO.
!! Always Seeking smart and thoughtful people with fresh ideas !!
