The Italian Venture Capital market: A focus on opportunities for the Sicilian Territory

This thesis examines the dynamics and opportunities within the Italian Venture Capital (VC) market, with a particular focus on the potential and challenges faced by the Sicilian territory. It begins by exploring the fundamental characteristics of venture capital, its role as a crucial funding mechanism for startups, and the specific attributes that make it essential for fostering innovation and economic growth. The study extends into a comprehensive analysis of the global and European VC landscapes, highlighting recent trends, key sectors of investment, and evolving exit strategies, including IPOs and acquisitions. Further, the research investigates the Italian VC ecosystem's structure, trends, and regional disparities. Special emphasis is placed on the unique aspects of the innovation ecosystem in Southern Italy, contrasting its development and investment levels with regions like Lombardy, a leading hub in the national and European VC context. Through a comparative gap analysis, the study identifies strategic opportunities and persisting challenges in fostering a more robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sicily, including policy recommendations and investment strategies that could bridge these gaps and enhance the region's competitiveness. This analysis aims to contribute to a better understanding of how regional characteristics and targeted investment strategies can drive economic development and innovation in underrepresented areas of Italy.