H-FARM

Name

H-FARM

Legal name

H-FARM S.p.A.

Website

https://h-farm.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Acceleration & Innovation Ecosystem Services

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Innovation Leadership & Leading Growth (EDABAAAO), Business Planning, Pitching & Competitions (Pitch Decks, Demo Days) (EDAMAHAB), Career Exploration & Industry Exposure (Guest Speakers, Company Visits) (EDAMAHAJ)

Keywords

• Startup acceleration programs
• Venture builder services
• Innovation ecosystem platforms
• Corporate open innovation
• Education and training services

Headquarters

HQ city

Roncade

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Startup Acceleration Programs: Corporate and industry acceleration programs for early-stage startups, pre-accelerators for students, pitch competitions, scouting activities, and pilot programs. Revenue from program fees and equity stakes in accelerated companies.
2. Education Operations: University (H-FARM College), Business School, BigRock digital arts school, International Schools (part of Nord Anglia Education), and Sports Academy. Revenue from tuition, programs, and educational services.
3. Events and Venue Rental: 300+ events annually open to public plus venue rental for conferences, workshops, networking events, roadshows, gala dinners. Full service with flexible spaces and Michelin-starred catering.
4. Digital Consultancy: Digital transformation strategies delivered through media company SHADO, providing AI-powered brand identity, storytelling, and communications (digital consultancy unit was sold to JAKALA in 2022, SHADO continues this work).
5. Exponential Science Accelerator: Deep-tech accelerator offering €100K equity investment to selected startups. Revenue model based on equity ownership in portfolio companies.
6. Investor Relations and Capital Markets: Publicly listed company (H-FARM S.p.A.) with ongoing capital increases and financial community engagement. Revenue model includes operational income and capital market activities.
7. Marina and Hospitality Services: Portegrandi Marina provides moorings (10 meters and above), day trips, boat/kayak/bike rentals, team-building, waterfront stays, and corporate events in the Venice Lagoon.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

H-FARM operates an integrated innovation platform that supports entrepreneurs through startup acceleration and venture building (with €40M+ invested in 150+ startups), delivers a multi-tier education portfolio spanning university degrees, digital arts, business school, and a student-athlete sports academy, and runs open innovation programs for enterprises along with a marina, AI research activities, and a healthcare technology initiative.

Product overview

H-FARM is a venture builder and innovation ecosystem operating since 2005. The portfolio consists of core venture building and startup acceleration through H-FARM Startup Center (150+ startups, 50+ exits, 2 unicorns), complemented by a comprehensive education vertical including H-FARM College (university degrees), BigRock School (digital arts), H-FARM Business School (executive education), H-FARM Sports Academy (student-athletes), and H-FARM International School (part of Nord Anglia). The ecosystem extends through SHADO Media Company (AI-powered brand and communications), H-FARM AI (autonomous AI agent programs like ClawCamp and ClawCon), H-ealth (healthcare technology ecosystem with AI health assistants), and the H for Human Foundation (social impact). Supporting infrastructure includes the H-FARM App (campus management mobile app), H-FARM Marina (nautical services and innovation hub), and programs like nAItive (AI-native company fellowship) and Italian Founders House (entrepreneur community).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• H-FARM College: University offering bachelor's and master's degrees in digital management and innovation
• BigRock School
• H-FARM Business School
• H-FARM Sports Academy
• H-FARM International School
• H-FARM AI
• SHADO
• H for Human Foundation
• nAItive
• ClawCamp
• Rosso
• Italian Founders House

Products and services

• H-FARM Startup Center Tailored programs, strategic partnerships, scouting activities, courses, and startup competitions supporting early-stage founders. Has supported 150+ startups with 50+ exits and 2 unicorns (Depop and Soldo) and is recognized as Italy's #1 Startup Hub by Financial Times. Targeted at startup founders and corporate innovation buyers.
• nAItive AI-Native Founder Fellowship Fully funded, zero-equity intensive program for 20 founders per cohort building AI-native companies. AI is integrated into idea validation, product building, decision-making, and operations. Co-founded with Leonid Boguslavsky (RTP Global). Program begins October 2026 at the H-FARM campus.
• Rosso (Ema Health) Healthtech startup in H-FARM's portfolio that digitalizes blood and plasma donation. Part of Ema Health holding company developing digital infrastructure for transfusion centers. Has raised a €3M round led by 360 Capital with participation from H-FARM and CDP Venture Capital SGR.
• H-FARM College University offering Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Digital Management along with startup programs and pre-accelerators for students. Located on the H-FARM campus near Venice.
• BigRock School Digital arts school offering courses in 3D printing, animation, digital sketching, and concept art with AI integration. Transforms creativity into production-ready skills.
• H-FARM Business School Management education school providing programs for companies, managers, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Includes the China Innovation Mission taking executives to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, plus AI Agents 4 Business Automation and other executive courses.
• H-FARM Sports Academy International high school for student-athletes combining elite athletic training with academic education. Currently football-focused with basketball and tennis planned; IB or American Diploma programs; 24/7 residential life. Partners include MAHD (Saudi Sports Excellence Academy), GameAbove Sports, and Syform for 2025-2026 academic year.
• H-FARM International School International school within the Nord Anglia Education network offering education for kids and teens with technology, sports, and English programs.
• SHADO Media Company Media company delivering AI-powered brand identity, storytelling, and communications. Co-produces 'Il Fienile' podcast with former Veneto president Luca Zaia. Contributed the AI-powered sound system 'Echo/SommersiVo' to La Biennale di Venezia 2026 with Cisco and Dardust. Continues work originally part of H-FARM's digital consultancy unit sold to JAKALA in 2022.
• H-ealth Ecosystem for healthcare technologies focused on prevention, treatment, and longevity through robotics, embodied AI, and assistive tech. Includes the G AI A AI Health Assistant developed with Bianalisi and the H-ealth Lab developing solutions for senior living and advanced care models.
• H-FARM AI AI-focused entity within the H-FARM ecosystem that experiments with new opportunities across sectors. Maintains the open-source OpenClaw autonomous AI agent framework and organizes programs including ClawCamp (Europe's only AI agents bootcamp with Cisco) and ClawCon Venice (Personal AI festival).
• H-FARM Campus App Mobile application for iOS and Android helping students, professionals, and visitors get the full campus experience. Features campus map, food ordering and payments, event discovery, sports bookings, surveys, contests, and community networking.
• H-FARM Marina (Portegrandi Marina) Marina in the Venice Lagoon offering moorings for boats 10m and above, day trips, boat/kayak/bike rentals, educational activities, team-building, waterfront stays, and corporate events. Innovation hub for nautical startups and sustainability initiatives. Connected to H-FARM campus by pedestrian bridge.
• Italian Founders House Free, all-inclusive program bringing 20 aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, developers, and creators to the H-FARM campus for a month of startup growth, events, community life, and a Demo Day. Provides housing, meals, workspaces, sports, and events.
• Exponential Science Accelerator Deep-tech accelerator for early-stage startups in AI, quantum computing, and distributed ledger technologies. Offers €100K equity investment on day one with potential follow-ons, access to global partner network (MiCA Crypto Alliance, Nodiens, Hedera), and hands-on support. Final showcase at ETHMilan 2026; 4 startups selected from 150+ applicants. Co-run with Exponential Science (ES).
• H for Human Foundation Foundation dedicated to education, digital culture, and inclusion. Represents the 'H' in H-FARM (Human) and supports social impact projects building ecosystems for talent and communities.
• Summer Programs 2026 All-inclusive summer campus programs for kids, teens, college students, companies, and professionals covering AI, startups, creativity, and robotics near Venice.
• Human+ Healthcare Dialogues Series of dialogues on MedTech and technologies for prevention, care, and longevity. First event focused on surgical robotics, clinical AI, longevity, wearables, and home sensors, delivered in collaboration with ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana.

Quantifiable outcome

• 150+ startups supported since 2005
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• AudicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Partnership since 2018 around innovation and sustainable progress, through scholarships, events, and experiences designed for new generations. Notable projects include WeGeneration (Instagram docuseries with university students) and Audi Future Lab workshop on mobility and Gen Z. Long-standing strategic relationship supporting innovation initiatives.
• CiscocoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner and supporter. Collaboration on networking academy, research center development, and innovation programs. Cisco involved in ClawCamp (AI Agents Bootcamp), DefenseClaw security, and campus research initiatives with IIT.
• Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Center for Cultural Heritage Technology at IIT for research initiatives. EVA Surgica startup founded by IIT researchers. Collaboration on robotics, AI, and cultural heritage innovation projects.
• ELEVOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner for deep-tech, physical AI, biotech, advanced materials, healthcare, digital infrastructure, cultural heritage, and agriculture. ELEVO's Davide Rota participates in H-FARM events as Executive Chairman of Generative Bionics.
• ZERO – Future Farming CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in agriculture sector, contributing to applied research initiatives for market-ready solutions in sustainable farming.
• Exponential Science (ES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded Exponential Science Accelerator for deep-tech founders in AI, quantum tech, and DLT. H-FARM provides ecosystem, mentorship, and facilities; ES provides scientific rigor and network. 4 startups selected from 150+ applicants with €100K equity investment each.
• Nord Anglia EducationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerH-FARM International School is part of Nord Anglia Education, a world-leading network of international schools. This partnership provides global scale and resources for international education programs.
• GeneralimajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInsurance group partner for open innovation programs and startup acceleration. Collaboration on scouting innovative startups and pilot programs.
• JuventusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFootball club partnership for open innovation and potential sports-tech initiatives.
• TechnogymminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFitness and wellness technology partner for sports and wellness innovation programs.
• Shanghai Pudong Innovation Investment GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChina-based partnership for innovation investment and potential cross-border startup support.
• Global Venture NetworkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerH-FARM is a founding member of Global Venture Network (formerly Global Accelerator Network), connecting to global network of accelerators and startup support organizations.
• OpenClaw CommunitycoreOthersOpen-source autonomous AI agent framework community. H-FARM hosts ClawCon and ClawCamp events for this community. Diego Pizzocaro (CEO of H-FARM AI) actively participates in community events and discussions.
• MAHD (Saudi Arabian Sports Excellence Academy)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaudi Arabian Sports Excellence Academy dedicated to developing generations of champions and leaders. Partner for 2025-2026 academic year at Sports Academy.
• GameAbove SportsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal investor in sports teams and academies, focused on promoting sports excellence. Partner for 2025-2026 academic year at Sports Academy.
• SyformminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading brand in natural sports and wellness supplements, recognized for effectiveness and purity. Partner for 2025-2026 academic year at Sports Academy.
• BianalisimajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner for H-ealth initiative. Collaboration on G AI A, the AI Health Assistant being tested within the H-FARM community.
• SailGPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal sailing league partnership for sports innovation and marina-related initiatives.
• HederamajorTechnology or IntegrationEnergy-efficient network for building secure applications. Partner network for Exponential Science Accelerator, helping DLT startups build on Hedera's infrastructure.
• MiCA Crypto AlliancemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelping Exponential Science Accelerator portfolio companies comply with European cryptocurrency regulation.
• JAKALAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDigital consultancy unit was sold to JAKALA in 2022. SHADO continues digital transformation work independently.
• ULSS 2 Marca TrevigianamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal public healthcare authority partnership for Human+ Healthcare Dialogues. Structured collaboration to bring innovation, technology, and research into the healthcare system. Includes call for health startups, clinical research projects, and practical implementation.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Plug and Play Tech Center: Global venture builder and accelerator operating industry-specific programs with corporate partners (insurance, fintech, health, retail). Closely mirrors H-FARM's corporate-led open-innovation model and vertical-specific accelerator structure.
• Techstars: Global accelerator network running mentor-driven programs and the Techstars Startup Weekend community. Comparable to H-FARM on the accelerator-plus-community angle, with deeper US/international reach.
• Station F: World's largest startup campus in Paris combining accelerators, corporate programs and a physical community. Direct comparison to H-FARM's campus-centric ecosystem approach, especially on education and corporate partnerships.
• Y Combinator: Premier global startup accelerator; benchmark for H-FARM's accelerator design, founder selection rigor and equity-investment model. Sets the competitive ceiling on which accelerators founders choose.
• Antler: Global early-stage VC and founder generator operating residency programs across Europe and Asia. Comparable in cohort-based founder building and the multi-vertical specialization that overlaps with H-FARM's nAItive.
• Founders Factory: Corporate-backed venture builder and accelerator partnering with large enterprises to build and invest in startups. Closely aligned with H-FARM's corporate open-innovation programs and equity-backed acceleration.
• Mind the Bridge: San Francisco/Milan-based organization running corporate-startup innovation programs and the Startup Europe Partnership. Comparable to H-FARM's cross-border corporate innovation mandate, particularly the Italy/US bridge.
• SOSV: Global accelerator network running vertical-specific programs (HAX hardware, IndieBio biotech, dlab blockchain). Comparable to H-FARM on vertical specialization (Exponential Science is their deep-tech analogue).

Regional players

• Luiss Enlabs: Rome-based university-affiliated startup accelerator. Regional competitor in Italy, with a more education-centric positioning that overlaps with H-FARM College.

Emerging players

• Impact Hub: Global network of innovation hubs and incubators focused on social entrepreneurship. Comparable community/campus model with lighter venture-investment component than H-FARM's accelerator stack.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/hfarmcampusmarina
• Instagraminstagram.com/hfarmcampus_marina
• Xx.com/hfarmspa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A6 records

Investments87 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about H-FARM