What Lodestar does

Lodestar is an Italian ICT group headquartered in Milan that provides consulting, digital transformation, managed services, and proprietary software to Italian enterprises, SMEs, and public administration bodies. The company operates as a federation of 12 wholly-owned specialized subsidiaries (EID, iCubed, Logical System, Fragma Security, Zerouno Informatica, Microsys, Geos Consult, ST Next, Archimedia, DOIT, Business Solution, IT'S, and the CloudLink brand) that together cover cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, ERP/CRM, data & AI, custom software development, and web/e-commerce. Its core technical offering is the proprietary Link Ecosystem, which integrates SuiteLink (a modular business process platform with B2B sales, ERP, DAM, MES, ECM, scheduling, and inventory modules), AppLink (14+ extensions for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central addressing Italian regulatory requirements such as SDI electronic invoicing, LIPE periodic VAT, Certificazione Unica, split payment VAT, and CIG/CUP codes), and CloudLink (an ISO/IEC 27001-certified hybrid cloud infrastructure natively integrated with Microsoft Azure). Lodestar is a Microsoft Solutions Partner with advanced competencies across Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and security, and additionally resells BlueCherry ERP for fashion/footwear and Factorial HR for SMEs.

The company's revenue model combines professional services revenue (digital strategy, ERP implementation, cybersecurity, change management, custom development, multi-year managed contracts) with subscription/recurring revenue from CloudLink infrastructure, AppLink module licensing, and SuiteLink subscriptions. The go-to-market is a hybrid of direct enterprise field sales for complex multi-product transformations and inside sales for SME Business Central deployments, supported by a marketing mix spanning content, webinars, hosted events (Global Azure 2026, BlueCherry fashion-tech events), IAMCP Italy community participation, and earned media. Reported FY2024 revenue was €71M (up 22% from €58M in 2023) with 464 employees (up 23% from 378), and the company is headquartered in Milan with 10 Italian offices spanning Milan, Brescia, Borgomanero, Turin, Jesi, Fabriano, Rome, Melfi, Salerno, and Stabio (Switzerland). Lodestar is privately held by Renaissance Partners following the January 2026 close (previously Bravo Capital Partners), and is actively pursuing inorganic growth alongside organic scaling.

Name

Lodestar

Legal name

Lodestar S.p.A. Società a Socio Unico

Website

https://lodestar.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Lodestar is an Italian ICT group providing consulting, managed services, and proprietary software (SuiteLink, AppLink, CloudLink) to Italian enterprises, SMEs, and public administration, with deep Microsoft platform expertise across 12 specialized subsidiaries and €71M FY2024 revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

IT Consulting Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518), Software Publishers (513210), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Hybrid Cloud Management, Monitoring & FinOps (HDABAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Managed Services (BPAEADAJ), Software/Application Support (SaaS, Enterprise Apps) (BPAAACAC), Helpdesk & End-User Support Services (BPAEABAB), IT Governance, Risk & Compliance (IT GRC) Platforms (HDAEALAK)

Keywords

• IT consulting services
• Digital transformation
• Cloud infrastructure services
• Microsoft Dynamics ERP
• Cybersecurity services

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. IT Consulting & Professional Services: Strategic consulting, implementation, and managed services for cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 ERP/CRM, and custom software development. Services include digital transformation advisory, change management, and training.
2. Proprietary Software Licensing (SuiteLink, AppLink): Licensing and deployment of proprietary modular software platforms (SuiteLink business process modules, AppLink extensions for Business Central). Revenue from initial deployment, customization, and ongoing module subscriptions.
3. Cloud Infrastructure Services (CloudLink): Hybrid cloud infrastructure services including data center hosting, managed cloud operations, and Azure integration. Revenue from infrastructure contracts and managed services subscriptions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Lodestar is an Italian ICT group that provides consulting, digital transformation, and managed services to enterprises and SMEs, anchored by its proprietary Link Ecosystem (SuiteLink modular business software, AppLink extensions for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and CloudLink hybrid cloud infrastructure). The group delivers IT consulting, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, ERP/CRM implementation, data and AI services, and custom software development primarily on Microsoft technologies.

Product overview

Lodestar is an Italian ICT group offering a unified ecosystem of proprietary software products and technology services. The core offering is the Lodestar Link Ecosystem, which integrates three proprietary product families — SuiteLink (modular business process software), AppLink (extensions for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central), and CloudLink (hybrid cloud infrastructure) — alongside Microsoft partnership solutions (Dynamics 365 CRM, Dynamics 365 Business Central, Microsoft 365, Azure). SuiteLink comprises eight integrated modules including B2B sales, ERP, DAM (LinkDigiset), MES (LinkFactory), ECM (LinkDoc), resource scheduling (LinkProject), B2B portal (LinkB2B), and inventory management (LinkStock). AppLink provides 14+ modular extensions for Business Central covering Italian-specific finance, electronic invoicing (with SDI connectors for Namirial and IX-FE/Abletech), VAT, reporting, and public administration compliance. CloudLink delivers ISO 27001-certified hybrid cloud infrastructure integrated with Azure. Lodestar also resells BlueCherry ERP and SFC for the fashion industry, and Factorial HR software, all integrated within the broader ecosystem.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Link Ecosystem: Technological architecture integrating software, infrastructure and services for digital transformation. Includes SuiteLink, AppLink, and CloudLink modules.
• SuiteLink
• AppLink
• CloudLink
• NextGen Industry
• LinkFactory

Products and services

• SuiteLink Modular and integrated proprietary software platform that digitalizes and optimizes business operational processes. Comprises integrated modules covering B2B sales, ERP, DAM, MES, ECM, resource scheduling, B2B portal, and inventory management, with native interoperability between modules.
• CloudLink Lodestar's hybrid cloud infrastructure combining private cloud, Microsoft Azure public cloud, and on-premises systems within a single managed environment. ISO/IEC 27001 certified, with DDoS protection and redundant carrier connections. Includes hyperconverged infrastructure powered by Lenovo, Azure Backup, and DDoS Protection services.
• AppLink Proprietary suite of modular extensions for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, tailored to Italian regulatory, fiscal, and operational requirements. Includes apps covering finance, electronic invoicing, VAT management, document reporting, public administration compliance, and Azure Blob Storage attachment handling.
• LinkFactory Proprietary MES (Manufacturing Execution System) for production planning and control, connecting factory floor machines, PLCs, and production lines to business systems for real-time operational visibility and governance. Features IT/OT integration, production data analytics, and ERP integration.
• BlueCherry ERP Fashion and footwear ERP and supply chain management solution by CGS, offered in Italy through Lodestar as official reseller. Provides integrated supply chain management from design to distribution, production monitoring, and AI-driven analytics for fashion and footwear companies.
• BlueCherry Shop Floor Control (SFC) Production planning and control module within the BlueCherry suite for real-time production monitoring, productivity enhancement, and quality control in fashion and footwear manufacturing. Resold in Italy by Lodestar.
• Cloud Infrastructure Services Lodestar service for designing, implementing, and managing scalable, resilient, and high-performance IT infrastructures, supporting on-premises, hybrid, or public cloud transitions including CloudLink managed cloud operations and Azure integration.
• Data & AI Services Data engineering and AI services covering scalable data architecture design, data pipeline implementation, interactive dashboards, machine learning models, and generative AI using Azure OpenAI, Azure AI Foundry, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, Snowflake, Talend, and Informatica.
• Security & Compliance Services Cybersecurity and corporate data protection services covering prevention, detection, response, and recovery for cloud, on-premises, or hybrid environments. Includes Zero Trust implementation (Zscaler), firewalls (SonicWall), endpoint protection (Kaspersky), identity and access (Quest), and NIS2 compliance advisory in partnership with Cyberoo.
• Modern Workplace Services Service enabling remote-first, hybrid, and collaborative working models via Microsoft 365 transition, centralized device management (Microsoft Intune), SharePoint, Teams, Stream, Viva, and Power Automate workflow automation.
• Training, Adoption & Change Management Service for IT training and digital transformation, covering skills-focused training, technology adoption programs, and organizational change management using ADKAR and agile methodologies.
• Web & E-commerce Services Service for digital strategy, website development, Shopify e-commerce, web marketing, SEO, social media management, and digital communication with ERP/CRM and payment gateway integration.
• Digital App & Innovation Services Service for custom, low-code, cloud-native, and DevOps development, covering web, mobile, desktop, IoT applications, and enterprise integration using Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines.
• Licensing & Software Asset Management Consulting service for software license management with focus on the Microsoft ecosystem (Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Azure), covering licensing strategy, cost optimization, and Software Asset Management (SAM).
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Implementation Implementation, customization, and continuous development services for Microsoft's cloud ERP for SMEs, integrated with AppLink extensions for Italian regulatory compliance. Includes AI & Copilot integration and partnership with YAVEON for regulated industries.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM Implementation Configuration and consulting for Microsoft's CRM platform covering end-to-end customer engagement. Includes AI-powered Copilot features for sales, marketing, customer service, and field service, integrated with Microsoft Teams, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and Customer Insights Journeys.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35% GHG emissions reduction (Scope 1 & 2) and 47.6% improvement in emission intensity per revenue in 2024
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration37 records

AI capability13 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and secondary.

• BlueCherry by CGSflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 25 November 2025Lodestar has become the official reseller of BlueCherry by CGS modular solutions in Italy. The strategic partnership targets Italian fashion and footwear companies, helping them modernize operations, comply with EU regulations such as the Digital Product Passport, and adopt AI-driven workflows for global scalability. BlueCherry ERP and Shop Floor Control (SFC) solutions are offered through Lodestar's direct sales channel with an Early Adopter Program FY26.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationLodestar is a Microsoft Solutions Partner with certified competencies across Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and security. Microsoft is the core technology platform underpinning Lodestar's cloud, ERP, CRM, collaboration, and AI solutions. Microsoft technologies include Azure Compute, Azure Kubernetes Service, Azure OpenAI, Dynamics 365 Business Central, Dynamics 365 CRM, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Intune.
• LenovocoreTechnology or IntegrationLenovo 360 Accreditation badges certify Lodestar's team expertise in providing reliable, secure, high-performance hardware solutions. The partnership enables Lodestar to offer enterprise-grade physical servers, hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI), and hardware provisioning and management for workstations. Lenovo 360 Accreditation enhances the strategic value of the partnership for advanced technical support and collaborative project planning.
• CyberoocoreTechnology or IntegrationCyberoo is an Italian cybersecurity company specialized in defending against cybercrime, and the only Italian company recognized as a 'Representative Vendor' in Gartner's Market Guide for MDR Services 2024. Lodestar collaborates with Cyberoo for NIS2 compliance webinars, managed detection and response services, and cybersecurity solutions for clients. Joint webinar on NIS2 directive and ACN guidelines held in February 2026.
• ZscalercoreTechnology or IntegrationZscaler is a cloud security platform specializing in Zero Trust security. The partnership enhances Lodestar's cybersecurity offering with solutions protecting user access, identities, and applications, helping organizations create more secure digital environments. Zscaler is referenced in DevOps and cloud infrastructure architecture for Zero Trust implementations.
• SonicWallsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationSonicWall specializes in cybersecurity solutions including firewalls, network and endpoint protection devices, and cloud security services. Deployed in CloudLink data center for perimeter security and DDoS protection.
• Kaspersky LabsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationKaspersky provides cybersecurity software protecting against viruses, malware, ransomware, phishing, and other online threats. Also offers VPN, password managers, and device optimization tools. Part of CloudLink data center technology stack for endpoint protection.
• Quest SoftwaresecondaryTechnology or IntegrationQuest provides solutions for databases, data protection, and identity and access management for Microsoft platforms and endpoints. Referenced for Active Directory migration support and endpoint management within Modern Workplace solutions.
• ShopifycoreTechnology or IntegrationLodestar is a Shopify partner, offering design and development of scalable, fully integrated e-commerce solutions. Partnership enables Lodestar to provide end-to-end digital commerce solutions combining Shopify platform with web development, ERP integration, and digital marketing services.
• FactorialcoreTechnology or IntegrationFactorial is an HR software platform helping companies structure and simplify HR processes. Lodestar integrates Factorial within Microsoft ecosystems, combining it with consulting, adoption support, and change management for comprehensive HR digitalization solutions for SMEs.
• YAVEONsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationYAVEON develops industry-specific ERP solutions based on Microsoft technologies for chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and medical industries. Lodestar leverages YAVEON to expand its offering with specialized expertise for managing complex and highly regulated processes.
• FactorialcoreTechnology or IntegrationLodestar & Factorial partnership provides integrated HR management for Italian SMEs. Factorial covers Core HR, Time, Talent, and Finance functions, integrated with Microsoft 365 and Lodestar's consulting/adoption services. Benefits include operational efficiency, data-driven HR decisions, improved engagement, and flexible HR ecosystems.
• IAMCP ItalycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerIAMCP Italy brings together Microsoft partners for collaboration, networking, and shared opportunities within the Microsoft ecosystem. Lodestar's Head of Marketing & Microsoft Alliance (Antonella Cicchitti) was elected to the Board of Directors of IAMCP Italy. Lodestar actively participates in initiatives for innovation, skills development, and joint projects among Microsoft partners.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• TXT e-solutions: Italian IT consultancy specialized in software engineering, ERP, and digital transformation for industrial and enterprise clients — overlapping with Lodestar's ERP, custom software, and Microsoft implementation practices.
• Var Group: Italian IT services and solutions company owned by SeS, focused on digital transformation, ERP (Microsoft Dynamics 365), cloud, and cybersecurity for Italian SMEs and enterprises — a direct competitor to Lodestar in the Microsoft-centric Italian mid-market.
• Sysman: Italian Microsoft partner specialized in Dynamics 365 Business Central, ERP, and cloud services for SMEs — directly comparable to Lodestar's Business Central / AppLink offering for the Italian SME segment.
• Exprivia: Italian IT services and consulting firm with strengths in digital transformation, ERP, cloud, and cybersecurity — competing with Lodestar for mid-market and public-sector Italian engagements.

Broad incumbents

• Avanade: Global Microsoft-focused consultancy joint venture between Accenture and Microsoft, delivering Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365 services — competing with Lodestar in Microsoft-led enterprise digital transformation at the upper end of the market.
• Reply: Public Italian consulting and systems integrator focused on digital transformation, cloud, and customer experience with Microsoft and other platform partnerships — directly comparable in vertical mix and Microsoft-centric delivery, but much larger.
• Capgemini Italy: Italian arm of global Capgemini, providing enterprise IT consulting, cloud, and digital transformation services — competing with Lodestar for large Italian enterprise transformation deals.
• Engineering Group: One of Italy's largest IT services groups offering digital transformation, cloud, ERP, and managed services across enterprise and public sector — overlapping with Lodestar's enterprise IT services footprint but with significantly broader scale.
• AlmavivA: Major Italian IT services and BPO group with digital transformation, cloud, and public-sector offerings — comparable to Lodestar in mid-market and public-administration IT services, but at substantially larger scale.

Emerging players

• Agile Lab: Italian Microsoft-focused digital transformation and data/AI consultancy delivering Azure, Dynamics 365, and modern workplace solutions — emerging competitor in the same Microsoft-centric Italian mid-market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lodestar-spa

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Lodestar