“This acquisition represents a moment of great pride and satisfaction for me and the entire WDA team. We have believed in the venture building model since 2021, when it was still little known in Italy, and today we can say we have proven its effectiveness in creating value and minimising risks for innovative companies – Roberto Macina (pictured), co-founder and CEO of WDA who becomes managing director of the holding company and already has a previous exit behind him, that of Qurami in 2018, tells Startupbusiness – Joining Next4 is more than an achievement: it is a new starting point to amplify our impact and enhance our innovative approach. I am excited to contribute to the future of Next4 as managing director and to continue supporting the Italian innovation ecosystem with even more strength and resources’.
Next4, a qualified investment holding and innovation platform dedicated to innovative start-ups and SMEs, has acquired WDA, an Italian venture builder founded by Roberto Macina and Mario Costanzo. The deal marks a decisive step in the evolution of the Italian innovation ecosystem, validating the venture building model as a key tool to minimise risk and accelerate the success of new ventures.
With this acquisition, Next4 strengthens its role as a market enabler and qualified investor, integrating WDA’s corporate services into its offering. Thanks to this synergy, start-ups, innovative SMEs and more structured companies will benefit from all-round support for their growth.
The acquisition involves a capital increase, through which Next4 acquires 51 per cent of WDA, with an agreement to take over the remaining 49 per cent at the agreed value of five times EBITDA in 2027. The deal is a strong signal to the market, underlining how Next4 is able to use advanced financial and operational tools to create long-term value.
As part of the agreement, Roberto Macina joins the board of Next4 as managing director of the holding company, bringing his entrepreneurial experience and strategic vision to serve the entire group. The operational leadership of WDA will instead be entrusted to Valentina Iannucci, a former venture consultant with a consolidated experience in the sector.
“Our acquisition of WDA represents a crucial moment not only for Next4, but for the entire innovation ecosystem in Italy,” said Davide D’Arcangelo, CEO of Next4, in a note. “The venture builder model is proving increasingly effective in reducing risk and creating value. With this operation, we confirm our commitment to supporting innovative start-ups and SMEs and, now, also corporate companies, contributing to a more competitive and dynamic Italian ecosystem.”
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ©