Zest acceleration programmes

Also known as Magic Mind

Accelerator Rome, Italy Run by Zest zestgroup.vc

InvestmentNone stated

Credits and perksNone statedMaximum across tiers

Program length—

Companies supported—

Overview

Zest runs seven sector acceleration programmes in Italy covering AI, cleantech, fintech and insurtech, IoT, proptech and travel tech, most of them co-sponsored by corporate partners. One example is Magic Mind, an AI accelerator with a €5 million endowment backed by Zest and the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation. Before the 2024 merger that created Zest, LVenture Group ran the LUISS EnLabs accelerator with Luiss University from a hub at Rome's Termini station.

What startups get

Selected startups receive pre-seed or seed investment from Zest (up to €350K per startup in Magic Mind), mentoring, corporate partner access and workspace at Zest hubs; Magic Mind runs about five months.

Details

Type: Accelerator
Run by: Zest
Headquarters: Rome, Italy
Runs in: Rome, Milan, Turin
Format: Sector cohorts with corporate partners
Who can apply: Early-stage startups, mostly Italian
Stages: Pre-seed, Seed
Sectors: AI, climate, fintech, insurtech, proptech
Status: Active
Website: zestgroup.vc

Venture funds

Zest acceleration programmes also invests through venture funds managed by Zest.

About this data

Compiled from the program’s website, announcements, and press reports as of October 9, 2026. Terms, credits, and eligibility change between cohorts; confirm them with the program before applying. Alumni are examples, not a complete list.