Zanichelli Editore, Italy's most established educational publisher with a legacy of 166 years, has launched ZNEXT, a €60 million initiative. The makewayfund’s vision is to invest in emerging technologies that unleash human potential everywhere — education, work, learning and wellbeing. Zanichelli Editore is taking a courageous step into the future. This decision is further evidence of its dedication to responding to the shifting needs of the public and the dynamic nature of technology itself.

ZNEXT and its management team will be relentlessly focused on building great, high-growth tech companies. EdTech Future of Work Lifelong Learning Wellbeing Our program areas On this go round, the company is partnering with founders from right Italy and all around the world. They will provide each startup with up to €150,000 in pre-seed capital! ZNEXT comes into this space with a venture builder model and a dedicated M&A vehicle.

Investment Focus and Strategy

ZNEXT's investment thesis is anchored in adaptability, recognizing its importance in today's rapidly changing world. The initiative will be as much a co-founder as a growth partner to entrepreneurs. In addition, it will provide substantive operational support, strategic advice and access to Zanichelli Editore’s far-reaching network.

ZNEXT has committed €60 million for the construction and acquisition of companies that fit within ZNEXT’s mission. The company seeks to identify and support ventures that are developing innovative solutions to enhance human capabilities and promote lifelong learning. This initiative reflects Zanichelli Editore's understanding of the importance of continuous adaptation and development in today's world.

"The accelerating pace of technological change, globalisation, and evolving societal needs underscore the critical importance of human adaptability." - Ferrante Enriques

Leadership and Vision

Elena Lavezzi, the new CEO at ZNEXT, has extensive programmatic and entrepreneurial experience to bring to the effort. Her role will be to spearhead the company’s work to identify, develop and scale high-potential tech-enabled business nationally and globally. Lavezzi’s entrepreneurial vision is to use her experience and drive to tap into the limitless potential inside every person through innovative technology on a global scale.

Lavezzi’s experience includes witnessing the societal effects of industry-defining change from inside Uber and Revolut. Now, she’s thrilled to bring all that experience to ZNEXT.

"Zanichelli Editore has an incredible history, including being the first to translate Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species into Italian in 1864. Darwin understood that humans are constantly changing, and it is neither the strongest nor the most intelligent that survive, but those most responsive to changing environments." - Elena Lavezzi

Zanichelli Editore's Evolution

ZNEXT, together with Zanichelli Venture, the VC fund already in place, is the second branch in Zanichelli Editore’s evolutionary tree. Diversification and Innovation This new initiative further highlights the company’s dedication to diversification and innovation. It continues Zanichelli Editore 166-year history of pioneering, continuous reinvention and transformation in changing markets.

For more than 150 years, Zanichelli Editore has been committed to taking advantage of the opportunities offered by markets in constant, rapid evolution. The launch of ZNEXT is a very positive indicator of its proactive approach to welcoming the new technologies and business models of the future.

"Diversification is key, and the core Zanichelli business has continuously innovated, harnessed the potential of evolving markets for over 150 years. ZNEXT, alongside the existing VC fund Zanichelli Venture, represents the next branch in the company’s evolutionary tree. Having directly observed the impact of industry-defining change at Uber and Revolut, I am now excited to channel that same energy and ambition into unlocking the boundless potential within individuals through world-class technology." - Elena Lavezzi