Building world-class technology businesses to unlock potential
ZNEXT will act as a growth catalyst for the market-defining technology businesses that will empower individuals and organisations to not only navigate but thrive amidst constant evolution.
Creating world-class technology businesses to unlock human potential
Backed by Zanichelli Editore, Italy's leading publishing house, ZNEXT is a €60 million initiative dedicated to developing world-class technology businesses focused on unlocking human potential.
ZNEXT collaborates with visionary entrepreneurs through both a venture builder model and an M&A vehicle that acquires majority stakes in startups and established businesses with high growth potential.
ZNEXT acts as a growth catalyst for the market-defining technology businesses that empower individuals and organizations to not only navigate but thrive amidst constant evolution, which is now accelerating at a generational pace. The investment thesis focuses on EdTech, the Future of Work, Lifelong Learning and Wellbeing technology.
Unlocking human potential
through innovation.
EdTech
Enhancing learning, improving accessibility, and future-proofing skills.
Future of Work
Redefining work environments and processes, enabling greater productivity, flexibility, and human-centric collaboration.
Lifelong Learning
Continuous skill development and personal growth, empowering individuals throughout their careers and lives.
Wellbeing
Tools supporting holistic health and mental strength, contributing to individual resilience and societal well-being.
Build, grow and acquire
A dual strategy combining venture building with strategic M&A to create and grow impactful technology businesses.
Venture building
Do you have the ambition to build a world-class technology? The ZNEXT venture builder may be your next best step.
M&A
Do you have a revenue-generating business with untapped potential? Partner with us to take it to the next stage.
Our Advisors and Board Members
We work with experienced leaders who provide strategic guidance, challenge our assumptions, and support long-term decision making.
Ferrante Enriques is the CTO of Zanichelli Editore and is a member of its Board of Directors. He sponsored new ventures, such as Zanichelli Venture (2018) and ZNEXT (2025). He was previously Manager and VP at a European financial institution. Earlier in his career, he founded and led a company specializing in e-procurement for local and central government in Italy for seven years. He holds a MD in Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology.
Irene Enriques is one of the CEOs of Zanichelli Holding and of Zanichelli Editore. She holds a degree in Mathematics. After a brief experience in the Software Division of Houghton Mifflin in Boston, she joined Zanichelli in 1992. She has worked as a mathematics editor, head of an editorial line, and general secretary. In 2006, she succeded her father as General Manager of Zanichelli Editore.
