360 Capital Targets €100M Deeptech Fund Expansion in 2026

LONDON, March 23, 2026 — French venture capital firm 360 Capital has announced the close of €85 million for its new Poli360 2 fund, aiming to reach a €100 million target to fuel deeptech innovation across Europe. According to TechFundingNews, the firm’s latest fund focuses on nurturing startups emerging from research labs and universities, further strengthening its commitment to bridging the gap between science and commercialization.

Executive Summary

• 360 Capital closes €85M for Poli360 2, targeting deeptech startups.
• The fund aims to reach €100M, with 80% deployed in Italy.
• Poli360 2 classified as an Article 8 fund under SFDR, emphasizing environmental and social responsibility.
• Backers include corporates like Brembo, MBDA, and Lucchini RS alongside institutional investors.

Key Developments

360 Capital, a French VC firm with over €700 million in assets under management, has closed €85 million of its €100 million target for Poli360 2, its latest deeptech fund. The fund builds on the success of Poli360 1, launched in 2020, and focuses on startups emerging directly from European research labs and universities. Poli360 2 is classified as an Article 8 fund under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), embedding environmental and social considerations into its investment strategy.

The fund plans to invest in 20-25 startups, with 80% of its capital allocated to Italy and the remaining 20% to ventures across Europe. Key backers of Poli360 2 include the European Investment Fund, CDP Venture Capital, Italian pension funds, family offices, and major corporates such as Brembo, MBDA, and Lucchini RS. These corporate investors are drawn not only by potential financial returns but also by early access to groundbreaking technologies that could redefine their industries.

360 Capital has a strong track record, having invested in over 170 companies since its founding in 1997. Recent portfolio highlights include Preligens, acquired by Safran for €220 million in 2024, and Exotec, recognized as France’s first industrial unicorn. Poli360 2 represents the firm’s continued commitment to transforming cutting-edge research into globally competitive companies.

Market Context

Deeptech represents a rapidly expanding sector in the European innovation landscape, characterized by its focus on advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and cleantech. The European Union has been actively encouraging investment in deeptech through funding frameworks like Horizon Europe. This aligns with global trends as nations seek to leverage science and technology to tackle pressing challenges in sustainability, energy, and industrial competitiveness.

Poli360 2’s emphasis on Italian startups underscores the country’s growing reputation as a hub for scientific research and innovation. Italy has been increasingly attracting both public and private investment in deeptech, supported by initiatives such as CDP Venture Capital’s funds. As institutional and corporate investors deepen their engagement with emerging technologies, funds like Poli360 2 play a pivotal role in channeling capital into high-risk, high-reward ventures.

BUSINESS 2.0 Analysis

The €85 million close of Poli360 2 highlights the resilience of deeptech investment, even amid broader economic uncertainties in Europe. For more on [related investments developments](/tangled-secures-45m-to-challenge-github-in-europe-2026-2-march-2026). By targeting university spin-offs and research-driven startups, 360 Capital is doubling down on a long-term strategy that prioritizes technical complexity and scientific breakthroughs over short-term commercial gains.

What sets Poli360 2 apart is its Article 8 classification under the SFDR framework, marking a shift toward responsible investing. This signals increasing alignment between venture capital and ESG principles, a trend that is expected to shape the future of capital allocation in Europe.

The decision to allocate 80% of the fund to Italy reflects strong confidence in the country’s ability to produce globally competitive deeptech startups. This local focus could catalyze further investment in Italy’s innovation ecosystem, creating ripple effects across industries such as automotive, aerospace, and energy. Corporate backers like Brembo and MBDA stand to benefit significantly, gaining early exposure to technologies that could redefine their sectors.

360 Capital's portfolio exemplifies its ability to identify and nurture transformative startups, from robotics unicorn Exotec to cleantech innovators like Spark Cleantech. By scaling its Poli360 initiative, the firm is positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s deeptech revolution, bridging the gap between academia, industry, and venture capital.

Why This Matters for Industry Stakeholders

For corporate investors, Poli360 2 provides a structured pathway to engage with innovation while managing risk. By partnering with an experienced VC like 360 Capital, stakeholders gain access to high-potential startups in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and energy.

For startups, the fund offers not only capital but also strategic guidance and industry connections, essential for scaling breakthrough technologies. Policymakers and academic institutions stand to benefit from increased commercialization of research, aligning with European goals to foster innovation-driven competitiveness.

Forward Outlook

With Poli360 2 nearing its €100 million target, 360 Capital is well-positioned to accelerate the growth of deeptech startups across Europe. The fund’s focus on Italy could make the country a leading player in sectors such as robotics, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing.

Looking ahead, the firm’s Article 8 classification under SFDR may attract additional ESG-focused investors, further aligning capital flows with sustainable and socially responsible goals. For more on [related investments developments](/kindred-expands-home-swapping-market-with-125m-funding-in-20-4-february-2026). As deeptech continues to gain traction, funds like Poli360 2 are likely to be instrumental in addressing global challenges through technological innovation.

Key Takeaways

• 360 Capital closes €85M of €100M target for Poli360 2 deeptech fund.
• Fund classified as Article 8 under SFDR, embedding ESG principles.
• 80% of capital to be deployed in Italy, 20% across Europe.
• Corporate investors include Brembo, MBDA, and Lucchini RS.
• 360 Capital has invested in over 170 companies, including Preligens and Exotec.

References

1. TechFundingNews
2. Financial Times Technology Coverage
3. Bloomberg Technology Section
4. More Investments Coverage
5. Deeptech Insights

FAQs

• What is Poli360 2? Poli360 2 is a deeptech-focused fund by 360 Capital, aiming to invest in startups emerging from research labs and universities, with a €100 million target.
• What sectors does Poli360 2 target? The fund focuses on deeptech sectors like AI, robotics, cleantech, energy, and cybersecurity, aiming to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.
• Who are the key backers of Poli360 2? Backers include the European Investment Fund, CDP Venture Capital, pension funds, family offices, and corporates like Brembo, MBDA, and Lucchini RS.
• What does Article 8 classification under SFDR mean? Article 8 classification indicates that the fund incorporates environmental and social considerations into its investment strategy, aligning with ESG principles.
• What is the outlook for deeptech in Europe? Deeptech is poised for significant growth, with funds like Poli360 2 driving investment into high-potential startups and advancing technological solutions to global challenges.