Startups change and the ecosystem that supports them must adapt. Or maybe it’s the opposite, because if it is true that startups remain the engine of innovation, on the other hand the companies that invest in startups they have different goalsnot always linked exclusively to economic return.
It is in this context that it was born LEAPthe startup accelerator founded by the Mondadori Group and led by Stefano Argiolaswho has founded several startups and therefore has direct experience of what is needed to make them sustainable.
PLAI was born with the intent to explore the potential of generative artificial intelligenceseen as a disruptive technology that impacts, primarily, the processes of the entire value chain of the sectors in which the Mondadori Group operates. The purpose of PLAI is therefore twofold: to probe the transformative opportunities of generative AI and, at the same time, evolve the ecosystem of Italian startups.
“We imagined PLAI as a transformation engine, not only for the Mondadori Group, but for the entire startup ecosystem. Generative AI isn’t just any technology – it’s something that can redefine the way we think about business models and corporate strategies,” explains Argiolas, highlighting how this project represents much more than a simple financial investment.
An accelerator that focuses on value, not just numbers
The first distinctive element of PLAI is its acceleration model, designed to create a long-term sustainable value. Contrary to traditional programs, where economic return often represents the only objective, the Mondadori Group has decided to adopt a different approach. The selected startups receive an initial investment of 100,000 euros, but what really makes the difference is access to a strategic network which includes training, mentorship and, above all, direct collaboration with the Group’s business divisions.
“Our aim is not simply to finance projects, but to offer startups the tools to grow and experiment in a sustainable way. We do not have an immediate economic return objective: what interests us is building an ecosystem of values, where the Mondadori Group and startups can benefit from each other,” sottolinea Argiolas.
The result of this approach was already seen in the first months. PLAI attracted over 500 applications in just 60 days, an extraordinary number compared to the average for other similar programs. This success demonstrates how the possibility of working with a consolidated player like the Mondadori Group is perceived as a great opportunitythe prospect of integrating successful startups into its processes is also very concrete.
The strategic pillars of PLAI: education, publishing, media and retail
To make its action even more effective, PLAI has chosen to focus on four strategic areas in which the Mondadori Group is already a leader: education, publishing, digital media and retail. This verticalization allows for maximize the impact of solutions proposed by startups, making the program not only innovative, but also highly relevant for the Group’s activities.
“We identified these sectors because they represent areas where generative AI can have a transformative impact and where we, as the Mondadori Group, can offer all the tools and know-how for effective acceleration. It’s not just about improving existing processes, but about completely rethinking them,” explains Argiolas.
There is no shortage of more immediate applications in sectors such as digital advertising, where the selected startups are already collaborating with Mondadori Media to optimize advertising campaigns thanks to predictive models based on artificial intelligence. Also in this area, the technologies developed by the startups supported by PLAI are demonstrating their value, with solutions that improve warehouse management and optimize the availability of products in stores.
An ecosystem of global partners and a playground for innovation
One of the most interesting aspects of PLAI is the network of strategic partners which was built around the project. These include prominent names such as Startupbootcamp, I3P, Fastweb, Group M, Multiversity, AWS PWC, Codemotion, Datapizza and Startup Italia. This network not only amplifies opportunities for startups, but strengthens the positioning of the Mondadori Group as a leader in innovation.
“We wanted to create a playground for innovation, where startups can compete with large market players and develop solutions that have a concrete impact. Collaboration with external partners allows us to overcome company boundaries and explore new horizons,” explains Argiolas, underlining how the strength of PLAI lies in its ability to connect different worlds.
The Mondadori Group’s approach is not limited to an acceleration program: PLAI is also a laboratory to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in sectors that go beyond the strictly technological sphere. The next step will be the Demo Day, scheduled for February 2025, where the startups of the first batch will present the results achieved to an audience of investors and stakeholders.
“The Demo Day will be a fundamental stage, not only for startups, but also for the Mondadori Group, which will be able to demonstrate the value of this initiative to the entire Italian innovation system,” concludes Argiolas.
PLAI follows a decidedly interesting approach because it changes not so much the ways in which an accelerator supports startups, but the very motivations that underlie all the initiatives promoted. There is a great deal of attention to the economic sustainability of startups, but the goal is not an immediate economic return for PLAI. The focus is on generative artificial intelligence, seen as an element of strong discontinuity with the past, and on its implications for the Mondadori Group. The mix of skills and this strategic vision make PLAI a project different from the others and with truly great potential.
Source: edge9.hwupgrade.it
