Andrea Cardelli
Digital Entrepreneur and Startup Investor in Florence, Italy
I’m Andrea Cardelli, a digital entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience, based in Florence, Italy. My journey began in 1985 with early BBS systems and electronic networks, but the turning point came in 1992 in Colorado, when I realized that the Internet would define my future.
In 2025, I completed two significant exits: CupSolidale, a MedTech startup where I serve as CTO and Chief Digital Marketing Officer, and Aperion Srl, the technology services company I have managed for over 20 years. I continue to hold the roles of CTO and CDMO at CupSolidale, where I remain a minority shareholder.
I am an active member of the Business Angel Network (BAN) and regularly invest in early-stage startups, particularly at the pre-seed and seed phases. I frequently attend startup events, fairs, and networking opportunities because I believe in staying ahead of new trends and market opportunities.
Back in 1995, I founded Arca.net, one of the first Italian companies focused on eCommerce—perhaps a little ahead of its time. In 2001, the company became Aperion S.p.A. following an acquisition of shares by a Banca Intesa fund.
My expertise ranges from programming and systems engineering to digital marketing and advanced SEO. I am what many call a “technical founder”—able to dive into code when needed, but also equipped with the strategic vision to guide a company through different growth stages.
When I work with startups, I don’t just provide capital. I share my hands-on experience: designing scalable architectures, defining digital marketing strategies, building teams, and managing scale-up processes.
I believe in strategic and lateral thinking, and in seeing opportunities where others see challenges. Over the years, I’ve learned that in the digital world, technical details often determine whether a project succeeds or fails.
I am always open to meeting entrepreneurs who are building something innovative in the digital space. If you’re developing a startup and need not just an investor, but someone who can actively support your business growth, let’s talk.