Investment & Fund Management

People Design, a mechanical engineering consulting firm based in Italy, faced the challenge of a growing demand for skilled engineering services in the automotive and machinery sectors. To address this, the company recognized the need to invest in training young engineering graduates, particularly as they were located in a region known for its industrial automation and had established relationships with major automotive clients like Ferrari and Lamborghini.

In early 2019, People Design secured EU-guaranteed funding through CDP, backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the Investment Plan for Europe. This funding was specifically allocated for their training program and research and development initiatives. The financial support enabled the firm to hire 80 new employees within just six months, significantly boosting their capacity to undertake real-world consulting projects in research and development.

The funding also facilitated the development of an innovative project in robotics and automation, which was crucial for the company's growth and sustainability. CFO Denis Luci emphasized the importance of this support, stating that without such funding, the company would struggle to finance large-scale projects. He noted that the integration of human resources and financial investment is vital for research and innovation in their field, highlighting that the ability to innovate is essential for the survival of their business.