Target Overview

Habacus was founded in 2017 by Paolo Cuniberti, who brings nearly three decades of experience from the international finance and investment banking sectors. The company aims to innovate the student loan model for individuals seeking both basic and advanced education in Italy. Unlike many Western countries, Italy's student loan landscape lags significantly behind European standards, with financing agreements before university enrollment being virtually unknown.

In Italy, students primarily rely on family welfare, which necessitates academic expenditures ranging from €34,000 to €45,000 for three years at public universities, and even higher costs at private institutions. The expense of education is among the highest in Europe, compounded by a limited and uneven distribution of scholarships. As a result, student loans remain an underexplored option, creating barriers to post-secondary education access and negatively impacting both the economy and future opportunities in the country.

Industry Overview

The education sector in Italy faces significant challenges, with rising tuition costs and limited financial support creating a gap in educational attainment compared to other Western nations. This scenario has led to increasing concerns about social mobility and talent selection based on wealth rather than merit. Italy's declining educational performance has broader repercussions, stifling competitiveness and innovation across various sectors, creating a vicious cycle that undermines long-term economic growth.

Despite these challenges, Habacus seeks to bridge the gap in Italy's education financing by providing a digital platform that connects students with financing solutions. As a first mover in the student loan sector, Habacus integrates various stakeholders in the educational ecosystem, playing a vital role in promoting access to knowledge and ultimately contributing to national growth.

The Italian education industry is in the early stages of recognizing the potential of alternative financing models. Habacus aims to create awareness and accessibility in student financing through its services, which focus on guiding students toward informed study choices, facilitating funds access, and easing scholarship acquisition by certifying academic performance through its platform.

Rationale Behind the Deal

The recent investment of €300,000 from LIFTT, part of a larger funding round totaling €1.82 million, highlights the growing recognition of the need for innovative solutions in Italy's education financing landscape. This funding will enable Habacus to enhance its technological infrastructure and commercial outreach while establishing partnerships that strengthen its position as an industry leader.

By addressing the significant gap in post-diploma education financing, Habacus not only aims to empower students but also contributes to the broader economic development of Italy. Investing in this educational venture is crucial for facilitating access to higher education and creating a sustainable model that benefits students and the economy alike.

Investor Information

LIFTT is an investment firm focused on sustainable and impactful initiatives, specifically targeting sectors that support education and technological transfer. With existing investments in educational companies like Usophy and Maieutical Labs, LIFTT's involvement in Habacus showcases its commitment to fostering innovation within the education space.

Through its financial support, LIFTT not only aims to achieve solid returns on investment but also to contribute meaningfully to developing a robust education financing system in Italy. This alignment with LIFTT's vision of building synergies between research, education, and the real economy makes them an ideal partner for Habacus.

View of Dealert

Dealert considers the investment in Habacus to be highly promising due to the company's innovative approach to a pressing issue within the educational sector in Italy. By offering a digital platform that facilitates student financing, Habacus is positioned to significantly impact access to education and social mobility for Italian youth.

Moreover, the collaboration between LIFTT and Habacus signals an essential shift towards recognizing the value of alternative financing solutions in a traditionally underserved market. By addressing these gaps, this investment could catalyze a transformation in how education is financed in Italy, ultimately enhancing academic achievement and professional opportunities.

With its extensive partnerships and a focus on guiding students toward informed educational choices, Habacus is set to build an engaged ecosystem of stakeholders in the educational process. This initiative not only enhances its value proposition but also reinforces the potential for sustainable long-term growth.

In conclusion, this investment aligns well with current market needs and societal trends. If successfully executed, it could serve as a benchmark for other sectors, illustrating the impact of strategic investments in education that favor innovation and societal welfare.

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