On Saturday, September 21, in Milan, at the headquarters of Carter & Benson, the event “BRIDGING THE GAP | Investments, innovation, and social impact” took place. Organized by Emotion Network, this inspirational and networking event focused on the intersection of innovation, investments, and social impact.
The event brought together prominent Italian and international speakers, along with a carefully selected audience eager to explore how businesses and investments can create both economic and social value, fostering a more responsible and inclusive future.
It also provided a unique opportunity for members of Tech.Emotion Club—our official membership program—to connect. The program offers exclusive access to valuable relationships, investment and business opportunities, as well as curated content and events shared within Emotion Network’s global community.
INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP – EVERYBODY IN AND NOBODY OUT
The event opened with a welcome from Mattia Mor, CEO and founder of Emotion Network, followed by an inspiring video message from René Carayol, one of the world’s leading executive coaches, on the theme of inclusive leadership.
In a world often marked by resistance to diversity and inclusion, Carayol’s work with CEOs worldwide has underscored the vital role that inclusivity plays in driving business success: “Inclusive leadership truly fuels business performance.“
He stressed the importance of leadership that embraces everyone, leaving no one behind, stating, “The more people feel respected and included, the more they are willing to give their best.” Carayol urged attendees to adopt this approach for both personal and professional growth, offering this advice: “Show more compassion than you think is necessary, and relinquish more power than you think is necessary. Doing so will make you a different—and more effective—leader.“
DRIVING CHANGE, CREATING VALUE
Karin Fischer, co-founder and board member of Emotion Network, then moderated a conversation between Massimo Andriolo, CEO of IXL Center Italy, Marta Bertolai, Country Manager of ENACTUS, and Davide D’Arcangelo, CEO of Next4 and Secretary-General of the Fondazione Italia Digitale.
The discussion highlighted how leadership focused on innovation and social impact, combined with contributions from younger generations, can serve as powerful tools to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
Massimo Andriolo outlined the unique approach of IXL Center, part of an international network dedicated to transforming innovation into a structured discipline by imparting skills to professionals, entrepreneurs, and students to create both economic and social value. IXL and Andriolo’s approach is guided by a core belief: “Can innovation, social impact, and return on investments coexist? Not only is it possible, but it’s the path to a better future!“
Marta Bertolai explained how ENACTUS offers young people the opportunity to develop the skills needed to create innovative entrepreneurial solutions, highlighting how education can become a catalyst for positive social and environmental impact.
Davide D’Arcangelo emphasized that the integration of innovation, social entrepreneurship, and responsible investments is essential to building a multidisciplinary and intergenerational ecosystem that can promote collective happiness and well-being.
VISION AND IMPACT: ITALIAN SCIENCE LANDING AT NASDAQ
In the next session, moderated by journalist Amy O’Brien, Pierluigi Paracchi, CEO of Genenta (Nasdaq: GNTA), explored the challenges and opportunities for Italian companies in the biotech sector, drawing from Genenta’s experience as the first Italian company listed on Nasdaq.
Genenta (Nasdaq: GNTA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company engaged in the development of a proprietary hematopoietic stem cell therapy for the treatment of a variety of solid tumor cancers. Through its Nasdaq listing, Genenta raised €70 million from both European and American investors.
During his talk, Paracchi stressed that Italy holds an undeniable position of excellence in scientific research—particularly in the health sector—but one of the country’s main limitations is the difficulty in turning this “extraordinary science” into tangible products that can treat patients. This obstacle is due to a lack of expertise in the development phase, where Italy struggles to attract specialized talent: “We have the science, but it’s hard to find people with the skills for development.“
He concluded: “We cannot afford to outsource the health of our citizens. It is not insignificant where discoveries and innovations occur. In Italy today, we are among the world leaders in gene and cell therapies. We should do everything possible to continue to be leaders in the future, primarily for our patients.“
PHILANTHROPY AND LEGACY: THE IMPACT OF GIVING BACK
The discussion on philanthropy was led by Gianluca D’Agostino, co-founder of Emotion Network, and George Coelho, co-founder of Astanor Ventures.
With his extensive experience in venture capital and dedication to social causes, Coelho founded Astanor Ventures to champion sustainable solutions in the agriculture and food industries.
During the conversation, Coelho shared his vision of a world where companies are not only driven by profit but also take responsibility for the well-being of their communities. He emphasized the power of giving back, stating, “Research shows that giving back actually makes the donor richer.” This insight sparked a broader conversation about how philanthropy can go beyond simple generosity, serving as a powerful tool for creating lasting social impact.
CONSCIOUSNESS AND ETHICS IN BUSINESS
The final session of the day featured a dialogue between Massimo Redaelli, co-founder and board member of Emotion Network, Angelo Moratti, founder of Milano Investment Partners Sgr, and Caryl Stern, Chief Impact Officer at LionTree and former President and CEO of UNICEF USA. The discussion centered on the need for the future of business to align with a more conscious, ethical, and responsible economic model.
Angelo Moratti emphasized the crucial role of young entrepreneurs, stating, “We cannot rely on politicians to solve our problems. We need economists, entrepreneurs, and especially young innovators. They are the ones who will weave the fabric of a better society.” He also addressed the topic of artificial intelligence, noting its potential for both positive and negative impacts: “We can’t stop technology, but we must approach and regulate it in the best way possible. It will be a challenge, but we will succeed.“
Caryl Stern added depth to the conversation by sharing her personal and professional journey, highlighting her ongoing commitment to social initiatives and investments in innovative companies that improve the lives of people with disabilities. Drawing from her experience in Vietnam with UNICEF, she shared an inspiring thought: “Twenty years ago, people with disabilities were largely hidden from society. Today, there is more acceptance, but it will be the blend of love, awareness, and technology that makes the real difference.”
Stern also stressed the importance of integrating personal values into a company’s foundation: “To invest in a purpose, you first need to do the inner work and embed those values into the framework of the company you represent. You cannot invest in a cause without first addressing your own personal purpose.” This reflection reinforced the idea that businesses, while seeking profit, must also adopt a broader, more responsible vision that embraces the well-being of the communities they serve.
Massimo Redaelli closed the discussion with a clear statement: “A more conscious and responsible economic model is the future.“
Together, the speakers helped to shape a vision where purpose and profit can coexist, driving long-term collective well-being.
