1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program, a key initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Europe. The program aims to foster the development and scaling of breakthrough technologies, particularly in the DeepTech sector, by providing substantial financial backing and facilitating access to private investment.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blend of grant funding and equity investment, known as Blended Finance. Eligible companies can receive a grant of up to €2.5 million, which can be utilized for various purposes, including research and development, prototyping, and pilot projects. This non-repayable grant aims to cover the costs associated with the initial phases of technology development, allowing companies to focus on innovation without the immediate pressure of financial returns.

In addition to grant funding, the EIC Accelerator provides equity investment up to €15 million until 2024, and this cap will be reduced to €10 million from 2025 onwards. This equity component is crucial for scaling operations, commercializing products, and taking innovations to market. The combination of grant and equity funding allows companies to leverage public support while also attracting private sector investment, thereby enhancing their financial stability and growth potential.

Purpose in the European Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a vital role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by addressing the funding gap that many innovative companies face. By providing significant financial resources and support, the program encourages SMEs to pursue ambitious projects that can disrupt existing markets or create entirely new ones. This initiative not only accelerates technological advancement but also contributes to job creation, economic growth, and the overall competitiveness of the European economy.

Support for Scaling and Private Funding

The EIC Accelerator supports companies in scaling their operations by offering tailored advisory services, networking opportunities, and access to a wide array of investors. The program's focus on fostering partnerships with private investors enhances the likelihood of securing additional funding, which is essential for the commercial success of innovative projects. By bridging the gap between public funding and private investment, the EIC Accelerator helps entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of financing, ensuring that they have the resources needed to bring their innovations to market successfully.

Case Study: DIAMANTE SOCIETA BENEFIT S.R.L

A noteworthy winner of the EIC Accelerator is DIAMANTE SOCIETA BENEFIT S.R.L., which secured funding for their project, DIAMANTE, aimed at revolutionizing autoimmune therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The project focuses on developing antigen-specific immunotherapy using virus nanoparticles, representing a significant advancement in treatment methodologies for this chronic and debilitating condition.

Project Overview: DIAMANTE

The DIAMANTE project seeks to leverage cutting-edge technology to create a more targeted and effective therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Traditional treatments often employ broad immunosuppressive methods, which can lead to various side effects and may not always effectively address the underlying autoimmune response. In contrast, the antigen-specific approach aims to modulate the immune system's response more precisely, minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues.

Technology Background

The innovative technology at the core of the DIAMANTE project utilizes virus nanoparticles as carriers for antigens. These nanoparticles are engineered to present specific autoantigens that trigger the autoimmune response in rheumatoid arthritis. By selectively targeting these antigens, the therapy is designed to retrain the immune system to recognize and tolerate them, thereby reducing inflammation and joint damage associated with the disease.

Virus nanoparticles are particularly advantageous due to their biocompatibility and ability to elicit a strong immune response. They can be engineered to carry multiple antigens, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment. Furthermore, the use of nanoparticles allows for controlled release and targeted delivery, ensuring that the therapy acts precisely where needed within the body.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program represents a critical mechanism for fostering innovation and supporting the growth of DeepTech companies in Europe. By providing substantial grant and equity funding, it empowers startups like DIAMANTE SOCIETA BENEFIT S.R.L. to tackle complex health challenges, such as autoimmune diseases. The project DIAMANTE exemplifies the potential of antigen-specific immunotherapy using virus nanoparticles to transform the landscape of rheumatoid arthritis treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Through initiatives like the EIC Accelerator, Europe continues to position itself as a leader in technological advancement and healthcare innovation.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

Diamante Società Benefit S.R.L, an Italian biotechnology company specializing in plant-based peptide drugs for autoimmune diseases, has engaged in several funding activities since its inception.

Seed Round

• Date Closed: January 17, 2023
• Amount Raised: €595,000
• Lead Investor: Arieli Capital
• Other Investors: Angels for Women, Fondazione Golinelli

This seed round provided the foundational capital to advance Diamante's research and development of their plant-based immunotherapies.

EIC Accelerator Funding (2024)

Diamante participated in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program:

• Cutoff Date Submitted: March 13, 2024
• Results Published: July 15, 2024

Diamante was one of only two Italian companies to secure EIC Accelerator funding in this highly competitive call. The EIC Accelerator typically awards a blend of grant and equity financing; the average ticket size for this round was approximately €5.45 million per company—comprised of an average grant of €2.44 million and equity investment averaging €3.7 million. While precise funding amounts per company are not always disclosed publicly by the EIC or individual recipients immediately after results publication, recipients generally receive support within these ranges.

Nature of Funds:

The majority (78.9%) of companies received "blended finance"—a mix of non-dilutive grants and direct equity investments from the European Innovation Council Fund. Diamante is listed among these funded innovators driving advances in autoimmune therapies with antigen-specific immunotherapy using virus nanoparticles.

Timing & Amounts Summary Table

Date	Round Type	Amount (€)	Lead Investor/Funder	Other Investors/Notes
Jan 17, 2023	Seed	~595K	Arieli Capital	Angels for Women, Fondazione Golinelli
Jul 15, 2024	EIC Accelerator†	~5.45M (avg.)	European Commission	Blended grant & equity

</em>Refers to results announcement date; funds typically disbursed following due diligence
†Average values based on published program statistics; actual amount may vary slightly per company

Investors Overview

Diamante’s early-stage investors have included:

• Arieli Capital (lead seed investor)
• Angels for Women
• Fondazione Golinelli

These organizations specialize in supporting innovative biotech ventures with strong social impact missions.

For its later-stage development acceleration via the EIC program:

The main investor is effectively the European Innovation Council Fund—backed by EU public funds—which can take a minority equity stake alongside providing non-dilutive grant money.

Company Valuation & Exit Events

No public data is available regarding Diamante’s most recent private valuation following its seed or EIC rounds as neither investors nor management have disclosed such figures at this stage.

As of May 2025:

There are no publicly reported exit events such as IPOs or acquisitions involving Diamante Società Benefit S.R.L.

The company remains privately held with continued focus on advancing clinical development toward human trials and regulatory milestones.

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Sources

• Latest EIC Accelerator Results - Rasph
• Home - Diamante
• Diamante Closes Euro 595,000 Seed Round Led by Arieli Capital
• EIC Accelerator March 2024 Results: A Detailed Analysis

3 The Press Releases

DIAMANTE SOCIETA BENEFIT S.R.L: An Overview Since EIC Accelerator Funding

DIAMANTE SOCIETA BENEFIT S.R.L, an Italian company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024. This achievement signifies a significant milestone for the company, which focuses on developing innovative therapeutic and diagnostic systems for autoimmune diseases.

Background and Technology

DIAMANTE began with the idea of using plants to produce high-value compounds for therapeutic applications. The company's core innovation revolves around the development of plant-based peptide drugs, particularly for treating Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Their approach aims to restore self-tolerance, offering a safer, more scalable, and cost-effective alternative to current treatments that often cause immunosuppression and severe side effects.

Team and Leadership

The company is led by its founders, including Linda Avesani, who conceptualized the initial idea, and Dr. Roberta Zampieri, the scientific head. Dr. Valentina Garonzi oversees the strategic, economic, and financial management as the CEO. Other key team members include Elena Paola Lanati as a lead investor and board member, and Evan Renov as a business advisor.

Funding and Partnerships

DIAMANTE has received public funding and innovation awards, marking its growth through entrepreneurial success. Recently, being an EIC Accelerator winner in March 2024 highlights their recognition at the European level. The company also has backing from investors like Angels for Women, Arieli Capital, and Fondazione Golinelli.

Press Releases and Updates

While specific press releases or updates on their website or social media accounts are not detailed, the company's success in the EIC Accelerator is a notable achievement. This funding is expected to further their mission to revolutionize autoimmune therapy through antigen-specific immunotherapy.

Future Outlook

With the EIC funding, DIAMANTE is poised to advance their therapeutic platforms, potentially leading to significant advancements in autoimmune disease treatments. The company's innovative use of plant-based peptide drugs offers a promising solution for conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, where current drugs often have severe side effects.

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Sources: - EIC Accelerator: Statistics and Results from the March 2024 call

• About us - diamante.tech
• diamante.tech

4 The Technology Advancements

DIAMANTE SOCIETA BENEFIT S.R.L Overview

DIAMANTE SOCIETA BENEFIT S.R.L, based in Italy, is a pioneering company in the field of autoimmune disease treatment. It specializes in developing innovative therapies using plant molecular farming to produce peptide drugs. The company's primary focus is on antigen-specific immunotherapy, utilizing virus nanoparticles to restore self-tolerance in the immune system, particularly for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Current Capabilities

As of now, DIAMANTE has demonstrated significant capabilities in developing treatments for autoimmune diseases. Their proprietary platform involves using plants to biofacture peptide drugs, which have shown efficacy in re-educating the immune system to tolerate self-antigens. This approach aims to avoid general immunosuppression and minimize side effects common in current treatments for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

After receiving funding from the EIC Accelerator in March 2024, DIAMANTE has continued to advance its technology and clinical development. The company is currently seeking additional funding to support the next steps in clinical trials for its rheumatoid arthritis drug. Although specific details on new features or technology improvements have not been publicly disclosed since the funding, the company's participation in events like BIO-Europe Spring 2025 indicates ongoing engagement with the biotech and pharma communities.

Market and Clinical Trials

DIAMANTE's technology has been proven effective in animal models for rheumatoid arthritis, showing complete remission of arthritic symptoms. However, there is no public information currently available about human clinical trials or market demonstrations. The company's goal is to move forward with clinical testing to bring its innovative treatment to patients.

Patents and Scientific Publications

There is no specific information available on new patents filed or scientific studies published by DIAMANTE since the EIC Accelerator funding. However, the company's innovative approach to antigen-specific immunotherapy suggests ongoing research and development efforts.

Conclusion

DIAMANTE SOCIETA BENEFIT S.R.L continues to pioneer novel treatments for autoimmune diseases, leveraging plant molecular farming and virus nanoparticles. While specific advancements since the EIC funding are not detailed, the company remains committed to advancing its clinical development and potentially bringing groundbreaking therapies to market.

Sources:

• Antigen Specific Immunotherapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis with Virus
• Home - Diamante
• Diamante Società Benefit srl
• About us - diamante.tech

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Diamante Società Benefit S.R.L.: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Partnerships and Customer Engagements
Diamante Società Benefit S.R.L. has positioned itself in the biotech sector through participation in high-profile industry events like BIO-Europe Spring 2025, where it was listed among presenting companies alongside entities such as Sanofi, MSD, Merck KGaA, and Tempus AI. While explicit customer names remain undisclosed, its inclusion in this event underscores engagement with pharmaceutical leaders, investors, and innovators. The company focuses on plant-based molecular pharming, aligning with partners highlighted in the Molecular Pharming Market report (e.g., Protalix Biotherapeutics, Bright Biotech) though direct collaborations are not explicitly cited.

New Relationships and Strategic Goals
The company’s recent activities emphasize scaling its proprietary technology for producing high-value molecules from plants. Its participation at BIO-Europe Spring likely facilitates partnerships aimed at advancing therapeutic or diagnostic applications—particularly in autoimmune diseases, as noted by its development of related diagnostic devices. These engagements may target joint ventures or licensing agreements to accelerate R&D cycles or expand manufacturing capabilities.

Market Positioning and Technological Advancements
By leveraging EIC Accelerator funding (awarded March 2024), Diamante is poised to enhance its role in Italy’s biotech innovation ecosystem. Collaborations with entities like GreenBone Ortho or BetaGlue Technologies, which operate under shared Italian VC networks, could provide cross-sector expertise in biomaterials or drug delivery systems. Such alliances would strengthen Diamante’s technical infrastructure—potentially integrating AI-driven optimization for plant-based synthesis processes—while expanding its market reach into Europe’s pharmaceutical supply chains.

The emphasis on sustainable biotechnology aligns with global trends toward greener production methods, positioning Diamante competitively within a market projected to grow at an 8.1% CAGR (2025–2034). Relationships formed through partnering conferences may also enable access to novel genetic engineering tools or distribution channels critical for commercial scaling post-accelerator support.

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Sources

• BIO-Europe Spring 2025 Presenting Companies
• Diamante Company Overview
• Verona-Based Biotech Startups (F6S)
• Italian Biotech VC Portfolio Highlights
• Molecular Pharming Market Analysis

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Diamante Società Benefit S.r.l.: Recent Developments and Team Growth

Diamante Società Benefit S.r.l., based in Italy, has been a notable recipient of the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024. This funding has been crucial for the company's mission to develop innovative therapeutic and diagnostic systems for autoimmune diseases, specifically focusing on antigen-specific immunotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis using virus nanoparticles.

Current Team Size and Headcount

As of the latest available information, specific details about the current headcount or team size of Diamante Società Benefit are not publicly disclosed. However, the company's core team includes founders like Linda Avesani and Dr. Roberta Zampieri, along with Valentina Garonzi, who serves as the CEO, responsible for the company's strategic and financial management.

Hiring and Team Growth

There is no specific information available about Diamante Società Benefit currently hiring or the exact number of new team members. However, obtaining EIC Accelerator funding often indicates a significant opportunity for growth and expansion. Such funding typically supports companies in scaling their operations, which may include hiring additional staff to drive innovation and product development.

Recent Key Positions and Management Changes

While there is no detailed information on recent key hires, the involvement of advisors and investors like Evan Renov and Elena Paola Lanati suggests a robust support system for strategic growth and development. These advisors bring expertise from various sectors, including high-tech and life sciences, which is crucial for a company focused on innovative biotechnology solutions.

Impact of New Team Members on Company Growth

New team members in such companies typically contribute to enhancing research capabilities, expanding product development, and driving commercialization strategies. With the EIC Accelerator funding, Diamante Società Benefit is positioned to accelerate the development of its immunotherapy solutions, potentially leading to significant advancements in autoimmune disease treatment and diagnostics.

Future Prospects

The future of Diamante Società Benefit seems promising, as the company leverages its funding and expertise to push forward innovative medical treatments. The involvement of experienced professionals and the strategic focus on autoimmune diseases indicate a strong potential for growth and a positive impact on the healthcare sector.

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Sources:

• About Us - Diamante
• Home - Diamante
• Latest EIC Accelerator Results
• EIC Accelerator March 2024 Results
• Diamante Società Benefit srl | BIO-Europe Spring

7 The Media Features and Publications

DIAMANTE SOCIETÀ BENEFIT S.R.L: Overview and Activities

DIAMANTE SOCIETÀ BENEFIT S.R.L, an Italian company, has been gaining prominence since its selection as a winner of the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024. This recognition underscores the company's innovative approach to autoimmune therapy through antigen-specific immunotherapy.

Media Features and Publications

DIAMANTE has been featured in several publications and reports related to the EIC Accelerator program. These include analyses of the EIC Accelerator results, highlighting DIAMANTE's revolutionary approach to treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis using virus nanoparticles .

Content from Publications

Publications emphasize DIAMANTE's focus on developing plant-based peptide drugs and its use of patented virus nanoparticles for antigen-specific immunotherapy. The goal is to re-educate the immune system to tolerate the body's antigens, providing a potential cure for autoimmune diseases .

Podcasts or Interviews

Currently, there is no publicly available information on specific podcasts or interviews featuring the team of DIAMANTE SOCIETÀ BENEFIT S.R.L.

Conference and Fair Visits

While specific details about conference visits or presentations by DIAMANTE are not readily available, the company's involvement in European projects and innovation awards suggests participation in relevant scientific and business events .

Involvement in Events

Given its emphasis on research and innovation, DIAMANTE likely participates in biotech and pharmaceutical conferences to showcase its advancements in autoimmune therapy. However, specific event details are not provided.

About DIAMANTE

DIAMANTE SOCIETÀ BENEFIT S.R.L was founded based on the idea of using plants to produce high-value compounds for therapeutic applications. The company's core team includes Linda Avesani, Roberta Zampieri, and Valentina Garonzi, who have been instrumental in transitioning the project from academia to a successful spin-off .

EIC Accelerator Funding

The EIC Accelerator funding received by DIAMANTE in March 2024 supports the clinical testing of its patented virus nanoparticles. This funding is part of the broader EIC Accelerator program, which aims to foster innovation across Europe and Israel .

Sources

• Home - Diamante
• EIC Accelerator: Statistics and Results from the March 2024 call
• EIC Accelerator March 2024 Results: A Detailed Analysis of Funding Distribution and Success Rates
• Antigen Specific Immunotherapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis with Virus Nanoparticles
• About us - diamante.tech
• Latest EIC Accelerator Results - Rasph