NB Aurora: Outstanding Performance in SME Expansion Capital Italy 2025

NB Aurora stands at the forefront of Italy’s SME expansion capital landscape, offering a distinctive investment approach tailored to the unique characteristics of the Italian industrial sector. The firm focuses on minority stakes in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing patient capital to support long-term growth without leverage. This strategy fills a critical market gap between venture capital and traditional buyout models, aligning with the needs of entrepreneurs who seek to expand their businesses while retaining control. NB Aurora’s philosophy centres on creating partnerships with founders, contributing strategic expertise, management support, and guidance in areas such as acquisitions, internationalisation, and governance. With more than 60 add-on acquisitions executed within its portfolio, NB Aurora demonstrates a hands-on approach that facilitates sustainable industrial performance. Capital injections are directed into companies, fostering organic growth and reinforcing the real economy. The firm’s evergreen fund structure underpins its commitment to long-term development, enabling alignment with the ambitions of second-generation family businesses. NB Aurora’s portfolio companies typically operate in niche B2B markets, exhibiting strong export orientations and commanding significant market shares, often between 20 and 30 percent. This model has delivered impressive outcomes, with realised investments achieving a twofold return, driven predominantly by industrial growth rather than financial engineering. NB Aurora also champions social value creation, promoting recognition of artisanal skills and sustainable development within Italy’s SME ecosystem. The CFI.co Judging Panel congratulates NB Aurora on winning the 2025 award for Outstanding Performance in SME Expansion Capital (Italy).