What is Peekaboo?
Peekaboo is a certified startup incubator with a crystal-clear mission: to support innovators and companies in turning their ideas into successful business models. Since 2016, it has been accelerating startups and empowering corporates through tailored programs, training, and consulting. Think of it as a launchpad where creativity meets proven methodologies, all designed to help startups grow sustainably and innovatively. Peekaboo’s approach is human-centric, recognizing that every project is unique and deserves a customized solution. Plus, it’s not just about business growth — sustainability and positive impact on society and the planet are at the core of its values, proudly holding both certified incubator and B Corp status.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Peekaboo’s impact speaks volumes, and here’s a quick snapshot:
- Over €0 million raised by startups supported
- Thousands of participants in workshops and training sessions
- More than 0 startups accelerated through its programs
- Over 0 innovation tech ecosystem partners involved
- Hundreds of investors and mentors in its network
- Dozens of corporate innovation and training projects completed
With a lean startup program that launches startups in just 12 weeks — 100% online — Peekaboo makes innovation accessible and fast. It’s not just about ideas; it’s about making those ideas scalable and investment-ready.
Customized Programs for Startups and Corporates
Peekaboo offers a range of services tailored to different needs. For startups, it’s all about launching, scaling, and raising capital. The fundraising advisor service connects entrepreneurs with investors, business angels, venture capitalists, and grants, making the tricky world of funding a bit easier to navigate. For corporates, Peekaboo specializes in technology scouting, open innovation, and professional training. Workshops and acceleration programs help companies stay ahead of the curve and foster a culture of innovation internally.
Proven Methodologies Inspired by Silicon Valley
Peekaboo’s approach is rooted in the best practices from Silicon Valley, but adapted thoughtfully to the Italian context. This blend of global insight and local expertise ensures startups and companies get the best of both worlds. The lean startup program, Italy’s first pre-acceleration initiative, was born from this philosophy — designed to help startups grow rapidly, learn from mistakes, and pivot when needed. Over the years, Peekaboo has evolved, adding capital raising support and corporate entrepreneurship paths to its portfolio.
Evolution and Digital Transformation
Founded on a university campus — just like tech giants Google and Meta — Peekaboo’s journey is one of continuous growth and adaptation. When the pandemic hit in 2020, it quickly digitalized its services, making them accessible anywhere in Italy. This shift not only kept the momentum going but expanded its reach. In 2021, becoming a certified incubator and B Corporation marked a milestone, joining the House of Emerging Technologies in Rome — a vibrant ecosystem uniting startups, SMEs, corporates, and universities under Rome Capital’s guidance. By 2023, Peekaboo took another leap forward by joining the Strategic Management Partners Group and launching Tech Radar, a cutting-edge technological scouting service.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — fostering entrepreneurship and innovation
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — supporting tech scouting and acceleration
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — promoting sustainable business models
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — emphasizing sustainability in projects
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — building networks among startups, corporates, and investors
Looking Ahead: The Future of Innovation with Peekaboo
After nearly a decade, Peekaboo’s enthusiasm hasn’t faded one bit. The incubator remains committed to supporting startups from the spark of an idea all the way to exit. Its vision is clear: to contribute to the growth of the innovation ecosystem because that’s the key to a better, more sustainable future. With a strong B Corp score of 97.3 and a focus on keywords like startup, crowdfunding, accelerazione, investimenti, raccolta capitali, and equity crowdfunding, Peekaboo continues to be a beacon for those ready to innovate and make a real impact.
