Renzo Rosso Takes Majority Stake in Cortilia

Red Circle Investments, the investment vehicle of fashion magnate Renzo Rosso, has significantly increased its stake in premium online grocer Cortilia, now holding over 60% of the company. This strategic move follows a substantial capital injection of €10 million, aimed at propelling the foodtech firm towards profitability by 2027.

The recapitalization saw Red Circle Investments, already a key backer, elevate its ownership from 26.3% to a controlling majority. This infusion of capital is earmarked for strategic expansion, with approximately €4 million designated for developing new product categories and enhancing technological infrastructure. Cortilia, which reported a turnover of €45.4 million in 2025 but a negative EBITDA of €4.9 million, is banking on these investments to achieve its break-even target within the next three years.

The updated shareholder structure reflects a shift in control. While Red Circle Investments solidifies its dominant position, other notable investors like Indaco Venture (now holding 12.25%), Five Seasons Ventures (7.47%), and Primo Ventures (4.27%) have seen their stakes diluted. Azimut Libera Impresa sgr also holds a reduced position. Notably, former significant shareholders Programma 101 and founder Marco Porcaro are no longer listed in the company's cap table. The management team, including CEO Andrea Colombo and CFO Maximiliano Volpi, maintain stakes both directly and through the investment vehicle 3×2 srl, in which Red Circle Investments also holds an 18% share.

Cortilia operates within the rapidly evolving online grocery sector, a market that has seen significant growth driven by changing consumer habits and technological advancements. The premium segment, where Cortilia focuses, demands a strong emphasis on product quality, sourcing transparency, and efficient logistics. The company's strategy to invest in new categories and technology suggests a focus on deepening customer engagement and optimizing its supply chain to meet these demands.

Red Circle Investments' increased commitment underscores a belief in Cortilia's long-term potential. The holding company first invested in Cortilia in 2021, leading a €34 million funding round. Subsequent investments, including a €20 million round in 2022, have demonstrated a consistent pattern of support. This latest capital raise marks a pivotal moment, transitioning Cortilia from a venture-backed growth company to one steered by a majority owner with a clear mandate for financial discipline and strategic growth.

The broader foodtech industry is experiencing a period of consolidation and a renewed focus on sustainable business models. Companies that can demonstrate a clear path to profitability and a strong value proposition are attracting significant investor attention. Cortilia's focus on fresh, high-quality produce and its direct-to-consumer model position it within a segment of the market that values convenience alongside ethical sourcing, a trend that is expected to continue shaping the future of grocery retail.