Tell us more about your professional journey and your current job:
I started my career in 2013, marking the entry of the third generation into the Bertoldi Group. After a period of redefining goals and the company structure, we began to diversify our business, expanding beyond the large-scale distribution sector. We invested in various fields, including real estate, proptech, fintech, and more recently, artificial intelligence (AI).
In 2016, Walliance was born, the first Italian online real estate investment platform, accessible starting from 500 euros. Since then, the world has changed, as has our company. Today, Walliance is an investment firm (SIM – Società di Intermediazione Mobiliare) and has expanded to France, Spain, and the United States.
Walliance is a crowdfunding platform that enables investors to participate in property projects. The process begins with the careful selection of projects. Walliance collaborates with real estate developers to identify solid and promising ventures, thoroughly evaluating each project before presenting it to investors.
Investors can then choose the projects they wish to invest in through Walliance’s online platform. Investment amounts can vary depending on the investor’s budget and preferences. Once an investment is made, investors can monitor the project’s progress through regular updates provided on the platform, ensuring maximum transparency at every stage. At the end of the project, investors receive their returns based on the initially agreed terms.
These returns may come from the sale of the property or rental income, depending on the type of project. Moreover, Walliance fosters a community of investors who can interact, share experiences, and support each other. In summary, Walliance offers a unique opportunity to participate in the real estate market without the need for substantial initial capital, ensuring transparency and professionalism throughout the process.
Why did you decide to found your company in Italy?
I decided to found Walliance in Italy due to a commercial and regulatory opportunity. Although establishing a company in Italy can be complex from a regulatory perspective, our country has a strong real estate market. Seventy-seven percent of Italian citizens own their own homes, indicating a strong interest and attachment to the real estate sector. This provided fertile ground for developing a real estate investment platform.
How do you see the future of real estate investments in Italy?
The future of real estate investments in Italy is promising. Despite regulatory and bureaucratic challenges, interest in the sector remains high. Digitalization and technological innovation will continue to play a crucial role, making real estate investments more accessible and transparent. Moreover, expansion into international markets will offer new opportunities for growth and diversification.
What are the biggest challenges your sector faces?
The real estate investment sector faces several challenges. The complexity and slowness of bureaucratic and regulatory procedures can be a significant hindrance. Additionally, economic volatility and political uncertainties can negatively impact the market. It’s also essential to address the technological gap by investing in innovative solutions to improve the efficiency and transparency of operations.
Working in Italy offers numerous satisfactions. One of the most significant is the rich cultural heritage. Being in a country with such a profound history and diverse cultural landscape is inspiring every day. Each city boasts its own unique heritage, and this cultural diversity enriches the work experience.
Another great satisfaction is the incredible cuisine. Italian food is renowned worldwide, and having the opportunity to enjoy authentic, high-quality dishes during lunch breaks or after work is a daily pleasure. Additionally, Italy’s emphasis on a balanced lifestyle between work and personal life is another source of satisfaction. This balance allows ample time to enjoy quality moments with family and friends and to pursue personal passions.
The country’s natural beauty also contributes to the overall satisfaction of working in Italy. The variety of landscapes, from mountains to coastlines, offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure, enhancing general well-being. Furthermore, Italy is known for its creativity, especially in the fields of design, fashion, and art. Working in an environment that values innovation is highly stimulating and rewarding.
