The Co-Founders, Luisa Mondora and Matteo Vanazzi met first in 2009 while studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology at Politecnico di Milano, Italy. After Luisa completed her bachelor’s degree, Matteo continued with a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering and finally received a Ph.D. degree in Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology at Politecnico di Milano. Their friendship became strong and they kept the contact.
In 2019, Luisa and Matteo discussed the idea of f3nice based on their knowledge of materials management. During the first wave of the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020, as business in Italy seemed paralyzed, they took the leap starting the journey of developing a sustainable supply chain for 3D printing feedstock. The underlying idea of f3nice was further anchored in the opportunities presented by the decommissioning trend in the North Sea and metal additive manufacturing technologies.
In 2021, f3nice was one of ten startups selected among over 400 applications from 44 countries to be part of Equinor and Techstars Energy Accelerator.
While enrolled in the Equinor and Techstars Energy Accelerator, they met the third Co-founder, Philip Hansteen, who brought in a vital skillset, complementary to the cumulative skills brought by Luisa and Matteo.
In a short time, f3nice’s efforts towards sustainability and challenging the status quo of Additive Manufacturing feedstock have been internationally recognized. The company has been invited to participate in multiple joint industry projects, part of paid pilot projects, received soft funding through two Horizon Europe projects, and has even generated several commercial sales.
Matteo received most of his education at the engineering school of Politecnico di Milano, Italy. After the Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology (2013), he graduated in Nuclear Engineering – Master of Science – in 2015. Later, Matteo got a Ph.D. degree in Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology (2019). He continued his research and dissemination activities at one of the most influential European research centers – the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) – publishing 15+ scientific papers while teaching at the Politecnico di Milano.
Matteo has devoted his life to studying sustainable technologies and solutions. Since his BSc, he has investigating different low-CO2 energy harvesting methods and waste-free production processes (i.e., Additive Manufacturing).
In 2020, he briefly joined Valland, a small and medium-sized enterprise operating in the oil & gas and energy field. Thanks to this opportunity, Matteo had the chance to become more familiar with waste management and waste disposal problems in the Additive Manufacturing industry.
I am always looking for new challenges, understanding new things and how they work. Anything that can satisfy my curiosity as a scientist!
I like sports, in particular football. Often, I go hiking in the nearby mountains in Valtellina or just play crosswords and card games while enjoying the lakes close to my area. When I have time, I love to recharge at the seaside.
I watch anime, and read comics and Japanese manga. I like to build (crazy) Lego sets.
Before joining f3nice, Philip spent 15 years working for the international energy company Equinor. He worked globally across the oil, gas, and renewables value chains ranging from early-phase startups to International and National Oil Companies.
Philip’s most recent role was within Equinor Ventures where his primary responsibilities were to work with early-stage companies which had the ability for broad implementation across Equinor. Philip co-led and then led the Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator from 2018 to 2021. Philip has worked on commercial matters of existing and new business opportunities in the company’s international portfolio, primarily focusing on West Africa and the Caspian region. He has also been the Chief of Staff and Management Advisor to the Executive Vice President for Marketing, Processing, and Renewable Energy.
Philip started his career in Equinor North America, where he held various positions in risk control for oil & gas trading, liquid natural gas shipping operations, regulatory affairs, and asset management of storage and pipelines for crude and liquids.
Philip Hansteen graduated from Babson College in 2006, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and has a dual MBA degree from Columbia Business School and London Business School in 2017.
I am very curious and love learning about new things. Meeting new people and working together to solve a common goal is something that gives me energy.
I have always been fascinated by the water and mountains.
During the winter, you will find me downhill skiing on or off the slopes, with and without my family. While during the summer, cruising the fjords of Norway is a favorite of mine.
After a long day, I love cooking for family and friends.
See you on the slopes or on the water!
You will find me fly fishing on a river.
Before founding f3nice, Luisa was the General Manager of Valland, her family company. She joined Valland in 2015 on short notice due to the company being in crisis. When taking over the reins, her main task was restructuring the company, starting with new financial controls, improving product lead time, and reducing costs to strengthen the financial position. During this time, the company grew from 35 to 55 people and expanded from one to three buildings to accommodate new business. Luisa spearheaded new opportunities beyond its core valves business for the energy industry such as 3D printing and hydrogen value chains. This later inspired her to form f3nice.
Prior to Valland, she worked in the Product Develop Team at Henkel Loctite, a German multinational chemical and consumer goods company. Her main focus was to help a cross-functional team to commercialize new products based on Henkel’s proprietary technologies.
Luisa graduated with a Bachelor in Science and Technology of Communication from International University of Languages and Media in Milan, Italy in 2006. She took a Master in Marketing from ‘Il Sole 24ore” Busniess School in 2007.
In 2009, she decided to pursue a Bachelor degree in Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology from Politecnico di Milano, Italy. This is where she met her future Co-founder and friend, Matteo Vanazzi.
I am a problem solver at heart, whenever I see something that could work better, I need to make it do so, therefore I have a strong pull towards helping the people around me to fully express their potential and thrive. I also strongly feel that if something needs to be done, it must be done right, therefore I am often driven to decisive and transformative action.
I am traveling the world looking to connect with new people, learn about new cultures, and find new challenges. I also enjoy going to the gym or spending time with friends on Lake Como.
I write in my journal while listening to music.