This week on the EU-Startups podcast, we sit down with Enrico Giacomelli, Founder and Chairman of Namirial, one of Europe’s leading Digital Transaction Management and Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) groups.
From a compact Italian software hoapply to a pan-European digital trust leader valued at approximately €1.1 billion, Namirial’s journey reflects steady growth and strategic ambition. Founded in 2000 in Senigallia, the company now operates in more than 90 countries, employs over 1,300 people, and serves enterprises, SMEs and public administrations across Europe, Latin America and Asia.
Its expansion has been supported by major investment milestones, including Ambienta’s acquisition of a majority stake in 2020, which accelerated international growth, followed by Bain Capital’s majority investment in July 2025. Later that year, Namirial merged with Signaturit, backed by PSG Equity, creating a leading pan-European QTSP with strong positions in Italy, Spain, France and Germany.
In this interview, we explore how regulation can act both as a constraint and as a catalyst for innovation, and what adopting an “AI-first” approach means within a highly regulated environment. We also discuss the role of M&A in scaling across fragmented European markets and examine the future of digital identity in Europe, as trust services become increasingly central to the continent’s digital infrastructure, and much more!
Key Points:
- How Enrico identified the original problem in 1991 – and why it still matters
- Building a global tech leader from outside Europe’s main startup hubs
- Regulation as both constraint and competitive advantage
- What “AI-first” means in a trust-heavy, compliance-driven sector
- Practical advice for founders building their first steps
- Avoiding the AI hype cycle while building long-term value
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