Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo is an Italian entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and corporate advisor whose career spans the high-end luxury fashion industry, beverage branding, and tech-focused venture investments. Born in Treviso in 1982, he belongs to the noble Passi de Preposulo family, whose ancestral roots trace back to Bergamo. While his lineage carries a long-standing historical footprint, his professional reputation rests on modern brand building, executive leadership in global apparel houses, and venture capital initiatives.
Operating across Milan, New York, and international business hubs, his professional trajectory blends luxury public relations, consumer goods entrepreneurship, and competitive sports ownership.
Early Life and Fashion Industry Beginnings
Growing up near Venice, Passi de Preposulo moved to Milan at age nineteen to immerse himself in the business side of Italian design. He secured a position at Giorgio Armani, where he spent eight years working closely with the global public relations and VIP entertainment office alongside Roberta Armani. In this capacity, he managed high-profile international collaborations, brand positioning, and celebrity relations across global entertainment markets.
Following his tenure at Armani, he transitioned to Moncler, taking on the role of Director of Events and Entertainment. During a period of rapid international expansion for the luxury outerwear brand, he helped scale experiential marketing and cultural partnerships. He maintains an advisory relationship with Moncler, bridging traditional Italian craftsmanship with contemporary digital marketing strategies.
Entrepreneurship: FIOL Prosecco
Beyond corporate fashion executive roles, Passi de Preposulo turned his attention to consumer goods and his home region's agricultural heritage. In 2011, he founded FIOL, an award-winning DOC Prosecco brand originating from Treviso.
- Regional Roots: The brand leverages traditional vineyards in the Prosecco production zone of northern Italy.
- Global Distribution: Under his direction as founder, FIOL expanded into international markets, establishing a strong commercial footprint in the United Kingdom and Canada.
- Brand Positioning: The company focuses on modernizing traditional wine marketing through sleek packaging, digital-first distribution partnerships, and lifestyle branding.
Venture Capital and Tech Investments
In 2015, Passi de Preposulo expanded his professional scope into venture capital, identifying early-stage tech companies and consumer startups. His investment philosophy targets digital transformation, consumer marketplaces, fintech, and sustainable environmental solutions.
In 2022, he launched Festina Lente Partners SCSp, an investment fund managed in partnership with the Azimut Group. The fund targets high-growth private companies across Europe and North America. His personal and fund-backed portfolio includes notable direct-to-consumer and tech unicorns, such as:
- Oura Ring: Wearable health technology and biometric monitoring.
- Bilt Rewards: Loyalty programs tailored for rent payments.
- SKIMS: Direct-to-consumer apparel and shapewear.
- OLIPOP: Functional beverage manufacturing.
- Mill Industries: Food waste reduction and household tech solutions.
SailGP Italy and Sports Ownership
Merging a lifelong passion for competitive athletics with institutional investment, Passi de Preposulo entered professional sports management. Introduced to sailing by his father—who competed in Atlantic and Mediterranean regattas—he pursued a venture in professional catamaran racing.
In 2025, alongside venture capitalist Assia Grazioli-Venier and champion Australian sailor Jimmy Spithill, he became co-owner and president of the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team. In this role, he oversees the commercial growth, partnership development, and corporate governance of the Italian entry in the global F50 catamaran racing circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo's professional background?
He began his career in public relations and VIP relations at Giorgio Armani before serving as Director of Events and Entertainment for Moncler. He later founded FIOL Prosecco and transitioned into venture capital.
What is Festina Lente Partners?
It is a venture capital fund launched by Passi de Preposulo in 2022 and managed by the Azimut Group. The fund invests in digital transformation, fintech, food tech, and high-growth consumer startups.
What is his role in SailGP?
He serves as President and Co-Owner of the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, managing the business, partnership operations, and strategic direction of the Italian racing syndicate.
Which companies are in his investment portfolio?
His investment and advisory work includes prominent consumer and tech brands such as Oura Ring, Bilt Rewards, SKIMS, and OLIPOP.
Where did he grow up?
He was born in Treviso, Italy, near Venice, and moved to Milan in his youth to pursue a career in corporate business and fashion.
