Madrid, October 21, 2023. COFIDES will support the Sevillian company specialized in the management of cultural spaces with immersive experiences, IKONO, throughout its commercial establishment in Rome, Italy.
To provide said support, COFIDES has granted a FONPYME loan. The tourism industry is one of the pillars of the Italian economy. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in consumer habits, promoting the purchase of experiences over the purchase of physical objects. Within this context, IKONO is leading the sector of immersive experiences, creating galleries where visitors can dive in and connect with the different worlds created by the IKONO team and its artists. With a track record of 4 locations in operation, the company has ample business potential.
As corporate head of the COFIDES Investment Division, Miguel Ángel Ladero, pointed out: "At COFIDES we are happy to accompany innovative SMEs in their internationalization projects, thus contributing to the growth of the company and the generation of employment."
The co-founder and CEO of IKONO, Fernando Pastor, has reflected on the role of COFIDES. He highlights that these types of options are necessary in Spain, allowing entrepreneurs to develop innovative ideas, generate jobs, and bring wealth to our country.
This transaction contributes significantly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work for All and Economic Growth).
ABOUT IKONO
IKONO is a Sevillian SME founded in 2019. IKONO is an immersive experience where visitors can dive in and connect with each of the different worlds created by the IKONO team and its artists, unleashing their creativity and creating unforgettable memories. By means of an itinerary that lasts approximately one hour, visitors travel through different worlds where they stop being mere spectators and become the leading protagonists of the experience. The company has more than 100 employees and is present in Madrid, Barcelona, Budapest, and Rome.
COFIDES is a state-owned enterprise specialized in the management of State funds that provide medium- and long-term financing for private investments linked to different public policy purposes. COFIDES directly manages funds aimed at supporting the internationalization of Spanish firms, strengthening the solvency of companies severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, to attract foreign direct investment into Spain through co-investment deals and to contribute to the growth of the impact investment ecosystem in Spain. In addition, COFIDES supports the management of the financial cooperation portfolio of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, promoting sustainable development in emerging economies and developing countries. In the ownership structure of the Company, the Spanish State holds 53% of the equity. The remaining 47% is held by Banco Santander, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), Banco Sabadell and Development Bank of Latin America (CAF).
