Giacomo Vose is not your typical tech entrepreneur. Born in Selargius, Sardinia, on November 28, 1984, Vose has carved a unique path in the tech world. His journey blends technical expertise, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to social impact. As the co-founder and CEO of Wishew, a revolutionary social network, Giacomo Vose is redefining how technology can foster generosity and community.
Vose’s story begins in a small Sardinian village. Growing up in Selargius, near Cagliari, he developed a strong sense of community and resilience. At 18, he left home to pursue a career as a fighter pilot, training in Taranto and Pisa. But the skies weren’t his calling. After a stint in Vienna working as a barman and gelato maker, Vose returned to Italy. He enrolled at the University of Pisa, earning a degree in Electronic Engineering.
This technical foundation shaped his early career in hardware and software design for the automation and automotive industries.
His drive and curiosity pushed him beyond engineering. He sought to use technology for more than profit. His ability to connect technical innovation with real-world impact became his hallmark. This mindset led him to Arduino, the renowned open-source electronics platform, where he made significant contributions.
At Arduino, Giacomo Vose served as a business development manager. His role was crucial in transforming the platform from a niche project into a global force.
He spearheaded strategic partnerships and market expansion, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Vose didn’t just focus on growth. He emphasised his purpose. His efforts brought Arduino into schools, design hubs, and humanitarian projects. This work turned Arduino into a global ecosystem for learning and creativity.
Vose’s time at Arduino was transformative. He learnt how to scale a movement, not just a product. His ability to build trust and foster long-lasting partnerships earned praise. These qualities helped him navigate complex projects, including an industry-first IoT contact-tracing initiative. His work at Arduino laid the foundation for his next venture: Wishew.
Giacomo Vose leads in crisis: The COVID-19 response
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Giacomo Vose stepped up. He led an international tech task force, collaborating with institutions like NASA and the University of Oxford. His team developed emergency ventilators, addressing critical shortages. Vose also partnered with MSC Cruises to implement onboard safety technologies, including contact-tracing solutions. His “Bolla Tecnologica” project ensured safe cruising during the crisis.
These efforts reflect Vose’s ability to leverage technology for urgent societal needs. His leadership under pressure solidified his reputation as a strategist who thrives in high-stakes environments. This experience also inspired his vision for a platform that could harness technology for human connection and generosity.
Wishew, a social network for dreams
In 2022, Vose co-founded Wishew with Antonino Risicato and Vincenzo De Caro. Launched in the U.S. on World Wish Day, April 29, 2024, Wishew is a social network with a difference. It’s not about likes or followers. It’s about dreams. Users share short videos of their wishes, be it a trip, a musical instrument, or a medical procedure. Others can contribute as little as a dollar to make those dreams a reality. The platform blends crowdfunding, social media, and gamification to create what Vose calls an “impact social” experience.
Wishew’s launch was a success. It garnered over 50,000 pre-registrations in just two weeks. A $10 million pre-seed funding round, led by Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio’s LMDV Capital, fuelled its growth. Unlike traditional platforms, Wishew prioritises altruism.
Its algorithm rewards generosity, not vanity. The platform charges a 10-12% transaction fee to sustain operations and offers sponsorship packages for visibility. Plans for a virtual currency and charity-focused features are on the way.
Giacomo Vose envisions Wishew as a global hub for generosity.
“We want to build an economy of emotions, impact, and presence,” he says.
The platform has already expanded to the UK, Canada, and Australia, with Europe, Latin America, and the MENA region next. By July 2025, Wishew had arrived in Italy, its founders’ homeland, signalling its global ambitions.
Vose’s philosophy is deeply personal. Growing up on an island, he developed a “sense of limit and horizon”. This perspective drives Wishew’s mission to connect people beyond borders. “Social networks often leave us more isolated,” Vose notes. “Wishew is about bringing humanity back to the digital experience.” His focus on authenticity and impact resonates with users and investors alike.
Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, Wishew’s main investor, praises its potential for progress. “It’s a model that can drive improvement for people,” he says. Other supporters, like the philanthropist Mr Thank You, highlight Wishew’s cultural relevance. The platform’s blend of storytelling and giving taps into a growing demand for meaningful digital interactions.
Building Wishew wasn’t easy. Raising funds in Italy proved challenging due to risk-averse investors. Giocomo Vose and his team turned to London, where they found support. Their focus on the U.S. market, which accounts for 49% of global crowdfunding, was strategic. Wishew aims to reach one million users by the end of 2025. Future plans include expanding charity features and opening an Italian office.
Vose’s ambitions extend beyond Wishew. He sees technology as a tool for systemic change. His work with Arduino and during the pandemic proves his ability to scale impact. Wishew is just the latest chapter in his mission to use innovation for good.
At 40, Giacomo Vose is already a trailblazer. From his Sardinian roots to his global ventures, he embodies the spirit of a modern tech visionary.
His journey, from engineer to strategist to social entrepreneur, reflects a relentless drive to make a difference. Wishew’s success is a testament to his ability to blend technology, empathy, and purpose.
As Wishew grows, Vose’s influence will expand. His story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to think beyond profit.
For those chasing their own dreams, Giocomo Vose’s advice is simple: “Find a cause bigger than yourself.” With Wishew, Vose is doing just that, one wish at a time.