Alberto Fassi: ‘To run a business, never stop dreaming’

A vision well represented by the Dreamland project. How did it come about and what are its objectives?

Dreamland is a protected nature reserve covering over 30 hectares, an urban area established in 2023 with the specific aim of saving land from urban sprawl and returning it to nature. To date, we have already invested nearly 5 million euros and will continue to invest, because Dreamland addresses the need to convey a fundamental message: that it is possible to take action for the good of our communities and nature. That we must not stand by and watch the world go to ruin, but that everyone, within their own means, can make a difference. It is clear that this is not the solution to the climate crisis, but it is proof that something can be done. Legami is a Benefit Corporation, so by statute we donate 5 per cent of our profits to environmental and social initiatives. Sometimes, however, we find ourselves investing more, getting carried away, as in the case of Dreamland, because it is thrilling to see what nature is capable of doing on its own, when humans take a step back. In three years, we have already planted 6,600 plants, and our ambition is to become Italia’s largest urban park.

Do the shareholders share his enthusiasm?

Yes, and, after all, I have been clear with all the investors who have joined the company over the years: for me, this is a fundamental project. The best thing is that the shareholders share these ideas and these objectives, because those who invest in Legami are committed to the project itself, not the turnover or the EBITDA. The same applies to our staff, most of whom are young – the average age is under 30 – and women. When we’re recruiting, we’re more interested in candidates’ curiosity and their ability to get passionate about a project than in their skills.

You’re a great, young, dynamic company: is that enough to attract and retain talent?

We strive to provide our staff with the best possible working conditions, so that they enjoy coming to work. We place great importance on well-being in the workplace, which is why we have a canteen, a gym and, from January 2027, we will also have a company crèche at our Bergamo office. The nursery will be open both to our employees’ children and to local families, and will be able to accommodate 50–60 children aged between 6 months and 5 years. Legami will contribute 70 per cent of the fees for employees, and the educational programme – developed in collaboration with IBC School – will be characterised by a bilingual approach, the integration of musical activities and a STEAM-based methodology, fostering the development of linguistic, creative and scientific skills from early childhood.

Speaking of childhood: you recently published your first book, *We Are Dreamers*, aimed primarily at young people. Is this the start of a new chapter for Legami?

This book is a wonderful project that I found particularly inspiring. It’s a bit like Legami’s manifesto: a celebration of daring, of breaking down barriers. A celebration of imperfection. In a world that always demands we be precise and perfect – as is the case on social media – we want, instead, to celebrate the exact opposite. A real, analogue world, where imperfection is the true superpower. It’s our first project and I think it will continue; I’d like to start writing the second one soon, and then I hope there will be others too, in different fields. It is not a book that celebrates the company, but a manifesto, which aims to raise readers’ awareness of respect for nature and people, and to encourage young people to dream, because dreaming opens thousands of doors. For us, this is the most important message.