Beltrami.Design: innovation, craftsmanship and the spirit of the Motor Valley
We sat down with Filippo Beltrami, the young founder and CEO behind Beltrami.Design — one of the most distinctive voices in Italy’s Motor Valley.
Born in Reggio Emilia, the company began as Filippo’s personal vision: to rethink the relationship between design, performance, and mobility. Today, Beltrami.Design is internationally recognized for its disruptive e-bikes — bold pieces of design that redefine what luxury and innovation can look like on two wheels. But as you’ll discover, Filippo’s ambition goes far beyond bicycles.
The first motorcycles: a dream takes shape
It all began with a dream — to be part of the motorcycle world. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by two wheels and driven by the desire to create something truly mine — something the world hadn’t seen before. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs from the Reggio Emilia area, so following in their footsteps felt almost natural. But I wanted to take a different path — to build something personal, something that reflected my own way of thinking.
It all started while I was still in high school. I met a former teacher who was working on a motorcycle project with Caterham, and I joined the workshop eager to learn. I started from the ground up: assembly, mechanics, engines… Seeing the craftsmanship typical of Emilia-Romagna firsthand was an incredible experience — it showed me what it really means to build something with your hands and your heart.
Made in Italy and niche design: the art of creating unique products
When I took the lead, I knew exactly what I wanted to do: bring production back home — to Italy. I wanted to focus on a few, truly exclusive products — designed with uncompromising quality and crafted by artisans who embody the excellence of Made in Italy.
That decision became the foundation for everything that followed. A young team soon came together — people eager to contribute, to experiment, to turn ideas into something tangible. Our goal wasn’t just to push the boundaries of bicycle design, but to infuse it with the spirit, attitude, and lines of motorcycles.
The press and social media began to talk about us, recognizing the brand for its innovative character and distinctive design language. That visibility gave us the strength to keep moving forward — to continue building and customizing our creations for clients all over the world.
Art in Motion: turning dreams into design
The word entrepreneur carries a weight I still don’t feel I’ve earned; I believe it’s something you gain over time. The road is still long, and we have to keep climbing.
Today, we are a small team of about ten people, plus a few external collaborators. We believe in young people and in the value of collaborating with schools and universities. Over the years, we’ve worked with UNIMORE and IED Turin, giving space to new talents who share our passion for design.
My goal is to give young people a space where their ideas can grow — a place where engineering, design, and communication come together to shape something real and meaningful.
Inspirations and role models: from Horacio Pagani to the Motor Valley
My role models? Many local companies — not necessarily linked to the Motor Valley — that have shared valuable advice and experience with me. The first is my grandfather, who, as an entrepreneur, taught me the value of dedication and hard work. I have always looked up to people with experience, who represent true points of reference for me.
Then there is someone I have never met but who has greatly inspired my idea of a company: Horacio Pagani. I have read everything I could about him, watched interviews and documentaries, and have always tried, in my own small way, to follow his example. For me, the Motor Valley is not just a place: it’s a way of thinking — the ground where our ideas are born. Here you can feel a unique sense of belonging: the history of brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Bugatti and Landini is an endless source of inspiration. We’re talking about engines, technology, creativity, and that drive to invent which has always defined Emilia-Romagna.
What makes Emilians special is their determination — the will to act, to take risks, to explore paths that may seem improbable but often turn out to be successful. The stories of companies that started from scratch and became brands known all over the world give us energy, motivation, and the desire to improve every day.
Determination and trust in others: what really makes a difference
The secret is to never stop believing in your vision. An idea must be nurtured, even when it seems impossible — because the moment you stop believing, it stops living.
Every mistake, every fall — they’re all part of the journey. Without them, nothing truly new can be created.
One of the most important lessons is to trust the people around you. Listen to others, share ideas, believe in what they bring. No one builds anything great alone.
I often discuss challenges with my team, because for me, we are all on the same level. Even when I have to make difficult decisions, the goal remains the same — to reach it together, with passion and teamwork.
Filippo Beltrami’s ambition is contagious. His story reminds us that entrepreneurship is a journey made of dreams, ideas, obstacles, resilience, trust… and hard work. These are the ingredients we know well: when mixed in the air of the Motor Valley, they transform dreams into reality.
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