Valentino Bergamo Interview
Valentino Bergamo is the Founder and CEO of Calicantus, a leading E-Commerce Service Provider specializing in Merchant of Record (MoR) solutions, e-commerce logistics, customer care, and marketplace management. With over 25 years of experience in digital retail, he has helped renowned Italian and international brands scale their online sales globally by managing the full operational, fiscal, and technological complexity of e-commerce. Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Valentino is a lecturer at the Italian Trade Agency (ICE/ITA), where he supports companies in digital transformation and internationalization strategies.
The Vision behind an Early ESP Pioneer
We started the interview by asking, “Calicantus has been a pioneer in E-Commerce Service Provision for over 17 years. What inspired you to build an ESP model long before it became a global trend?”
Valentino Bergamo replied, “When I founded Calicantus with Matteo Comin, many brands underestimated the complexity behind running a successful e-commerce operation. We saw a clear gap: companies wanted to sell online, but lacked the expertise in logistics, fiscal compliance, customer care, and marketplace management. We believed that an integrated ESP model where one provider manages the entire lifecycle would unlock enormous potential for brands. Today, this vision has proven right: we support more than 70 Italian and international companies and act as a strategic partner, not just a provider.”
A Faster, Safer Path to International Growth
The Worlds Times: The Merchant of Record (MoR) model has become one of your trademarks. Why is MoR such a game-changer for brands expanding globally?
Valentino Bergamo replied, “The MoR model eliminates the administrative and fiscal burden for brands entering new markets. Instead of managing VAT, compliance, payment systems, and legal responsibilities themselves, they outsource it entirely to us. This allows companies to scale faster, reduce operational risk, and focus on what they do best product and brand storytelling. For cross-border commerce, where regulations change rapidly, MoR is not just a convenience it is a strategic accelerator.”
An Integrated E-Commerce Ecosystem
The Worlds Times: You manage logistics and customer care for many premium brands. What makes Calicantus different from a traditional 3PL or CX service provider?
Valentino Bergamo replied, “Traditional 3PLs and CX providers usually operate in silos. We integrate logistics, payments, customer care, marketplaces, and fiscal management into one unified ecosystem. This gives brands full visibility, consistency in customer experience, and operational continuity. Our warehouse in Northern Italy operates as an independent 3PL hub, supporting brands with integrated logistics flows across marketplaces, including Amazon, to ensure speed and reliability. For many brands, this integrated approach is the key to creating a seamless omnichannel experience.”
Expectations from a Trusted E-Commerce Partner
The Worlds Times: You’ve worked with iconic brands like SSC Napoli, Flos, Parmigiano Reggiano, Segafredo Zanetti, Fratelli Rossetti, and JVC Kenwood. What do leading brands typically look for in an e-commerce partner?
Valentino Bergamo replied, “Prestigious brands search for partners who combine operational excellence with brand sensitivity. They need someone who understands their identity, respects their customer promise, and can translate it online. They expect precision in logistics, reliability in payments, and excellence in customer care. Above all, they look for a partner who can scale with them. Our long-term relationships with top brands show that trust and performance are equally important.”
Essential Advice for First-Time Marketplace Sellers
The Worlds Times: Marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba have become central to global sales. What advice do you give companies entering marketplaces for the first time?
Valentino Bergamo replied, “My first advice is: treat marketplaces as a strategic channel, not just a sales outlet. Every marketplace has its own rules, algorithms, and customer expectations. Success requires professional content creation, optimal pricing strategies, deep knowledge of advertising tools, and impeccable logistics. Many companies fail because they underestimate this complexity. With the right strategy, marketplaces can become powerful engines for international growth.”
Debunking E-Commerce Myths
The Worlds Times: As a lecturer for ITA/ICE, you train companies on digital transformation and internationalization. What is the biggest misconception Italian SMEs still have about e-commerce?
Valentino Bergamo replied, “Many SMEs still think of e-commerce as “just a website.” In reality, it is an industrial process requiring advanced logistics, data analysis, technology integration, and regulatory knowledge. Another misconception is that internationalization happens automatically once the site is online. Instead, global growth requires structured planning, compliance expertise, and localized customer care. My goal as a lecturer is to help SMEs shift from a tactical to a strategic mindset.”
AI and Automation Transforming E-Commerce
The Worlds Times: With rapid advancements in AI, automation, and digital retail, how is technology reshaping the future of e-commerce operations?
Valentino Bergamo replied, “Technology today solves pain points that used to consume hours of manual work. AI enhances customer care, demand forecasting, pricing strategies, fraud detection, and even product content creation. Automation improves warehouse operations and reduces delivery errors. However, technology alone is not enough: the winning formula is a combination of innovation, operational discipline, and human expertise. At Calicantus, we integrate AI with a strong human team to deliver peak efficiency and customer satisfaction.”
Shaping the Future of Global E-Commerce
Lastly we asked, “What is your long-term vision for Calicantus and the evolution of the E-Commerce Service Provider industry?”
“My goal is for Calicantus to remain a trusted global partner for brands that want simplicity, speed, and international scale. We are expanding our MoR capabilities, strengthening partnerships with partner’s platforms, and investing heavily in technology. The next chapter will be about helping brands operate globally with the agility of a local business.” Valentino Bergamo concluded
Connect with Valentino Bergamo on LinkedIn
For more information visit Calicantus
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