Investments in SME and mid-cap funds

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Investments in debt and equity funds focused on private sector development and/or pursuing social impact goals mainly outside the EU. We also engage in equity and hybrid debt co-investments with top ranked funds and investment partners.

The European Investment Fund, part of the EIB Group, invests in venture capital and private equity funds that support high-growth and innovative small businesses in Europe.

Six key benefits

Here are the benefits of our investments in SME and mid-cap funds

Sizeable investments

Investments representing 10% to 20% of the fund size, with a maximum of 25%.

Flexible tenors

Tenors that reflect the fund’s life – normally 10-12 years.

Hands-off approach

Investment decisions delegated to the fund manager.

Access larger projects

Co-investments in projects or portfolio companies allow smaller funds to get involved in bigger projects.

Signalling effect

Support from the EIB is often seen by private investors as a seal of approval, thereby catalyzing additional funding and multiplying our impact.

Attainable capital

Available for novice or experienced investment teams, in all EIB regions of activity.

Eligibility

Find out if financial support might be available to you

Who is eligible

Private funds and captive funds or investment platforms sponsored by national promotional banks and institutions:

Growth capital funds
Venture capital funds
Microfinance funds
Social impact funds
Selective or granular debt funds

What is eligible

Our investment size can range from between €5 and €100 million. The EIB shall not hold the largest commitment in a fund and will not invest in open-ended (evergreen) funds. The EIB can also co-invest in investee companies provided that these are financed and managed by the fund the EIB has invested in. The EIB targets returns in line with market standards, through cash or capitalised interest, profit participation, equity kickers or alternative participating mechanisms.

Find information on pricing, geographical availability and other terms.

Financing options

Equity or debt funds (incl. mezzanine funds) supporting SMEs and mid-caps
Captive funds or investment platforms sponsored by National Promotional Banks/Institutions
Co-financing
Microfinance
Co-investments

Building a green future

We have aligned all our financing activities with the principles and goals of the Paris Agreement, a commitment that builds a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.

How to get support

Contact the EIB Information Desk for enquiries regarding the financing facilities, activity, organisation and objectives of the EIB.

Funds we have invested in

We invest in equity and funds in the Africa, Caribbean & Pacific and in the Mediterranean regions.

Africa, Caribbean & Pacific

For SMEs, microfinance institutions and mid-cap companies, the EIB puts equity investment to work through private equity funds

Our funds in Africa, Caribbean & Pacific

Southern Neighbourhood

We offer private equity operations, including seed capital, for example investments in fund structures and microfinance institutions

Our funds in the Southern Neighbourhood

Co-investments

We help realise the full growth potential of Europe’s best start-ups and scale-ups, by engaging in equity and hybrid debt co-investments with top ranked funds and investment partners.

How we co-invest

The European Investment Fund

The European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the EIB Group, also invests in venture and growth capital funds to benefit small- and medium-sized enterprises across Europe

EIF website

EIB products and services at a glance

We improve the lives of citizens in the EU and beyond. We support small businesses, while enhancing climate action and innovation. We also focus on energy transition and urban sustainability. We create prosperity for all EU regions, so that they reach their full potential.