Who we areThe venture arm of the European Innovation Council
An investment fund under private law with the European Commission as shareholder.
What we doWe provide the investment component of the EIC Accelerator and the STEP call
Funding high-risk deep tech innovators, from startups to scale-ups, with investments ranging from €0.5M to €30M.
Why we do thisWe bridge the funding gap for breakthrough technologies in Europe
As a strategic risk-taker, we crowd in private capital and support future global leaders
Main actorsEuropean Commission (shareholder)
EIB – investment advisor and future investor of record
External Fund Manager managing portfolio and investment decisions
Qualified investors validating prospects
Co-investors investing alongside the Fund- Investment size
€0.5 m – €10 m under the EIC Accelerator
€10 m – €30 m under EIC STEP Scale Up
- What we support
Game-changing innovators
From early-stage startups to scaling deep tech leaders
Across all verticals
Across the EU and Horizon Europe countries - Our edge
Minority equity stakes [ Typically around 10% (up to 25%) ]
Follow-on funding in subsequent rounds
Thematic portfolios for strategic tech areas
110+ trusted investors managing €360B+ assets [ Trusted Investors Network ]
EIC Fund organisation structure
This structure ensures a streamlined blend of grant and equity support, while crowding in private capital for Europe’s most promising deep tech companies.
EIC Fund BoardOversees the Fund’s investment strategy and holds the broadest decision-making powers under the Fund’s statutes.
EIC Fund Advisory Committee (AC)Provides independent advice and comments on individual cases to the EIB and the Fund Manager.
Company Board RepresentativesWork together with the EIB, the Fund Manager, the Board of the EIC Fund and the European Commission to help EIC-funded companies to grow
EIC Fund ManagerAn external authority responsible for managing the EIC Fund portfolio. Makes all investment and investment decisions on selected companies, with the support of the EIB.
European Commission / EISMEAThrough the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), the Commission:
- Manages the grant component of the EIC Accelerator
- Select companies for EIC support including investments
- Conducts technology due diligence
- Ensures coordination between grant and equity components
- Provides Business Acceleration Services
- Operates the platform to connect companies with co-investors
European Investment Bank- Acts as the investor and investment advisor
- Carries out due diligence, proposes investments, and supports portfolio management under an impact mandate
- Acts as the investor of record