Invests in deep tech startups and SMEs selected under the EIC Accelerator and EIC STEP Scale Up
Investment size: €0.5M – €10M (Accelerator), €10M to €30M under EIC STEP Scale Up
Patient capital with a long-term horizon (7–10 years, max 15)
Focus on crowding in private capital and protecting EU strategic interests
Investment Focus
- Target companies: Startups, early-stage SMEs, and small mid-caps
- Sectors: Open to all sectors, with a strong focus on deep tech, disruptive and market-creating innovation
- Stage: TRL 5 to 9 — from prototype to market deployment and scale-up
- Geography: EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries
- Exclusions: Based on ethical, legal, and EU strategic principles
- Selection
Company selected for blended finance by the Commission
- Due diligence
Financial and compliance checks by EIB and Fund Manager
- Co-investment search
Matching with Trusted Investors Network
- Term sheet & approval
Structuring and approval by AIFM
- Investment
Equity or quasi-equity (convertibles, preferred shares, etc.)
- Monitoring & follow-up
Milestone-based, with optional follow-on rounds
Bucket 0Not investableReason: Major issues uncovered during due diligence (e.g. fraud, non-compliance, reputational risk, loss of team/IP).
Outcome: Investment is halted. Grant support may also be reconsidered.
Bucket 1High-risk / strategic interestCompany: Early-stage or in a sensitive strategic area.
Investor traction: Limited or none.
EIC Role: Lead investor, may deploy convertible instruments in tranches.
Objective: De-risking and preparing company for future co-investment.
Bucket 2Co-investment opportunitiesCompany: Has secured or attracted interest from Qualified Investors.
EIC Role: Match funding or partial lead.
Target leverage: 1:3 (EIC to private capital).
Objective: Accelerate growth and market entry with private capital.
Bucket 3Fully investor-readyCompany: Attracting full private investment or listed.
EIC Role: Optional participation, may co-invest to secure strategic objectives (e.g. blocking minority).
Objective: Provide top-up or ensure strategic safeguards.
