Europäischer Investitionsfonds (EIF)
About the funder
The European Investment Fund (EIF) is an institution of the European Union and part of the EIB Group. It supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EU as well as in candidate and EFTA countries by offering tailored venture capital and guarantee products through financial intermediaries. Its instruments include, for example, the European Angels Fund (EAF) for business angels, the Risk Sharing Instrument (RSI), and various mezzanine and fund-of-funds. In 2011, the EIF provided over EUR 1.1 billion in the Private Equity/VC sector and EUR 1.5 billion in guarantees; in 2012, these amounts were EUR 1.4 billion (equity) and EUR 1.2 billion (guarantees), respectively. Through its engagement, the EIF mobilizes additional resources for high-growth and innovation-oriented SMEs.
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Mission & Vision
Our mission is to sustainably strengthen the growth and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe. We provide financial instruments and guarantees to promote innovation, research and development, as well as employment, thereby advancing economic and social development within the European Union.
Target groups
The EIF targets financial intermediaries such as banks, fund managers, guarantee institutions, as well as business angels and family offices that invest in innovative SMEs. Indirectly, SMEs at all stages of development—from startup through early-stage financing to scaling—benefit from the resources provided by the EIF. National promotional banks and other public institutions use the EIF’s instruments to establish joint umbrella funds and co-investment programs.