EU launches ‘Trusted Investor Network’ to support European deep-tech companies

European Commission, on Monday, October 21, announced the launch of its EIC Trusted Investor Network, bringing together a group of investors ready to co-invest in innovative deep-tech companies in Europe together with the EU.

The announcement follows earlier meetings with investors this year.

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, launched the network at an event in Athens.

“By joining forces with like-minded investors, the EIC can unlock the full potential of venture capital investments in disruptive deep-tech European technologies, creating a fertile ground for our innovative companies to thrive in Europe,” says Ivanova.

“I am grateful to all the investors, policymakers, and stakeholders who joined us today in Athens. Together, we are taking a bold step towards shaping the future of European innovation. This is just the beginning – our work to strengthen Europe’s deep-tech ecosystem continues,” she adds.

With this Trusted Network, EC aims to facilitate:

• Co-investment opportunities for Europe’s deep-tech champions
• Provide a collaborative platform for investors
• Build stronger investment communities around critical technologies

Launched in response to the need for financing

The Union’s investment comes from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund, which is part of the EU research and innovation programme Horizon Europe.

The first group is comprised of 71 European investors, including venture capital funds, public investment banks, foundations, and corporate venture funds.

These investors collectively represent over €90B of assets, which positions the network as a key initiative to mobilise capital for Europe’s deep tech sector.

The announcement comes in response to the need to increase financing of such companies to grow in Europe.

It provides the foundation for further development in 2025, in line with the political guidelines of the next Commission.

The launch was part of the first EIC Scaling Summit, bringing together for the first time 120 companies selected from the EIC portfolio and national programmes.

72 of these companies were added today to the 48 members already enrolled in the EIC Scaling Club.