European Commission and investors team up for a multi-billion Scaleup Europe Fund

The European Commission has outlined plans for a new initiative aimed at strengthening Europe’s innovation and business growth landscape.

The European Commission announced that it met with private investors from across Europe to announce plans for the Scaleup Europe Fund, a multi-billion initiative focused on supporting companies in deep tech sectors.

The meeting, led by Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, included representatives from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a group of potential founding investors. The discussions focused on developing and financing the fund, which aims to strengthen the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy.

The potential founding investors include Novo Holdings, EIFO (Export and Investment Fund of Denmark), CriteriaCaixa, Santander/Mouro Capital, Fondazione Compagnia San Paolo/Intesa Sanpaolo/Fondazione Cariplo, APG Asset Management representing Dutch pension fund ABP, Wallenberg Investments, and BGK (Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego).

The European Commission, the EIB Group, and these investors plan to work together to launch and operate the Scaleup Europe Fund as part of the EU’s wider effort to improve conditions for startups and scaleups across Europe.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the Scaleup Europe Fund in her 2025 State of the Union Address as a flagship initiative to invest in fast-growing European companies in key technology sectors, ensuring that “the best of Europe choose Europe.”

What to expect from the fund?

The Scaleup Europe Fund aims to address the shortage of large-scale investment available to growing companies in Europe. It builds on the findings of the Draghi report, which highlighted the need to help innovative European firms reach global scale.

Europe continues to face challenges in securing late-stage funding and overcoming market fragmentation. The new fund seeks to bridge that gap by increasing the capital available to firms moving beyond early growth stages.

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, says, “Europe has the ideas and the talent to build the most innovative companies in the world. But as they scale up, we need to ensure they have the means to grow, attract investment and thrive right here at home.”

“High-quality jobs and Europe’s overall competitiveness depend on it. The Scaleup Europe Fund is an essential part of our work to make sure the best of Europe can choose Europe.”

The fund will provide growth capital and late-stage investment for companies in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, robotics, autonomous systems, energy, space, biotechnology, medical technology, advanced materials, and agritech.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, adds, “We are joining forces with leading private investors to build a multi-billion euro fund that will invest in the best European companies in strategic deep tech.”

“We will ensure that companies can find the capital they need, right here in Europe, to drive European innovation and reinforce our continent’s position as a global leader in the industries that will shape our future.”

What’s next?

The Scaleup Europe Fund will be a privately managed, co-financed investment fund supporting major European-led growth rounds. The European Commission and founding investors will appoint a management company, with operations expected to begin in spring 2026.