1.6 billion euros for start-ups: BMWE and EIF expand equity funding

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) are further expanding their long-standing cooperation. With an additional EUR 1.6 billion, the financing of technology-driven start-ups and scale-ups in Germany will be strengthened under the new "EIF German Equity" program line.

The aim of the program is to improve the equity base of young technology companies and significantly expand access to professional venture capital and growth funds. At the same time, private investment is to be mobilized and the fund location Germany further strengthened.

Sector-open mandate for future technologies

EIF German Equity is open to all sectors and addresses a broad spectrum of future technologies. These include artificial intelligence, data-driven business models, FinTech, digitalization, deep tech, industrial and production technologies, energy and life sciences.

We invest where the future is being created: in young technology companies. Together with the European Investment Fund, we are providing 1.6 billion euros for this purpose.

Gitta Connemann, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy

The aim is to put Germany in a better position to transform excellent research and innovations into scalable business models and to create international technology leaders.

Part of a program with a volume of over ten billion euros

EIF German Equity complements existing growth and scale-up programs of the German government and the EIF. Together with initiatives such as the European Tech Champions Initiative (ETCI), a funding portfolio with a total volume of over ten billion euros (including the German contribution) is being created.

EIF German Equity shows how European partnership works: together with Germany, we are further expanding one of the most successful equity programs in Europe.

Nicola Beer, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB)

The program covers all company phases, from early VC financing to growth capital. Founders benefit from planning security and reliable access to private capital, while institutional investors receive a public anchor with high governance and ESG standards.

Model expanded since 2004

The measure builds on a proven model: Since 2004, the cooperation between BMWE and EIF has facilitated around 290 fund investments with a total volume of around 49 billion euros. This has enabled over 6,000 corporate financings to be realized to date.

Companies supported by EIF programs include DeepL, GetYourGuide, N26, Personio, Trade Republic, Flix and Home24.

Mobilization of private capital as a central goal

As a fund of funds, EIF German Equity invests in venture capital and growth funds with a focus on Germany, supplemented by European funds with clear locational added value. EIF's public investments act as a quality signal and regularly mobilize a multiple of private capital, often around five times the funds invested.

Contribution to European innovation and technology sovereignty

EIF German Equity is part of the EIB Group's pan-European innovation strategy TechEU. National programs create the innovation pipeline, while European initiatives provide the growth capital for future tech champions. The aim is to close financing gaps, strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty and scale deep tech innovations internationally.