Europe is launching a major investment initiative to help innovative technology companies grow into global leaders, with the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, EU governments, and private investors joining forces to mobilize up to €80 billion in funding.
The second phase of the European Tech Champions Initiative (ETCI 2.0) aims to address Europe’s scale-up financing gap by providing more equity investment for high-growth technology companies. The initiative will create a stronger pan-European investment platform to support businesses developing advanced technologies and expanding internationally.
Building on the success of its first phase, ETCI 2.0 will significantly increase its size and reach. The initiative is expected to support more than 1,500 European scaleups by attracting investment from major institutional investors, asset managers, and public-sector partners.
The programme will target fundraising of up to €15 billion, around four times larger than the original fund launched in 2023. Through additional private investment, it aims to generate up to €80 billion in total financing for technology companies across Europe.
The initiative will support both large venture capital funds and, for the first time, mid-sized growth funds focused on scaling emerging companies. It is expected to help establish more than 100 investment funds, including major funds capable of providing significant financing to companies with global ambitions.
EIB Group President Nadia Calviño highlighted that the initiative will help European innovators access the capital needed to grow while keeping high-value companies and technologies within Europe.
Private investors participating in the initiative include financial institutions and investment groups from across Europe, strengthening cooperation between public funding and private capital markets. The partnership aims to create better opportunities for investors while supporting Europe’s innovation ecosystem.
ETCI 2.0 will also work alongside national programmes designed to support technology growth, creating a more connected European investment network. By improving access to late-stage funding, the initiative seeks to strengthen competitiveness, encourage innovation, and support long-term economic growth.
The investment alliance represents a major step toward building deeper European capital markets and ensuring that promising technology companies have the resources needed to compete globally.
