On 4 August 2026, the European Commission completed the final legal steps to establish the Scaleup Europe Fund, a new initiative designed to help Europe’s scale-up companies grow faster and compete globally (“Fund”). With a target size of EUR 5 billion, the Fund aims to ensure that promising European companies can access the capital they need to expand while remaining in Europe. For accessing the details on the Fund, use this link.

The Fund has been established as part of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund, with private equity firm EQT appointed as investment manager following an open and competitive selection process. The Fund is now able to operate at full capacity and make direct investments in Europe’s leading scale-ups, with the first investments expected in the coming weeks. It will focus on companies developing artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, biotechnology, and clean technologies.

According to the Commission, the initiative was created to address a financing gap that has often forced high-potential European firms to seek growth capital outside the EU. Backed by Horizon Europe, the Fund aims to help retain the value of European innovation within Europe and support the development of future global technology leaders, while bringing together a broad coalition of public and private investors.