European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank provides direct equity co-investments in innovative startups and scale-ups, deploying capital alongside its wider development-finance activity. Equity is one of four financing instruments in the Bank's toolkit, alongside loans, guarantees and advisory services, offered to public- and private-sector clients. In its venture-facing activity, the Bank co-invests rather than acts as a sole investor, working with partners to help make projects possible.

Founded in 1958 and owned by the EU Member States, the EIB is the lending arm of the European Union and one of the world's largest multilateral financial institutions. It finances and advises on projects supporting EU objectives in Europe and beyond. Investment activity spans innovation and digital development, climate and environment finance, infrastructure, and sustainable economic and social development; sector coverage includes SMEs, regional cohesion, housing, security and defence, and global development.

The Bank's stated orientation is toward long-term investment addressing climate change, infrastructure needs and uneven economic development. Loan financing extends to small and medium-sized businesses, and advisory expertise is offered alongside financing rather than as a standalone product. Geographic presence covers the European Union Member States, Europe more broadly, and global development work outside the continent.