EU moves forward on $5.8B scale-up fund to keep startups from leaving
The European Union has stepped up efforts to grow its homegrown tech sector and reduce dependence on US firms, advancing plans this week for a €5 billion ($5.8 billion) fund to help startups scale in Europe rather than seek capital or buyers abroad. Analysts welcomed the initiative, but said its success will depend on whether it can spur wider private investment in European tech companies. The European Commission this week selected Swedish investment firm EQT — one of Europe’s largest private market investors, with $311 billion in assets — to manage the fund; first investments are expected this autumn. The fund is backed by the Commission and private investors, including Allianz, CriteriaCaixa, and Novo Holdings. The effort is part of a broader push to strengthen the EU’s tech sector following the 2024 Draghi report on competitiveness. Other initiatives include EU Inc proposals aimed at reducing red tape for startups and a Tech Sovereignty Package due May 27 that’s expected to include