What is EU funding for VC and PE funds?
EU funding is most often associated with competition programmes to which innovative companies can apply directly. However, part of the EU funding is channeled to PFR Ventures, an entity that distributes funds between Venture Capital (VC) and Private Equity (PE) funds, which then fund innovative companies.
Recognised as the leading fund-of-funds manager in the CEE region, PFR Ventures plays an important role in shaping and strengthening the Polish Venture Capital (VC) and Private Equity (PE) sectors. As a public investor, PFR Ventures focuses its activities on investing in VC and PE funds, which then finance innovative Polish companies at various stages of their development - from early-stage startups, through companies developing research and development (R&D) activities, to those expanding into international markets.
PFR Ventures also supports entrepreneurship by working with a variety of investors, including business angels, private investors, and corporates, creating synergistic partnerships to jointly invest in VC and PE funds. With partial funding from European Union programmes and the Swiss Fund, PFR Ventures provides Polish companies with the capital they need to innovate and grow.
Managing seven funds of funds, PFR Ventures funds such Venture Capital funds as bValue, Atmos Ventures, BeyondNetZero, DN Capital, and Private Equity funds - Accession Capital Partners, Avallon MBO, CVI, Eurazeo (Smart City II). With more than a decade of experience, this firm maintains a leadership position in the VC and PE sector in Poland. Their activities not only contribute to economic growth but also support the development of innovation in the country, becoming a driving force for dynamically developing Polish companies.
PFR Ventures plays a key role in building the investment ecosystem in Poland, connecting diverse sources of capital with innovative ideas and companies. As a result, Polish companies have access to the necessary financial resources to implement ambitious projects and contribute to the international competitiveness of the Polish economy.
(source - https://pfrventures.pl/zrodla-finansowania.html)
Updated information on the edition
Fund managers will be able to apply for the new editions of the PFR Starter, Biznest, Open Innovation, KOFFI, and CVC programmes from 12 February 2024, with five series of calls planned by the end of the year.
The new funds from the European Funds for the New Economy (FENG) programme will enable the infusion of around 40 venture capital funds with a public contribution of PLN 2 billion and an additional PLN 1.1 billion from private investors. The new capital will stimulate various types of investment in start-ups, enabling them to meet the diverse needs of innovative companies: from funding prototypes to capital for international expansion.