EQT beats Atomico to manage €5bn Scaleup Europe Fund

2026-05-18 · Source: Sifted · Field: Finance & Economics — Capital Markets & Investment Management, Economic Analysis & Policy · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

The European Commission has selected Swedish investment firm EQT to manage its new €5bn Scaleup Europe Fund, surpassing competitors like Atomico and Eurazeo. This fund is dedicated to investing in European deeptech startups, specifically those developing technologies such as quantum computing and AI. EQT partners Ted Persson and Victor Englesson are proposed as co-heads of the fund's advisory team, with Christian Sinding slated to chair the investment committee. As of late last year, approximately €2.5bn of the fund had been committed, with €1bn from the European Innovation Council (EIC) and €1.5bn from private limited partners including Novo Holdings, CriteriaCaixa, Santander/Mouro Capital, APG Asset Management, and the Wallenberg family. EQT's selection followed a competitive process requiring applicants to manage at least €500m in assets and have launched a minimum of two funds.

Key takeaway

For investors tracking European venture capital, EQT's selection to manage the €5bn Scaleup Europe Fund signals a significant commitment to deeptech. You should analyze EQT's investment strategy within this fund, particularly its focus on quantum computing and AI, to identify potential growth sectors and emerging companies. This development could influence future European tech investment trends and partnership opportunities.

Key insights

EQT will manage the €5bn Scaleup Europe Fund, investing in European deeptech startups focused on quantum computing and AI.

Principles

• Deeptech investment prioritizes strategic European technological independence.
• Public-private partnerships are crucial for large-scale venture funding.

In practice

• Monitor EQT's deeptech portfolio for emerging European innovation.
• Analyze EIC funding patterns for strategic technology areas.

Topics

• EQT
• Scaleup Europe Fund
• European Commission
• Deeptech Startups
• Quantum Computing

Best for: Investor, Entrepreneur, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Sifted.