100+ companies the €5bn Scaleup Europe Fund could back

2026-05-22 · Source: Sifted · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Start-ups · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

The EU has selected Swedish investment firm EQT to manage its new €5bn Scaleup Europe Fund, which is now Europe's largest tech fund. This fund aims to co-invest in over 100 European scaleups, specifically targeting companies raising between €100m and €250m, with €50m in new funding rounds. The European Investment Fund (EIF), overseeing the initiative, emphasizes investments in critical technology areas such as AI, quantum computing, connectivity, industrial tech, deep tech, new materials, biotech, space, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. EQT highlighted examples like Northvolt and companies in the "deep tech space" building foundational technologies, indicating a focus on high-growth, capital-intensive ventures.

Key takeaway

For European tech entrepreneurs seeking substantial growth capital, the new €5bn Scaleup Europe Fund, managed by EQT, represents a significant opportunity. You should align your fundraising strategy to target rounds between €100m and €250m, emphasizing deep tech, AI, quantum computing, or space technologies. This fund prioritizes co-investments in high-impact, capital-intensive ventures, making a clear value proposition in these areas crucial for securing backing.

Key insights

Europe's €5bn Scaleup Europe Fund, managed by EQT, targets over 100 deep tech scaleups with substantial funding rounds.

Principles

• Prioritize foundational deep tech sectors.
• Focus on co-investments in large funding rounds.

In practice

• Target €100m-€250m funding rounds.
• Develop solutions in AI, quantum, space, cybersecurity.

Topics

• Scaleup Europe Fund
• EQT
• Deep Tech
• European Tech
• Venture Capital
• AI
• Quantum Computing

Best for: Investor, Entrepreneur, Executive

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