EIF's beginnings
European Investment Fund (EIF) was founded in 1994 as a joint venture between three shareholder groups: the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Commission (EC) and a number of European public and private financial institutions.
EIF’s main task then was to provide financial institutions with infrastructure and guarantee instruments for SME finance.
EIF’s main task then was to provide financial institutions with infrastructure and guarantee instruments for SME finance.
EIF’s involvement in venture capital began in 1997, as part of the EC’s "Growth and Employment" initiative.
In June 2000, EIF was restructured and its shareholding structure was modified with the EIB becoming the majority shareholder, culminating in the formation of the EIB Group.
EIB’s role as principal shareholder endorsed EIF’s role as the exclusive vehicle for venture capital of the EIB Group. Since the 2000 restructuring, EIF has continued to provide portfolio guarantees for institutions involved in SME finance.