GIF 1 and GIF 2 Windows

The Product

GIF 1 and GIF 2 are committed to specialised funds facilitating finance for eligible SMEs, which are in their early stages, aiming to stimulate the growth and expansion of SMEs, in particular innovative SMEs with a high growth potential. EIF does not finance SMEs directly.

Click here to view the Investment Policy and Implementation Guidelines governing the GIF 1 Window.
Click here to view the Investment Policy and Implementation Guidelines governing the GIF 2 Window.

Main Product Features

• Nature: Equity or quasi-equity investments in Intermediaries.
• Investor: EIF operates as investor on behalf of the EC.
• Signing period: Fund agreements can be signed until 31 December 2013.
• Duration: Investments typically consist of 5 to 12-year positions in Intermediaries.
• Amount: Commitment to a single Intermediary shall require a critical mass and shall not exceed EUR 30m.

Special EU requirements: Given the public nature of the EU GIF 1 and GIF 2 Windows, certain EU conditions apply. Click here for further information about the EU requirements.

Click here to view the investment process for GIF 1 and GIF 2.
Click here to see the SME definition.

Eco-Innovation and Clean Technology:  The GIF instrument is also aimed at supporting clean technology or eco-innovation SMEs. Under GIF, higher investment rates are allowed in the case of funds focused on eco-innovation.
See GIF Eco-Innovation Guidelines for further information.

Important information for small businesses (SMEs) Please note that SMEs themselves cannot obtain finance directly from the EIF and should therefore not approach EIF. Information for SMEs about sources of finance backed by the European Union will be available on a dedicated website that is presently under construction. Links to this SME-dedicated website will be published on the EIF website in due course.