European Investment Fund

The European Investment Fund (EIF) is part of the European Investment Bank Group. Its central mission is to support Europe's micro, small and medium-sized enterprises by helping them to access finance. Established in 1994, the EIF designs and develops venture and growth capital, guarantees, and microfinance instruments which specifically target this market segment. It does not lend directly to SMEs, but rather implements its mission by working through financial intermediaries, such as banks, guarantee and leasing companies, micro-credit providers and private equity funds, to catalyse investment and foster innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.