New agreement on EU venture capital rules to boost investment in start-ups and innovation

31 May 2017
by Invest Europe -- last modified 31 May 2017

Yesterday evening, the EU institutions reached an agreement on a review of the EU venture capital rules, to boost investment in start-ups and innovation. This review is part of the Capital Markets Union action plan.

Invest Europe, the association for European private equity and venture capital, is issuing the following statement:

"Invest Europe welcomes the agreement reached by the three EU institutions on the European venture capital funds (EuVECA) Regulation review.

Several positive elements of the Commission's proposal were accepted, including those extending the regime's scope and flexibility on eligible investments. This means more of our fund manager members will benefit from the marketing passport to reach investors across borders. It will also allow these funds to invest in a wider range of start-ups, scale-ups and companies across Europe that are seeking investment. Additionally, it will now restrict the imposition of host fees and charges.

We anticipate that the final text will be appropriate and proportionate for the venture capital industry's needs, to improve take-up of the EuVECA label and facilitate greater investment in Europe."

Last year, European private equity and venture capital investments totalled €53.7 billion, the second highest amount since 2008. Almost 6,000 companies across Europe benefited from this investment, 83% of which were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to Invest Europe's 2016 European Private Equity Activity report launched this month.

Invest Europe is the association representing Europe's private equity, venture capital and infrastructure sectors, as well as their investors.

Invest Europe - the association for European private equity and venture capital