EIF-NPI Equity Platform
Sharing knowledge, building partnerships, connecting Europe.
The EIF-NPI Equity Platform is a collaborative initiative launched by the EIF in 2016. It promotes knowledge sharing and best practices between the EIF and national promotional institutions (NPIs) across EU Member States and includes the European Commission. Its goal is to enhance access to funding for relevant projects, SMEs, and midcaps, and, support the defragmentation of equity markets.
This initiative was established in the context of the Investment Plan for Europe, responding to priorities set by EU stakeholders and NPIs. Since then, it has guided the EIF and NPIs in implementing equity investment activity and is continuing its work during the InvestEU period. The EIF shares the objectives of NPIs with respect to supporting a well-functioning European venture capital and private equity ecosystem.
NPI members actively participate in a multilateral General Forum dedicated to defining strategic opportunities and facilitating enhanced collaboration among NPIs as well as the EIF. The General Forum currently consists of 49 members from 29 European countries (including the EIF and the European Commission). NPIs interested in becoming members of the General Forum can apply at any time by following the instructions under "How to apply".
The General Forum elects some of its members to serve in a Consultative Forum that focuses on specific topics related to operational and investment cooperation.
Eligibility criteria
The initiative is targeting national promotional institutions (NPIs) or banks (NPBs) active in the EU Member States. Interested institutions which are eligible as per the definition set out in the Charter (below) can apply for membership in the EIF-NPI Equity Platform General Forum. Membership is governed by a Charter, and the workings of the General Forum are governed by established rules of procedure.
In line with Article 2(20) of Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing the InvestEU Programme and amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1017, national promotional banks or institutions (“NPIs”) are defined to date as legal entities carrying out financial activities on a professional basis which have been given a mandate by an EU Member State or an EU Member State's entity at central, regional or local level to carry out development or promotional activities (the “NPI Definition”).
How to apply
If you are interested in becoming a member, please refer to the Charter, which sets out the eligibility for NPI Members and Aligned Members in more detail, and submit the relevant application form by email to NPI Equity Platform team.