Under Access to Risk Finance, H2020 helps companies and other types of organisation engaged in research and innovation [R&I] to gain easier access, via financial instruments, e.g. to loans and guarantees.
Among the actions undertaken for this objective, the Loan Service for R&I is highlighted. This financial instrument offers loans and hybrid or mezzanine finance to firms and other entities, located in Member States or in Associated Countries, eligible as final beneficiaries.
One of the programmes developed is the InnovFin Large Projects, that aims at improving the risk finance for R&I projects emanating from large firms; universities and research institutes; R&I infrastructures; public-private partnerships; and special-purpose vehicles or projects.
Loans from 25 to 300 M€ are delivered directly by the European Investment Bank [EIB].
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) play an important role, as entrusted entities, in implementing each financial instrument facility on behalf of and in partnership with the European Commission.
The European Investment Bank will provide loans to medium to larger companies, or guarantees to banks lending to them. The European Investment Fund will provide guarantees to banks lending to small and medium-sized firms and – at a later stage – invest in venture capital funds providing start-ups and fast-growing firms with equity.