The EIC Ecosystem Partnerships and Co-Investment Support Programme unfolds into two main tasks to support the EIC beneficiaries and Seal of Excellence holders on their journey. Firstly, the Partnership component offers a curated network of organisations through the EIC Service Catalogue, providing top-tier services to take beneficiaries to the next level. Secondly, the Co-investment support programme makes sure that EIC beneficiaries are investor-ready and then provides matchmaking and funding events.
Drawing from a network of 150+ partners and top Venture and Corporate Venture Capitals, Investors and Business Angels, the Programme creates invaluable synergies within its entire ecosystem and has assured positive feedback from its partners.
The added value for business partners
To better understand these collaboration benefits, we spoke with two renowned partners: SpaceFounders, a key accelerator dedicated to European space startups, and Catalyze, an experienced innovation consultant leader.
From Europe to Space Ventures
“We identify and scout the best space startups in Europe and are helping them get visibility, work on the strategic execution of the company's development and go in-depth into the structuration of the growth, especially regarding funding and sales. Companies that have been awarded EIC Accelerator are of great quality, and we are honoured to work as an EIC partner”.
(Lucie Campagnolo, CEO of SpaceFounders)
Since its inception in 2021, SpaceFounders has supported 40 alumni, eight of whom have been awarded EIC Accelerator and Pathfinder. In addition, the accelerator has “co-invested in equity with the EIC Fund in two companies”.
SpaceFounders and the EIC have also co-organised several events together and, according to the CEO, they are “very happy with the collaboration so far”.
For a successful partnership, SpaceFounders’ CEO emphasizes the alignment of goals and values: “Both institutions share the same values (European, excellence, deep-tech) and target group as the European startups and SMEs looking to become the next leading entrepreneurs in Europe”.
SpaceFounders is a European project jointly run by the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, the National Centre for Space Studies in France and the Italian Space Agency. With a network of public institutions, private partners, successful entrepreneurs and selected role models, Lucie highlights that the accelerator provides “tailored mentoring, deep industry know-how and access to a world-class network of investors and important key players”.
“Game-changing innovations - all ready for the next step”
With 20+ years of experience, Catalyze has become an industry leader trusted by a diverse range of companies and institutions in the fields of life sciences and sustainability. Having raised more than € 1 billion to fuel impactful innovation projects, the team maximizes the EIC beneficiaries’ and Seal of Excellence holders’ funding potential.
“At Catalyze, it is our passion to support our clients in their journeys of bringing impactful innovations to the market. The EIC is the organisation that can really make a difference for our clients with its funding programs and support ecosystem.”
(Neeltje Ramnath-Willems, Business Unit Director Green & Sustainable Innovations of Catalyze)
Catalyze offers business acceleration services focused on fundraising to help fasten the market route.
“These are the companies that have breakthrough and game-changing innovations with a business model that can change the way we do things for the better. These companies are all ready for the next step,” Neeltje adds.
How about the investors?
Let’s delve into investors’ experience and feedback from previous Investor Days in Munich (2023), Paris (2023) and Brussels (2024).
“It’s always interesting to see pre-selected innovations and technologies and to find complementary potential new investments.”
(Fei Tian, Principal at MIG AG)
“It was great to get a first-hand experience and a feel for how to work with the people that are involved, the companies that are presenting themselves.”
(Karl Nägler, Managing Partner at Wellington Partners)
“Very short and very clear presentations with different thesis. It was quick for us, easy to get. All the pitching companies were very innovative in their product and also embracing important markets”.
(Claire Corot, Senior Partner at Truffle Capital)
If you would like to become an EIC Partner, please check out the EIC’s Call for Partnerships.
For any doubts about the Ecosystem Partnerships, please contact eicpartnerships-helpdesk@eic-bas.eu.
If you are an investor, get to know the EIC Fund Portfolio and sign up for the EIC Fund Investors Network.
About the EIC Ecosystem Partnerships and Co-Investment Support Programme
The Ecosystem Partnerships and Co-Investment Support Programme is expanding the EIC’s Business Acceleration Services (BAS).
The programme is creating a network of specialized, sector-focused partners that can help innovators access the services they need. It is also dedicated to promoting co-investment along with the EIC Fund, by preparing beneficiaries to become investor-ready and then interacting with investors and connecting them through matchmaking and dedicated events.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.