Brief Information
The Scaleup Europe Fund Manager Call 2026 is a major public call for experienced fund managers to lead the newly launched multi-billion euro Scaleup Europe Fund under the umbrella of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund. This exclusive Expression of Interest seeks an independent investment adviser and portfolio manager to steer strategic tech investments across Europe. Successful candidates will play a key role in shaping the continent’s tech scale-up ecosystem.
Key Dates & Details
- Pre-qualification Deadline: 19 January 2026, 17:00 CET
- Expression of Interest Deadline: 3 February 2026, 17:00 CET
- Location / Type: Europe (Pan-European, hybrid)
- Role: Fund Manager / Investment Adviser & Portfolio Manager
- Fund Size: Multi-billion euro strategic technology fund
- Organiser: European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund
- Target Group: Experienced fund managers with track records in investment and scale-up financing
Table of Contents
Overview
The Scaleup Europe Fund Manager Call 2026 is an official Expression of Interest launched by the EIC Fund Board to identify a highly qualified, independent fund manager who will serve as investment adviser and portfolio manager for the new Scaleup Europe Fund — a multi-billion euro investment initiative targeting fast-growing tech companies in key strategic sectors across Europe.
This fund aims to unlock value in Europe’s scale-up ecosystem and promote European tech leadership on a global scale by deploying capital into innovative companies poised for rapid growth. As part of the EIC Fund structure, but run by a fully private, market-based manager, this role combines investment strategy, portfolio leadership, fundraising, and reporting functions.
The initiative follows a high-level meeting between the European Commission and top institutional investors, marking a critical step in fund implementation. Founding contributors include major players such as Novo Holdings, EIFO, CriteriaCaixa, Santander/Mouro Capital, Fondazione Compagnia San Paolo, Intesa Sanpaolo, Fondazione Cariplo, APG Asset Management on behalf of Dutch pension fund ABP, Wallenberg Investments, and BGK (Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego).
Eligibility
To be considered for the Scaleup Europe Fund Manager Call 2026, applicants must meet key professional criteria, including:
- Proven ability to raise and manage investment funds at scale.
- Extensive professional investment experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in growth-stage and scale-up investments.
- Strong track record in portfolio management and financial leadership at institutional level.
This call targets experienced independent fund managers or investment management firms capable of leading a major European tech fund and contributing to the continent’s innovation ecosystem.
Application Details
The application process for the Scaleup Europe Fund Manager Call 2026 consists of two main stages:
- Pre-qualification submission by 19 January 2026, 17:00 CET – initial screening for eligibility.
- Full Expression of Interest submission by 3 February 2026, 17:00 CET – complete application detailing experience, strategy, and capability.
After the deadline, applications will be evaluated against published criteria, and shortlisted candidates will enter a negotiation phase. The selection process is expected to conclude by Spring 2026, with an aim to begin first investments soon thereafter.
Eligible applicants may also submit questions via the official submission platform, with anonymised answers shared to support all potential candidates.
For broader context on the EIC Fund and its strategic priorities, see this official EIC overview:
🔗 https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-fund/scaleup-europe-fund_en
FAQ
What is the Scaleup Europe Fund?
It is a multi-billion euro investment fund initiated under the European Innovation Council Fund to finance high-potential scale-up tech companies across Europe
Who should apply for this Call?
Experienced, independent fund managers with proven investment expertise and track record in managing large funds.
What are the main responsibilities of the selected manager?
The appointed manager will lead investment sourcing, due diligence, portfolio management, and reporting for the Scaleup Europe Fund under a private, market-based model.
When will the fund start operating?
The selection is expected by Spring 2026, with first investments planned soon after.
Official Link
👉 Apply to the Scaleup Europe Fund Manager Call 2026 (Expression of Interest):
🔗 https://www.collaborate.aoshearman.com/aocollaborate/renderSmartForm.action?formId=d0435548-a70f-4371-9344-abeedc797e2c
🔗 Official Call Announcement (European Innovation Council):
https://eic.ec.europa.eu/news/call-expression-interest-launched-fund-manager-scaleup-europe-fund-2025-12-08_en
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