About
The Future Finance Programme is here to help European Union (EU) startups and small and medium-sized enterprises cut through the noise and get the funding they need to grow. Whether you are bootstrapping, scaling, or somewhere in between, we will guide you to the right EU funding programmes and show you how to prepare a strong application.
- EU funding
Find the right programme that fits your goals, technology readiness level (TRL), and ambition.
- How to prepare for funding
We explain what makes a strong application and how to stand out. We also suggest training, online or in person, to help you strengthen your proposal.
EU funding
The EU is stepping up funding to critical technologies through the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). Several funding programmes support STEP-related technologies: find the one that fits your TRL, sector, and financing needs. Each square represents a programme with the colour to indicate the funding type.
TechEU Investment Readiness Checker
If you are a European startup or scaleup working in cleantech, life sciences, digital technologies, find out how we can support your ambitions.
How to prepare for funding
Looking to secure EU funding or raise private investment? Whether you are refining your business model or preparing for investor meetings, the right training can set you up for success.
We offer a curated selection of online and in-person training programmes to help startups and small and medium-sized enterprises strengthen their investment readiness. From financial planning and market strategy to pitching and valuation, these resources equip you with the skills needed to access European public funding and attract private capital, no matter where you are starting from.
Online training
Improve your investment readiness and fundraising skills. Explore online content in English on the following topics:
- Market: Understanding your customers, competitors, and demand. This means knowing your potential customers, what they need, and how large the opportunity is. The goal is to demonstrate that there is a real, paying market for your idea.
- Product: Building a solution to a real problem that users will adopt. This covers how ideas become usable products or services and how they improve through user feedback.
- Financial results: Understanding how your business earns, spends, and manages money, and show it can grow sustainably. This includes basic financial literacy, key performance indicators, and forward-looking financial planning.
- Team: People are a key driver of startup success. This topic focuses on building, managing, and motivating a capable and diverse team that can deliver on the company’s vision.
- Funding: Understanding where the money to grow your business comes from. This includes public programmes and private investors, when to approach them, and what they expect in return.
- Pitching: Presenting your idea clearly and convincingly, in writing and in person. This includes shaping a strong narrative, preparing clear slides, and delivering with confidence to attract partners, customers, or investors.
National resources
Tailored national resources are available in selected countries, delivered in person and typically in the local language. The programme is expanding so that more startups and small and medium-sized enterprises can access hands-on support across countries.
Contact Us
If you have a question contact the Future Finance team at xxxx@eib.org