ECBF will be a dedicated fund to invest in the Circular and Bio-Based Industries in Europe. The transition of today’s economies to become more sustainable willcreate attractive business and hence investment opportunities. Across many industry sectors new technologies and products are under development to enable the transition from linear to circular value chains. Climate change, environmental pollution, finite fossil resources as well as food security are at the top of the political agendas around the globe.

The following industry subsectors will be covered:

• Circular economy technologies and new business models incl. digitalization which enable resource efficiency and supply chain optimization, re-usage, reduction and recycling of waste streams as well as carbon capture

• Biomass/feedstock production, i.e. increase of output and/or decrease footprint of agriculture, farming, forestry and blue economy

• Technologies to enable biomass/feedstock processing, e.g. biorefineries and conversion technologies

• Bio-based chemicals & materials, e.g. monomeric building blocks, polymers, fibers and composites

• Performance biologicals, i.e. specialties with applications in nutrition, personal care and other industry verticals

The companies and projects have to be located in the European Union including the 16 HORIZON 2020 associated countries).

Only late stage companies are eligible for investment: the underlying technology has at least been demonstrated in a relevant environment, i.e. Technology Readiness Level from 6 to 9).

The investment size ranges from € 2.5- 10 million.

ESG Criteria: Commitment with Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria is a condition for an investment. Contributions to CO₂-reduction, biodiversity, circularity, mitigation toxic substances are highly valued.