Press Release: State aid: The Commission approves a French risk capital scheme to help innovative new businesses

The European Commission has concluded that the national venture capital fund (FNA), that aims to encourage the raising of risk capital for innovative SMEs in their early-growth stages, is compatible with the European Union's rules on state aid and in particular with the guidelines on risk capital.

This fund will invest in other funds managed by private fund managers that target above all new businesses with strong innovative potential.

The Commission has concluded that the positive effects of the scheme on the development of innovative SMEs are greater than any distortions of competition that might arise as a result of the aid granted.