The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Societe Generale have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at expanding financial support for fast-growing cleantech start-ups and mid-cap companies, as Europe seeks to accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy.
The partnership will combine EIB guarantees with Societe Generale’s working capital solutions to help emerging cleantech manufacturers overcome long production cycles and limited access to competitive financing — constraints that have slowed their ability to scale. Many of these firms struggle to secure sufficient working capital despite strong demand for technologies in areas such as renewable energy, green mobility and circular economy solutions.
Backed by up to €250 million from InvestEU, the EU’s flagship programme for innovation and sustainability, the EIB will provide guarantees to unlock working capital facilities — including advance payment and performance bonds — offered by Societe Generale. The measure is intended to accelerate the bank’s support for “Emerging Leaders”, a segment within its environmental transition financing framework launched in 2023.
The collaboration will target companies supporting Europe’s climate and environmental priorities, including decarbonisation, circular economy systems, sustainable bioeconomy initiatives, natural resource protection and pollution prevention. Cleantech activities covered under the scheme span energy, mobility, bioeconomy, industrial decarbonisation and recycling technologies.
Jean-Christophe Laloux, Director General for EU Operations at the EIB, said: “We are very happy to sign our first Memorandum of Cooperation on clean technologies with Societe Generale, and we look forward to jointly supporting the scale-up of European companies. As Europe’s climate bank, the EIB considers the development of the cleantech sector as an essential tool to make the green transition a success.”
Lénaïg Trenaux, Global Co-Head of Energy, Battery, Mining & Industries – Sustainable and Impact Advisory at Societe Generale, added: “This partnership reflects Societe Generale’s contribution to advancing the environmental transition. By joining forces with the EIB, we are reinforcing our action and helping emerging energy transition leaders get the financing they need to grow and deliver impactful low-carbon solutions in Europe.”
The agreement was signed in Paris and forms part of TechEU, the EIB Group’s programme to accelerate innovation across Europe. It also contributes to the objectives of the EU’s Clean Industrial Act.
