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UK could join $4.65 billion EU startup fund, EU official tells FT - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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UK could join $4.65 billion EU startup fund, EU official tells FT 

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 26, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: May 26, 2026

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UK Could Join $4.65 Billion EU Startup Equity Fund This Year

Potential UK Participation in EU Startup Fund

Background and Current Developments

May 26 (Reuters) - The UK could join a European Union equity investment fund for startups worth 4 billion euros ($4.65 billion) this year, the EU Commissioner for startups Ekaterina Zaharieva told the Financial Times in a report published on Tuesday. 

Conditions for UK Involvement

Zaharieva said the move was in the “mutual interest” but would require a treaty change to reverse a UK decision to opt out of participation, according to the report.

Currency Conversion

($1 = 0.8595 euros)

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Ananya Palyekar in Bengaluru; Editing by Jamie Freed)

Key Takeaways

  • The UK could join the €4 billion EU startup fund this year, pending a treaty amendment to reverse its opt‑out.
  • Inclusion of the UK is described as being in the “mutual interest” by Commissioner Zaharieva.
  • The fund is part of the EU’s Scaleup Europe Fund and broader Startup and Scaleup Strategy to boost deep‑tech and innovation in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EU startup fund worth?
The EU startup fund is valued at 4 billion euros, equivalent to approximately $4.65 billion.
Who reported the UK's potential involvement in the EU startup fund?
The news was reported by the Financial Times, citing EU Commissioner for startups, Ekaterina Zaharieva.
What condition must be met for the UK to join the EU startup fund?
A treaty change is required to reverse the UK's previous decision to opt out of the fund.
Why is the UK's participation considered important?
According to the EU Commissioner, joining the fund would be in the mutual interest of both the UK and EU.

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