New EPO Study: Mapping Investors for European Innovators

The Observatory on Patents and Technology department of the European Patent Office (EPO) has released a new study “Mapping Investors for European Innovators”, which identifies key investors essential for the successful commercialisation of cutting-edge innovations. The study explores the challenges faced by tech start-ups in securing public and private funding in Europe, with a comparative analysis of the funding landscape in the US. 

The study’s comprehensive mapping of tech investors forms part of the EPO’s broader initiative to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups across Europe. To enhance this effort, the EPO has updated its Deep Tech Finder tool with a new filter that enables start-ups to identify the most suitable investors based on criteria such as funding stage, country, or technology field. This update extends the capabilities of the free online tool, which already provides access to over 10,000 investment-ready European start-ups, spin-outs, and universities with patent applications at the EPO.