A fundamental problem for SME development in Poland is shortage of internal capital as well as lack of access to external sources of financing. Due to high credit risk and lack of collateral, debt instruments are only scarcely available to SMEs. Supply of venture capital for such enterprises is even lower.

• Positive impact on the venture capital sector, mainly due to the lack of investment alternatives for private investors and significant funds waiting on the sidelines for viable investment opportunities.
• Positive effect on the quality of investments and transparency of the whole sector.

Polish SMEs

KFK is an institutional SME investor based in Warsaw specialising in venture capital. It has an important role in business promotion in Poland. KFK has the task of facilitating financial intermediation in the field of venture capital. The investment model is consequently based on a public-private partnership. This means that KFK uses public funds as a leverage to mobilise private resources. KFK and private investors (e.g. pension funds, insurance companies) invest equal shares in venture capital funds, which are selected by means of public tenders. The fund companies in turn participate in the equity of promising SME. Capital and returns on successful investments are subsequently reinvested by KFK.

Risultati raggiunti:  

Considering the project and the market developments, it was decided to enlarge the scope of the project and to introduce an instrument supporting SMEs in accessing capital through a loan guarantee scheme for commercial banks implemented following the de minimis rules. By the end of 2017 35 Polish SMEs had received investment from venture capital funds and 1,224 enterprises had obtained guarantees. This helped to create 1,107 jobs. The funds will remain active as revolving funds.

Fase 1 01.05.2009 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)