EISMEA launches VentureMatch tender to boost EIC portfolio fundraising and investor outreach

The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) published a call for tenders on 29 September 2025 for the "EIC Investment Readiness and Investor Outreach Programme" also referred to as VentureMatch. The procurement seeks an experienced contractor to deliver investment preparation, investor matchmaking and fundraising support for EIC‑backed deep tech companies. The stated objective is to accelerate market deployment and scaling of promising European innovators by improving investor materials, widening investor access and operating digital tools for matchmaking and reporting.

What the contract covers

The tender is framed as a comprehensive service contract combining advisory, platform operation, investor relations and communications. The contractor will work with EIC awardees and EIC Key Account Managers to identify fundraising needs, improve investor presentations and pitch decks, propose investor targets, and support outreach. The activities defined in the tender include network management, pitching and networking events, operating CRM and matchmaking tools, business intelligence and ongoing communication with EIC stakeholders.

Beyond delivery, the contractor will be responsible for maintaining a dynamic learning library with guides and templates, supporting Key Account Managers, and coordinating with EIC stakeholders. The role also includes limited investor due diligence and supporting co‑investment or blended finance arrangements where relevant.

Procurement facts and timeline

Who should apply and mandatory capabilities

EISMEA asks applicants to demonstrate in‑depth expertise across investment readiness, investor outreach, event organisation and data driven matchmaking. Required evidence includes past projects in business analysis and fundraising support, experience running investor events at scale, and the operational capacity to run digital services. Tender Q&A clarifies that the tender expects a core team of around 12 full time equivalent roles, including six full time investment analysts or equivalent staffing capacity.

Performance expectations and KPIs

The specification contains a performance and quality framework with KPIs to measure outputs such as number of companies supported, investor meetings generated, funds raised or follow‑on investments. Tender questions indicate that current KPIs and reporting tools are in place and bidders should be able to adapt to and improve these indicators. The contracting authority expects evidence of prior projects with similar scale and measurable outcomes.

Data protection, IP and use of AI

The tender refers to EU data protection rules and EISMEA data protection notices. Bidders must account for secure handling of applicant and investor personal data, and for data portability and handover arrangements to the contracting authority. Tender documents note that contractors will process personal data under Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 and that the use of AI tools may be permitted for assistance but not for automated decision making.

Ecosystem context and practical implications

The VentureMatch tender sits inside a wider EIC ecosystem that includes the EIC Fund, EIB and ecosystem partners. The stated ambition is to leverage investor networks and improve the investment pulling power of EIC portfolio companies. For the European deep tech ecosystem this could help lower information asymmetries and standardise investment readiness support across Member States. However procurement documents also expose practical challenges around vendor selection, data integration, and demonstrating additionality beyond private sector matching services.

How to apply and where to find documents

All tender documentation and the invitation to tender are available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Submission is electronic only and the deadline is 10 November 2025 at 10:00 CET. The contracting authority is EISMEA and the award will follow a best price‑quality ratio. Prospective bidders should consult the Tender Specifications, Annexes and the public Q&A on the portal before submitting.

What bidders must demonstrate

EISMEA asks applicants to demonstrate prior delivery of investment preparation and fundraising support at scale, digital and data driven services, validated investor networks, and event management capacity. The ability to provide secure IT services, report against KPIs and coordinate with EIC stakeholders including the EIC Fund is necessary. Tender Q&A clarifies that references may come from consortium members or subcontractors where relevant and that staff may be based outside the EU provided legal and contractual requirements are respected.

Final note for readers and market participants

This procurement represents a significant public investment into the investor outreach capacity surrounding the EIC portfolio. For vendors and consortia it is an opportunity to shape investor engagement across hundreds of deep tech startups. For startups and investors the impact will depend on operational execution, quality of matchmaking and the ability to demonstrate measurable fundraising outcomes. Interested parties should read the tender documents carefully, examine the Q&A on the portal and prepare evidence of past results, technology and process safeguards, and robust data protection arrangements.