EUVC E653 | Elisabeth Schrey, Deep Tech & Climate Fonds (DTCF): DeepTech & Climate Fonds
Nov 19, 2025
Dr. Elisabeth Schrey, Managing Director of the Deep Tech & Climate Fonds, leads a €1B initiative aimed at bridging funding gaps for European startups in deep tech and climate sectors. She discusses navigating the delicate balance of public funding without crowding out private capital. Topics include the co-investment model's advantages, the challenges of investing in policy-fragile sectors like hydrogen, and criteria for determining startup readiness to scale. Elisabeth emphasizes the importance of strategic investments at the right time to support Europe's future industrial champions.
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Filling The Early Growth Funding Gap
- DTCF targets an underfunded early growth stage to let startups focus on product rather than endless fundraising.
- Elisabeth Schrey believes few funds of this size exist and the market need justifies DTCF's role.
Use Syndicates To Reduce Risk
- Partner with co-investors to spread due diligence and reduce risk instead of unilaterally leading rounds.
- Use co-leads to facilitate deals and balance corporate strategic interests with startup independence.
Walking The Public-Private Tightrope
- Government-backed funds must walk a tightrope between catalysing investment and crowding out private capital.
- DTCF focuses on hardware-heavy or long-commercialisation deals where private mega-funds often avoid early tech risk.