With ten projects accelerated and two years of activity, the Bioboost Accelerator has consolidated its role as a valuable tool to activate transformative, locally rooted initiatives. Collaboration with these Bioboosters has revealed a combined investment potential of €55 million, while also highlighting the barriers that hinder capital mobilisation.
Instruments to unlock investment in bioeconomy projects
Based on the experience gained, Bioboost has begun to test and recommend several financial instruments that better suit the specific nature of bioeconomy projects:
- SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle)
The creation of a dedicated legal entity for each project facilitates governance, separates the project from the original promoters, and increases the confidence of investors and public or private partners.
- Output-based financing
Financing linked to measurable environmental outcomes, such as carbon credits or the provision of ecosystem services, which can serve as guarantees or returns for the investment received.
- Public guarantees (capped and uncapped)
Instruments such as those offered by the European Investment Fund (EIF) or Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) that reduce the perceived risk for investors, especially in innovative or early-stage projects.
- Blended finance
The combination of public and private capital, where public funding assumes higher risk or lower returns to make the operation more attractive for private investors. Particularly suitable for projects with high social or environmental impact but limited or delayed profitability.
- Co-investment platforms
Spaces where public and private investors jointly fund bioeconomy enterprises. These platforms allow for risk-sharing, leverage additional capital, and channel investment towards high-value initiatives.
The combined use of these instruments aims to build a more efficient financial architecture, tailored to the bioeconomy’s specific characteristics: systemic nature (linked to multiple sectors and value chains), long-term returns, involvement of diverse stakeholders, and strong territorial anchorage.
Bioboost will continue to put this practical knowledge at the service of the territory to help channel capital towards initiatives capable of modernising key sectors, creating employment, and driving a more circular and resilient economy.