The German state of Hesse is further expanding support for SMEs through the “Hessen Kapital I” (English: “Hesse Capital I”) investment fund. It is aimed in particular at start-ups and small, innovative SMEs and supports them with equity and similar financial funds to promote their growth.

Germany’s federal “RegioInnoGrowth” programme will provide a total of EUR 51 million to increase the investment fund in the state of Hesse by the end of the programme on 14 August 2026. On 15 August 2023, the German Federal Government and KfW launched “RegioInnoGrowth” (RIG), a new component of the Future Fund. KfW’s proven cooperation with the promotional institutions of the German federal states creates tailor-made financing solutions to strengthen the equity base of innovative companies.

KfW is now entering into its second cooperation at state level. On 30 October 2023, both sides signed a global loan agreement to finance the “Hessen Kapital I” fund launched by the state of Hesse.

With the Hessian fund, the RIG cooperation between KfW and WIBank creates another opportunity for offering customised support to companies in Hesse. The focus is on start-ups that pursue environmental, digital or social innovations in particular, as well as medium-sized companies on an innovation and growth course.

Hesse’s PR