Midlands Engine Investment Fund II

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) is a collaboration between the British Business Bank and ten Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in the West Midlands and East and South East Midlands. It is supported by the European Regional Development Fund. The initial MEIF aimed to boost small and medium business (SME) growth in the Midlands by providing commercially focused finance through various instruments including Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Proof of Concept, and Equity Finance. The first fund completed its investment phase in December 2023, having facilitated over £400m of direct and private sector co-investment to growing companies across the Midlands. The fund strategically draws its funding from diverse sources including the UK Government, the European Investment Bank, the British Business Bank, the European Regional Development Fund, and nine Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) forming part of the Midlands Engine, plus the South East Midlands LEP. These LEPs are integral to the fund's operation, facilitating regional investment. MEIF is transitioning to the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II), scheduled to launch in March 2024. MEIF II will also deliver £400m of investment to growing companies. The fund supports businesses within the defined Midlands Engine area, fostering economic growth and development in the region. The fund is committed to supporting the growth of SMEs and driving innovation in the Midlands. The overall strategy is to provide various types of finance to SMEs to support their growth at different stages of development, from proof of concept to expansion. The fund is designed to be a catalyst for further investment, attracting private sector co-investment alongside its own investments.

Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Proof of Concept, Equity Finance

Core thematic spaces, technologies, and target market segments of interest.