Investment & Fund Management

Croatian early- to growth-stage startups with environmental and social impact faced significant challenges in accessing funding to support their initiatives. To address this issue, the European Investment Fund (EIF) contributed EUR 15 million to the Feelsgood Fund, which is the first social impact venture capital fund in Croatia, launched with a total size of EUR 30 million. This fund is specifically designed to invest in startups operating in sectors such as financial inclusion, agriculture, circular economy, education, and healthcare.

The tailored solution provided by the Feelsgood Fund includes not only financial backing but also the integration of an academic panel from the University of Zagreb and the Zagreb Institute of Economics. This panel is tasked with measuring and monitoring the social impact of the investments, ensuring that the fund's contributions lead to significant positive changes in addressing pressing social and environmental challenges.

As a result of this initiative, the Feelsgood Fund is expected to create new investment opportunities for Croatian and Slovenian startups, thereby fostering sustainable development in the region. The EIF's commitment is anticipated to have a substantial signaling effect, encouraging further investments with a focus on social and environmental impact in Central and Southern Europe. This marks a significant step in maturing the local financial market, as the Feelsgood Fund is managed entirely by a Croatian team, highlighting the growing capacity and expertise within the country.