Prêt d’Amorçage (seed loan)
This unsecured loan is for innovative SMEs that have received innovation support (Bpifrance aid, an i-Lab prize or aid for an RDI project) within the last two years and have started raising funds from investors. Amounts, rates and repayment terms depend on Bpifrance’s review and must be confirmed before any decision.
A fundraising round with investors takes time, while an innovative company often has to keep financing its activity during negotiations. Bpifrance’s Prêt d’Amorçage helps prepare or support the round by strengthening cash flow, with no security required on the company’s assets or the manager’s personal assets.
Funded by Bpifrance
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Who can apply
The scheme targets innovative SMEs under the EU definition (fewer than 250 employees, revenue below €50M or balance sheet below €43M), less than 5 years old. The company must have received, within the last 2 years, Bpifrance innovation aid, an i-Lab prize or aid for a research, development and innovation (RDI) project, and must already have started raising funds from investors.
Eligibility conditions
The decisive condition is the combination of recent innovation support (within 2 years) and a fundraising process actually under way — this loan is not intended for a company that has not yet approached investors. The loan is granted with no security on the company’s assets or the manager’s personal assets.
What the scheme covers
The loan covers the company’s cash needs while a fundraising round is negotiated and finalised: it does not finance a specific project or cost, but strengthens the company’s overall financial capacity during this pivotal period.
Amount and funding terms
According to the information available, the loan is between €50,000 and €100,000. The amount actually granted depends on the company’s profile, the progress of the fundraising and Bpifrance’s review; interest rates and repayment terms are not detailed here and must be checked directly with Bpifrance.
How to apply
1. Check that your company has received Bpifrance innovation aid, an i-Lab prize or RDI aid within the last 2 years. 2. Start or document your fundraising process with investors. 3. Contact Bpifrance to assess eligibility for the Prêt d’Amorçage. 4. Prepare the financing application, including the progress of the fundraising. 5. Confirm the amount, rate and repayment terms offered after review.
Timeline
A permanent Bpifrance scheme with no fixed application deadline: applications are reviewed on a rolling basis according to the progress of the company’s fundraising.
Key facts
- Funder
- Bpifrance
- Type of funding
- Loan
- Status
- Ongoing
- Maximum amount
- €100,000
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Minimum amount
- €50,000
- Automatically extracted — check the official source
- Geographic scope
- All of France
Frequently asked questions
Is security required for this loan?
No, it is granted with no security on the company’s assets or the manager’s personal assets.
Which companies can benefit?
Innovative SMEs less than 5 years old that have received Bpifrance innovation aid, an i-Lab prize or RDI aid within the last 2 years and have started a fundraising round.
How much is the loan?
Between €50,000 and €100,000 according to the information available, to be confirmed during the review.
Does this loan replace the fundraising?
No, it supports cash flow during negotiations; it does not replace the funds raised from investors.
Official source
Official Bpifrance page ↗(manual)Applications are made from the official source (usually in French).
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