Virtual seminar to showcase new source of funding on 29 April
A new fund focussing on investments in transport, energy and digital infrastructure will be showcased at an international seminar entitled ‘Invest in Three Seas’ to be held virtually at 13:00 on 29 April. The first two investments from the fund have been made in Poland and the Baltic States, and it is hoped that further money will be channelled into these regions.
The fund in question grew out of the Three Seas Initiative, a cooperation platform between 12 countries in Central and Eastern Europe which promotes the development of infrastructure in the energy, transport and digital sectors. Having already attracted investments from nine countries (including Estonia) and one private investor, the fund is one of the most important practical outcomes of the initiative. It is currently valued at approximately 1.2 billion euros, an amount which is expected to grow to 5 billion euros.
Operating on a commercial basis, the fund enjoys the political support of the countries contributing to it whilst retaining complete decision-making freedom in terms of where to invest its resources. The fund is managed on commercial principles, with profit being the decisive factor in the choice of projects to undertake.
The fund made its first investment in Poland when it acquired the transport company Cargounit. Its second investment was made in Estonia, contributing to the creation of the biggest, most secure and most energy-efficient data centre in the Baltic States, just outside of Tallinn. The centre is being developed by the Estonian company Greenergy Data Centers which, starting with Estonia, envisions a network of energy-efficient centres running on green energy throughout Eastern and Central Europe.
Greenergy Data Centers founder and director Üllar Jaaksoo says that wherever possible, entrepreneurs looking to bring their business vision to life should select an investor who is big enough, has the same target market and shares their objectives and values from the very beginning. “The strengths of the Three Seas fund and its investment advisor, Amber Infrastructure, are their in-depth knowledge of the transport, energy and digital sectors and their familiarity with the business region in Central and Eastern Europe,” he said. “And the fund not only offers financing, but also well-argued feedback on business plans and know-how when it comes to implementing them.”
The virtual seminar will showcase the fund’s operating principles and demonstrate how to successfully apply for funding, using Estonia as an example. Developments in the transport and energy sectors in Latvia and Lithuania will also be examined, and the compact event will end with a panel moderated by President Kersti Kaljulaid of Estonia. Taking part in this discussion will be representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank and the Nordic Investment Bank.
The event is designed for those looking to grow their businesses with the support of the fund, as well as organisations interested in investing their financial resources.
The full programme and the link for registration can be found online at https://3seas.eu/event/invest-in-three-seas. The live broadcast of the event from the Creative Hub will start at 13:00 on 29 April.