Interview:

1. You announced that the EcoAustria study on the necessity of the fund-of-funds will be published in September. Can you already share some insights with our network?

   
   

We have already been able to draw some exciting findings from the EcoAustria study, which we also underlined during the government conference. The study analyzed different fund-of-funds models in the US, Europe, and Asia — each with its own advantages and disadvantages. While the US relies heavily on private capital, European countries tend to focus on public-private partnerships, such as Germany with KfW Capital or Denmark, which has since transitioned to a purely private model. Germany in particular is an important reference point for us: KfW Capital is expected to reach a fund volume of around €13.6 billion by 2030. For us as policymakers, it is crucial that the Austrian fund-of-funds is managed independently and led by a team with international experience. That is a key factor for success. The fund will be anchored by public investment and will additionally pool private capital.

2. What success criteria must the Rot-Weiß-Rot fund-of-funds meet to function both as an effective policy instrument and as an attractive investment vehicle? And which international best practices are you looking to when shaping its structure?

   
   

The fund-of-funds must achieve two things: First, it should serve as an effective economic policy instrument that fosters growth, innovation, and value creation in Austria. Second, it must also be an attractive investment opportunity for investors. Only if both come together will it be successful in the long term. 

The EcoAustria study shows that international models are very diverse — ranging from highly private-driven approaches in the US to public-private partnerships like in Germany or previously Denmark. For us, it is crucial to leverage the strengths of these examples and adapt them to Austria’s needs. 

Above all, we will orient ourselves towards best practices that emphasise independent management with international expertise. This is key to building trust, ensuring professional operations, and delivering real impact.

3. What steps will follow the publication of the study, and what timeline do you foresee to move from concept to concrete implementation?

   
   

The next step will be to bring institutional investors on board, such as insurance companies, pension funds, or provident funds. We are working intensively on this right now. At the same time, we are reviewing the necessary framework conditions to ensure that participation in the fund-of-funds is as attractive as possible for all parties involved.

4. In your view, what political, technical, or financial hurdles must be overcome in the coming months to successfully launch the fund-of-funds?

   
   

On the political level, there is consensus: the fund-of-funds is necessary to give startups, scale-ups and spin-offs in Austria a real future and support them financially during their growth phase. In the coming months, the main task will be to establish the right framework conditions and secure the necessary partners.

5. You are driving both the Rot-Weiß-Rot fund-of-funds and Austria’s startup policy overall. What personally motivates you to champion startups and innovation, and how do you see their contribution to Austria’s future as a “startup nation”?

   
   

I have been engaged with the startup scene for more than twenty years. In my former role as head of Junge Wirtschaft and the Gründerservice at the Austrian Economic Chamber, I was deeply committed to the concerns of founders. That enthusiasm has never left me. Today, I have the opportunity to do even more to ensure that Austria truly becomes a startup nation.