GE, the US conglomerate, has boosted Europe's venture capital market by opening a London branch of GE Technology Finance, which provides debt to technology companies backed by venture capitalists.

The business allows early-stage private equity firms to introduce debt, which is less expensive than equity, into their portfolio companies. GE Technology Finance typically makes investments of between €500,000 ($600,000) and €5m. US firms have used this service to enhance their returns for some years.