How Investment Funds Can Support Regional Economic Development and Job Creation

Investment funds support regional economic development by directing capital to local businesses, strengthening ecosystems, backing entrepreneurs, and creating long-term jobs outside major financial hubs through place-based, mission-driven investment strategies.

Investing Beyond Major Economic Centers

Regional economic development requires capital that is anchored locally.

This episode explores how investment funds can play a catalytic role by financing businesses rooted in their territories and supporting sustainable, decentralized growth.

From Corporate Leadership to Regional Entrepreneurship

We welcome Ronan Le Moal, former CEO of Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, now acting as an entrepreneur and investor.

After years leading a major financial institution, Ronan chose to focus his efforts on building long-term economic value at the regional level.

Epopée Gestion: A Place-Based Investment Model

Together with Charles Cabillic, Ronan co-founded Epopée Gestion, an investment fund based in Brest.

The fund’s core mission is to:

• Support regional economies
• Finance local entrepreneurs
• Create durable jobs
• Strengthen territorial ecosystems

Capital becomes a tool for local transformation.

How Local Funds Create Jobs and Resilience

By investing close to the field, regional funds can:

• Identify underfunded opportunities
• Support SMEs and growth-stage companies
• Encourage reinvestment within the territory
• Build resilient, diversified local economies

Job creation follows when capital aligns with local needs.

Developing Strong Local Ecosystems

Beyond financing, regional investment funds contribute to ecosystem-building by:

• Connecting entrepreneurs, institutions, and partners
• Supporting governance and long-term strategy
• Anchoring decision-making locally

Economic development accelerates when ecosystems collaborate.