Article 7

act honestly, fairly and with due skill, care and diligence in conducting their activities;

apply appropriate policies and procedures for preventing malpractices that can reasonably be expected to affect the interests of the investors and the qualifying portfolio undertakings;

conduct their business activities in such a way as to promote the best interests of the qualifying venture capital funds they manage, the investors therein and the integrity of the market;

apply a high level of diligence in the selection and ongoing monitoring of investments in qualifying portfolio undertakings;

possess adequate knowledge and understanding of the qualifying portfolio undertakings in which they invest;

treat their investors fairly. This shall not preclude more favourable treatment of private investors than of a public investor, provided that such treatment is compatible with State aid rules, in particular Article 21 of Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 ( 6 ), and is disclosed in the fund’s rules or instruments of incorporation;

ensure that no investor obtains preferential treatment, unless such preferential treatment is disclosed in the rules or instruments of incorporation of the qualifying venture capital fund.