Sector developments and company hires

EIF supports impact lending platform
Tikehau Capital has completed the first closing for its private debt impact lending investment platform, raising circa €100m from the EIF - backed by the European Commission’s Investment Plan for Europe - as anchor investor, alongside other key institutional investors. Tikehau Capital intends to contribute to a sustainable European economy while providing investors with competitive returns by investing primarily in European SMEs that contribute to a sustainable economic transition in Europe through their offering, their resource management or their processes. EIF participation in the fund is expected to facilitate fundraising from other institutional investors, helping the fund to reach a target size of €350m-€400m.

Tikehau Capital’s impact lending strategy provides more favourable financing conditions, such as lower interest rates, to companies that meet their sustainability goals and positively contribute to at least two out of five targeted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These SDGs relate to climate action, innovative growth and social inclusion.

The EIF says it seeks to support Tikehau Capital by fostering more private capital towards the lower end of the market and creating a catalytic effect in attracting new investors seeking investment opportunities for their SDG allocations.