AirFund, a digital marketplace established in 2021 to streamline the distribution of private market funds (non-listed assets) to individual investors through specialised wealth management distributors, announces the structuring of its first feeder fund. This fund will invest in the master fund ACF IX, managed by Access Capital Partners. The feeder fund is being launched in collaboration with IQ-EQ, an international investor services group, through its French AIFM subsidiary, IQ EQ Management.
Following equity investments in 2023 by Amundi and Indosuez Wealth Management, and the establishment of a partnership with FundChannel, Crédit Agricole’s european distribution platform, this new initiative represents a key milestone in accelerating the development of AirFund’s innovative business model.
AirFund now offers distributors access to a broad range of top-tier private asset strategies, simplifying contractual relationships by intermediating fund distribution. The platform also enables its partner asset management firms to raise capital from individual investors through fully digital and regulatory-compliant processes.
The ACF IX GBO fund targets high-growth European private SMEs in sectors such as healthcare, IT, and business services. Employing a hybrid investment strategy that combines primary fund investments with secondary market transactions, this 9th-generation fund aims to support high-potential businesses while integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
Strategic partnerships and sustained growth
This partnership with Access Capital Partners, which boasts 26 years of experience and €14.2 billion in assets under management, allows AirFund to offer a truly unique investment solution. With an anticipated net IRR of 12-15% and a target multiple of 2.1x to 2.3x, the structured feeder fund is designed to deliver attractive returns to investors seeking diversification into European private SMEs. The fund’s closing is expected by the end of 2024.
Comprehensive collaboration with IQ-EQ
By partnering with IQ-EQ through its AIFM subsidiary IQ EQ Management, a specialist in alternative fund management, AirFund guarantees a robust and compliant structuring of the feeder fund in line with AIFM regulations. This strategic collaboration enhances AirFund’s position as a key player in private equity investments while optimising asset management and monitoring.
Simplifying access to high-quality investments
Investors can subscribe to the funds listed on the AirFund marketplace through their advisors, and the platform enables complete digitalisation of compliance processes, including KYC-KYB (Know Your Client/Business) checks and AML-CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing) verifications.
With the CIF license obtained in June 2024, AirFund further reinforces its commitment to delivering investment solutions that adhere to the highest regulatory standards for distributors.
“At AirFund, we are committed to professionalizing access to private market funds by making leading investments more accessible and transparent. This partnership with Access Capital Partners perfectly aligns with our vision of opening up these opportunities to a wider network of distributors and investors,” said Alexandre Harkous, CEO of AirFund.
“We are delighted to make our flagship investment strategy in SMEs accessible to individual investors. The partnership with AirFund and IQ-EQ was an obvious choice. By combining Access’s expertise, AirFund’s innovative technology and network of partners, along with IQ-EQ’s know-how, we are offering a broader audience the opportunity to invest in the real economy, while ensuring a smooth and simplified investment experience,” announced Agnès Nahum and Philippe Poggioli, Managing Partners, Access Capital Partners.
“We are delighted to partner with AirFund in a collaboration that aligns perfectly with our commitment to actively contribute to the democratization of private equity. As an AIFM partner, we are proud to leverage our expertise in support of this innovative initiative, which blends the power of a digital platform with the rigor of management that meets the highest regulatory standards. This project is a perfect fit with our mission to support key players who are transforming the landscape of alternative, unlisted investments,” says Romain Mifsud, Chief Commercial Officer of IQ-EQ France.
