AirFund announces the structuring of its first private equity feeder fund for specialized wealth management distributors

Paris, September 17, 2024 - AirFund, a digital Marketplace created in 2021 to simplify the distribution of private market funds (unlisted assets) to retail investors via specialist wealth management distributors, announces the structuring of its first feeder fund, which will invest in the master fund ACF IX managed by Access Capital Partners. This feeder fund is being launched in collaboration with IQ-EQ, an international investor services group, via its AIFM subsidiary in France, IQ EQ Management.

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Following the entry of Amundi and Indosuez Wealth Management into its capital in 2023, and the signing of a partnership with FundChannel, the Crédit Agricole Group's European distribution platform, this initiative marks a new stage in the accelerated development of the AirFund model.  

AirFund now provides distributors with access to some of the best private asset strategies on the market, simplifying contractual relations by intermediating distribution, and enabling partner management companies to raise funds from retail customers in a fully digital, regulatory-compliant way.  

The ACF IX GBO fund targets high-growth, unlisted European SMEs in sectors such as healthcare, IT and business services. Thanks to its mixed approach of investing in primary funds and secondary transactions, this 9th generation fund aims to support high-potential companies while integrating environmental and social criteria (ESG).

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Strategic partnerships and sustained expansion

This partnership with Access Capital Partners, renowned for its 26 years of experience and 14.2 billion euros in assets under management, enables AirFund to offer a unique investment solution. With an expected net IRR of 12-15% and a target multiple of 2.1x to 2.3x*, the structured feeder fund aims to offer attractive returns to investors seeking to diversify their portfolios in unlisted European SMEs. The fund is scheduled to close at the end of 2024.

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Extended collaboration with IQ-EQ

By teaming up with IQ-EQ, an international group specializing in investor services, via its AIFM subsidiary IQ EQ Management, an expert in alternative asset management, AirFund guarantees a robust structuring of the feeder fund, in compliance with AIFM regulations. This strategic alliance enables the platform to position itself as a key player in private equity investments, while optimizing asset management and monitoring.

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Simplifying access to quality investment

Investors can subscribe to funds on the AirFund Marketplace via their advisors, and the platform digitizes the entire compliance process, including KYC-KYB (Know Your Client/Business) and AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism) checks.  

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The CIF approval obtained in June 2024 reinforces AirFund's commitment to offering investment solutions that meet the highest regulatory standards for distributors.

"At AirFund, we strive to professionalize access to private market funds by making investment in these leading funds accessible and transparent. This partnership with Access Capital Partners is fully in line with our vision of opening up these opportunities to a wider range of distributors and investors," says Alexandre Harkous, CEO of AirFund. Alexandre Harkous, CEO of AirFund.

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"We're delighted to make our flagship SME investment strategy available to retail investors. The partnership with AirFund and IQ-EQ was an obvious choice. By combining Access' expertise, AirFund's innovative technology and network of partners, and IQ-EQ's know-how, we are offering a wider public the opportunity to invest in the real economy, while guaranteeing a smooth and simplified investment experience," announce Agnès Nahum and Philippe Poggioli Access Capital Partner

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"We are delighted with this collaboration with AirFund, which is perfectly in line with our desire to play an active part in the democratization of private equity. As an AIFM partner, we are delighted to put our expertise at the service of this innovative initiative, which combines the power of a digital platform with the rigor of management that complies with the highest regulatory standards. This project is perfectly in line with our mission to support the players who are transforming the landscape of alternative, non-exchangeable investments", affirms Romain Mifsud, Chief Commercial Officer. Romain Mifsud, Chief Commercial Officer of IQ-EQ.

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Press Contacts - Agence Fargo

Féten Ben Hariz - fbenhariz@fargo.agency - 06 16 83 63 06  

Diana Kostova - dkostova@fargo.agency - 06 16 83 87 50  

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About AirFund

Created in 2021, AirFund is an innovative digital platform dedicated to the distribution of private market funds.

By obtaining CIF authorization in June 2024 under the Orias number 24004281 and by partnering with major players such as Amundi and Indosuez Wealth Management, AirFund is committed to offering a private investment experience combining technological innovation , digital pathways, security, simplicity and performance. ‍

With a clear European ambition, AirFund aims to become the benchmark platform in Europe by 2028.

Join over 500 distributors who have already placed their trust in AirFund and gain access to exclusive investment opportunities today. Register now on https://app.airfund.io.

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About Access Capital Partners

Access Capital Partners is an independent private asset manager founded in December 1998 and majority owned by its management. With offices in six European countries and total investor commitments of €14.3 billion, Access' integrated expertise provides exposure to small-cap private equity and infrastructure assets in Europe, through multi-strategy funds, direct investment and co-investment funds, as well as dedicated mandates for its clients.

An early signatory to the United Nations' Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2008, the company is fully committed to integrating environmental, social and governance best practices into its investment strategies.

14.3 billion in assets under management (AUM)*

350 INVESTORS

6 OFFICES IN EUROPE

98 EMPLOYEES

*funds historically raised

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About IQ-EQ

IQ-EQ is a global leader in investor services, with a unique offering to meet the administration, compliance and reporting needs of the investment industry worldwide.

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We employ over 5,800 people across 25 jurisdictions, and our assets under administration and management exceed $750 billion. We work with 13 of the world's top 15 private equity firms.

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IQ EQ Management is a portfolio management company approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers on October 25, 2002 under number GP 02-023.

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To learn more about IQ-EQ, please visit iqeq.com.

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Download the press release