Aerospace

J.F. Lehman & Company (“JFLCO”)'s is a continuation fund for JFL Credit Opportunities I, L.P. Credit Fund I’s assets under management include new capital commitments as well as the portfolio of credit positions formerly held indirectly by JFL Equity Investor VI, L.P. and its affiliates (“Fund VI”) in high-quality, middle-market companies within the firm’s target industries (aerospace, defense, government, maritime, environmental and infrastructure sectors). Pantheon, a leading global private markets investor, acted as the lead investor, with StepStone Group also participating. JFLCO’s credit strategy is opportunistic in nature, spanning syndicated credit, secondary direct lending and distressed situations across the firm’s core industries.

The European Defence and Security Tech Fund is a €125 million venture capital vehicle launched by Keen Venture Partners to back early-stage technology companies innovating in defence, security, and space. Anchored by a €40 million investment from the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the European Commission’s Defence Equity Facility, the fund is one of the first dedicated initiatives aimed at enhancing Europe’s strategic autonomy in defence innovation. The fund targets 20 to 25 companies operating at the seed to Series B stages, focusing on advanced technologies such as cyber defence, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics, and space security. Keen Venture Partners aims to identify and support startups that can contribute to Europe's dual-use capabilities and resilience in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. Operating out of Amsterdam and London, Keen Venture Partners brings a thesis-driven, founder-centric approach. The team’s previous track record in deeptech investments and partnerships with institutional actors positions the fund to become a central actor in the European defence tech ecosystem. The vehicle is open to startups across the EU, the UK, Norway, and Turkey.

The Manulife Capital Partners VII (MCP VII) private credit fund has closed at $752m and will focus on 20-30 portfolio companies with over $20m in EBITDA. The fund will target sectors including business services, industrial manufacturing, aerospace and defence, as well as building products. MCP VII aims to provide high yield with equity upside through investment of junior credit capital in US middle market companies. It is backed by a global investor base of institutional and private capital investors, including a capital commitment from Manulife. The fund's investment approach includes a target mix of subordinated and second-lien debt and structured and common equity, allowing for meaningful participation in growth balanced by the potential for double-digit yield. The veteran team has deployed more than US$3.3 billion into 126 companies as a result of their experience and ability to bring flexible capital to a selective portfolio of companies that meet their investment criteria. The fund is managed by Josh Liebow and Matt Szwarc, who serve as Portfolio Managers.

Seraphim Space is launching its second VC fund, Seraphim Space Ventures II aimed at investing in space tech startups at the seed and Series A stages. The fund is expected to have a global portfolio of 30 startups with investments from major players in the aerospace sector. The space tech market is growing rapidly and is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, attracting the interest of several funds specializing in the sector. Seraphim Space aims to differentiate itself with a strong track record, having returned three times the original investment from its first fund. The fund's focus areas include AI applications in space data, in-orbit computing, space-enabled communications, and microgravity for scientific research. These investments are aimed at addressing key challenges related to climate change, agriculture, infrastructure, and biopharma. While defense is not highlighted as a specific investment theme, Seraphim Space acknowledges its significance in the space tech industry and sees a bigger market opportunity in commercial applications across various sectors.