Tikehau Capital Launches European Defense Fund with Societé Générale, CNP, and CARAC

Funding | Jun 16, 2025 | Societe Generale SA

Tikehau Capital Launches European Defense Fund with Societé Générale, CNP, and CARAC

Tikehau Capital, in collaboration with Societé Générale Assurances, CNP Assurances, and CARAC Group, has launched a private equity fund named Tikehau Defense and Security. The initiative focuses on bolstering European defense and technological capabilities with an initial commitment of €150 million equally distributed among the collaborating partners. The fund, positioned as an Article 8 fund, aims to target the strategic sectors of aeronautics and cybersecurity due to their market potential and dual civilian-military nature. Notably, Tikehau Capital's existing expertise will guide the fund's investments across primary, secondary, co-investment, and private debt, primarily benefiting European companies. Structured as a Specialized Professional Fund compliant with ELTIF 2.0 regulations, it features an evergreen format with a 99-year lifespan. This structure will make these traditionally institutional investments accessible to individual investors, thanks to the innovative frameworks provided by the collaborating partners. Insights from company executives at Tikehau Capital, CARAC Group, Societé Générale Assurances, and CNP Assurances highlight the fund's role in championing national strategic autonomy in defense and security sectors.

Sectors

  • Private Equity
  • Defense & Security
  • Financial Services
  • Technology

Geography

  • Europe – The fund targets European defense and technological capabilities, aiming to support strategic industrial sectors in Europe.
  • France – The fund's backers, including Tikehau Capital and other French insurers, highlight its role in promoting France's strategic autonomy in defense.

Industry

  • Private Equity – The article discusses the launch of a new private equity fund by Tikehau Capital and partner insurers.
  • Defense & Security – The fund is dedicated to investing in the defense and security sectors of Europe.
  • Financial Services – Involves life insurance and retirement savings as financial products tied to the investment fund.
  • Technology – Focuses on technological and industrial capabilities, particularly in the aeronautics and cybersecurity sectors.

Financials

  • 150 million euros – Initial commitment for the Tikehau Defense and Security fund, equally invested by the three insurer partners.
  • 1.5 billion euros – Total funds raised by Tikehau Capital over the last five years for non-listed investments via life insurance.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Tikehau CapitalLead and originator of the FundCompanyA key player in the democratization of non-listed investments via life insurance, having raised over €1.5 billion to date.
Societé Générale AssurancesPartner and Fund InvestorCompanyProviding its expertise and distribution channel for the fund.
CNP AssurancesPartner and Fund InvestorCompanyAllows customers to access diversified investments and supports the strategic defense sector.
CARAC GroupPartner and Fund InvestorCompanyPlans to step up investments supporting the sovereignty and strategic autonomy of France and Europe.
French Ministry of DefenseSupporterGovernmentSupports the fund to align with national strategic priorities.
French Armament Procurement AgencySupporterGovernmentAids in the fund's endeavor to back defense sectors.