British Claret Capital Partners, Europe’s largest independent growth debt fund manager, has announced the second close of its Fund IV, bringing total commitments to over €350 million and total assets under management to over $1 billion.
Fund IV has secured commitments from Banca March, a Canadian pension fund, a well-established German foundation, British Business Bank, The European Investment Fund (EIF), ISIF, KfW Capital, and Wachstumsfonds Deutschland – launched on the platform of Universal Investment.
David Bateman, Managing Partner at Claret Capital Partners comments: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the LPs for their continued trust in our investment strategy, and to the outstanding companies and co-investors who choose to partner with us – their collaboration is central to our mission and long-term success. It’s a privilege to partner with the Founders and management teams who are driving growth and innovation across Europe.”
Since 2013, the Claret funds have deployed over €1.2 billion and backed over 190 SMEs in the technology, life sciences and climate tech sectors, from across Europe. The team have been active in the technology financing markets for over 25 years and provide debt solutions to help entrepreneurs and private equity investors grow their companies while minimising dilution.
Since March 2025, the firm has added 12 new companies to its Fund IV portfolio – including Fund Recs, Mindler, Montonio, PRODA, SIDES, ValueBlue and Yseop.
Johan Kampe, Managing Partner at Claret Capital Partners said: “We are delighted with the second close having already surpassed the size of Fund III. With a strong and growing pipeline of high-quality opportunities, we’re seeing sustained demand for our capital from Europe’s leading entrepreneurs and top-tier equity investors. The team are actively deploying capital and always looking for great entrepreneurs to back.”
Claret says substantial second close commitments have come from the use of an ELTIF vehicle to bring in private wealth investors. IQ-EQ acts as AIFM to both the ELTIF and the institutional vehicles.
In addition to this second close, certain Fund IV LPs have also documented discretionary co-investment partnerships of over €115 million to back the ambitious companies. This is on top of the Fund IV commitments mentioned above and gives Claret additional firepower to support the biggest opportunities.
A final close is expected in 2026.
Riccardo Zorzetto, IQ-EQ Luxembourg’s Head of Client Relationship Management, added: “We’re thrilled to support Claret Capital Partners in their latest fund launch. Our ongoing partnership with Claret underscores our commitment to providing top-tier fund administration services and supporting innovative investment strategies. We’ve been working hand in hand since 2020 and are proud to be part of this exciting new chapter in Claret’s growth journey.”
The European Investment Fund (EIF) has confirmed a commitment to the CEGCF IV (Fund IV) under the InvestEU programme. This strategic investment will provide tailored financing primarily to European SMEs across the technology, life sciences and climate tech sectors.
Ignacio Montero, Head of the Co-investment Unit at Banca March said: “We are delighted to renew our long-term strategic partnership with Claret through the launch of an ELTIF vehicle, structured exclusively for Banca March and its clients, to channel our investment into Claret Fund IV.
“In line with our co-investment model, this initiative will enable Banca March – the Spanish bank with the highest CET1 solvency ratio and a leading specialist in wealth management – to invite its clients to invest alongside them in fast-growing European companies within the technology, life sciences, and climate tech sectors. This initiative reflects Claret’s and Banca March’s strong belief in the value-creation potential of private investments, reinforcing the sustainability, resilience, and sovereignty of the European economy.“
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/09/londons-claret-capital-partners-announces-second-close-of-fund-iv-at-over-e350-million-to-invest-in-tech-and-life-sciences/
