SmartCap Defence Fund aims to increase and diversify capital supply to defence sector by investing in venture capital and private equity funds focused on military and dual-use technologies. With this goal in mind, we’re now looking for fund managers with already existing or soon to be established venture capital and private equity funds dedicated to defence industry.
“Our goal is to strengthen the Estonian defence industry and enable the development of innovative defence and security capabilities to address the growing global demand for new solutions. To achieve this, SmartCap Defence Fund is increasing and diversifying the capital available to defence companies in Estonia by bringing new dedicated venture capital and private equity funds to the market through our fund of funds investments. Institutional quality private investors play a key role in well-functioning capital markets and the defence tech ecosystem,” said the CEO of SmartCap, Sille Pettai.
“For this purpose, we are looking for either first-time or established fund managers who invest in companies developing or producing innovative military and dual-use products and technologies in Estonia or NATO member states,” she added.
SmartCap Defence Fund will invest in a select number of venture capital and private equity funds, including cornerstone investments, with commitments ranging from €5 million to €20 million per fund. “We are looking for experienced investment teams with refined, defence-focused investment strategies and strong fundraising potential, with at least 30% of independent private investor contributions to be secured at the fund level,” Pettai said.
SmartCap Defence Fund may prioritize investments in funds that have a core focus on companies developing products or technologies primarily for military use or those directly contributing to strengthening Estonia’s defence and security capabilities. “Our goal is to ensure that investments are directed to companies with an immediate or high impact on defence and security capabilities, particularly those with a clear focus on supporting NATO allies and Estonia’s strategic objectives,” said Pettai.
Fund managers interested in raising funding from SmartCap Defence Fund can find more information here.