Colesco Capital, a direct lending startup based in the Netherlands, announced a significant milestone with its first platform close, amassing over $839m.
According to ESG Today, founded in 2023, Colesco specializes in providing senior secured debt and subordinated debt to European mid-market companies.
The funding round attracted substantial interest, led by cornerstone investors APG, the largest pension services provider in the Netherlands, and Rabobank, a major banking and financial services company. These investors are aligning their portfolios with sustainable and responsible investments, which are central to Colesco’s mission.
Colesco’s business model is intricately linked to sustainable development. The firm offers financial solutions to companies engaged in Sustainable Food, Energy Transition, and Inclusive Society sectors. These investments typically range from €50m to €250m, targeting entities that have a positive impact on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
The capital raised will be utilized to further Colesco’s commitment to sustainability. More than 50% of its investments will comply with the EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), with the remainder dedicated to companies progressing towards sustainable practices. Additionally, half of Colesco’s performance-related fees are tied directly to achieving the platform’s sustainability KPIs, underscoring its commitment to genuine ESG impacts.
Danny Vroegop, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Colesco, highlighted the significance of this funding round: “The first closing of our platform represents a significant milestone. It demonstrates our added value in the current European direct lending market and highlights how specialized managers that align with specific themes can be very relevant to the current needs of investors.”
Stefaan Decraene, Chair of Rabobank’s Managing Board, also remarked on the partnership: “This investment is a testament to the confidence we have in Colesco. Its strategy is in line with Rabobank’s mission to grow a better world together. By working with partners like Colesco, we can help to accelerate the sustainable transitions needed to future-proof the food and energy systems across the globe.”
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