Defense Event: A Day of Strategic Discussions

On June 11, 2025, Audacia organized an afternoon of discussions devoted to European defense and industrial sovereignty, attended by numerous civilian and military experts, institutional representatives, business leaders, and investors.

A sequence built around three round tables

National security challenges: adapting to the geopolitical shock of 2025

Moderated by Thomas Schmitz (Audacia), this round table discussion provided a clear overview of the threats facing Europe.

General Christophe Gomart pointed out that hybrid warfare, disinformation, radical Islamism, and economic warfare are additional threats to Russia. He stressed the need for Europe to break its dependence on the United States and build a truly autonomous defense system.

General Philippe Lavigne highlighted the intensification, simultaneity, and complexity of crises. He called for rapid rearmament and a comprehensive strengthening of societal resilience.

Charles Beigbeder, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Audacia, welcomed this convergence of views and reiterated the importance of the thematic funds (quantum, space, defense, energy) that Audacia is developing to address these challenges.

🎥 Watch the round table discussion on video

BITD challenges: sovereignty and innovation in the face of urgent capacity needs

Moderated by Éric Benoist (Natixis CIB), this session highlighted the structural weaknesses of the Defense Industrial and Technological Base (BITD).

Nathalie Grimbert (Deputy CEO) discussed the fragility of the industrial fabric, which is made up of SMEs that are often indebted and exposed to economic constraints. She emphasized the importance of equity contributions.

Thierry Regond (Eden Cluster) emphasized the need for territorial structuring and capitalization.

Philippe Missud (ATDI) illustrated the practical constraints faced by manufacturers, particularly time to market and competitive pressure.

🎥 Watch the round table discussion on video

Challenges in financing defense efforts: what levers can be used to support the BITD?

Moderated by Olivier de Panafieu, this final round table discussion focused on the crucial role of private and institutional investors.

Thomas Rivron (Abeille Assurances) called for a new investment doctrine focused on sovereignty. Financing defense means protecting savings and strengthening economic stability.

Simon Le Dily (La France Mutualiste) and Guillaume Ville (Prépar Vie) shared their desire to take action, while emphasizing the importance of structuring profitable and responsible projects.

🎥 Watch the round table discussion on video

Individual interventions: strong and complementary messages

Each video clip explored a key area of reflection in greater depth:

• General Christophe Gomart: A clear diagnosis of threats—Russia, China, Islamism, hybrid warfare—and a call for a mature and strategically autonomous Europe.
  🎥 See speech 1 & speech 2

• General Philippe Lavigne: The importance of strengthening both military capabilities and societal resilience in a world marked by simultaneous crises.
  🎥 See speech 1 & speech 2

• Éric Benoist: Insights into the financing needs of the BITD: €5 to €7 billion needed over the next five years, including €1 to €3 billion in equity capital.
  🎥 See presentation 1 & presentation 2

• Nathalie Grimbert (Deputy CEO): An observation on the financial fragility of the industrial fabric and the need to create a favorable investment framework.
  🎥 See speech 1 & speech 2

• Thomas Rivron: Defense financing is becoming a new asset class for insurers. It is compatible with a long-term vision and with ESG commitments.
  🎥 Watch the presentation

• Charles Beigbeder: This event validates Audacia’s strategy: investing in critical technologies to strengthen European sovereignty in relation to security, energy, and climate challenges.
  🎥 Watch the speech

• Olivier de Panafieu: A clear three-pronged approach: understanding the threats, structuring SMEs in the defense, space, and security sector, and mobilizing massive amounts of capital to turn them into European champions.
  🎥 Watch the speech

• Thomas Schmitz: continuing the momentum initiated by the March 20 meeting at Bercy by mobilizing private equity for the defense industry. In an urgent context, he emphasizes the importance of better understanding the sector in order to act effectively. 🎥 Watch the speech

Launch of the Straton fund: investing in defense SMEs

Audacia took advantage of this event to announce the launch of the Straton fund, designed to support French defense SMEs, targeting two key areas:

• Technological innovation, essential in a rapidly changing world.
• Capacity building to meet increasing order volumes.