Xavier De Taisne

Magallan Asset Finance

France

ABOUT XAVIER DE TAISNE
Xavier de Taisne is the founder and CEO of Magellan Asset Finance, a Paris-based boutique specialising in structured asset financing, M&A, joint ventures, and fundraising for strategic industrial and maritime projects.

Before launching Magellan in September 2022, he led M&A and financing activities at Transdev, and held senior roles at Bombardier-including Sales Financing across EMEA, Finance Director for France & Benelux, and Transformation Director. He also served as a financial arranger in maritime leasing at BNP Paribas.

His financial ingenuity and deep structuring skills enable him to design innovative, bespoke solutions for intricate transactions.

As a partner and advisor, Xavier offers 360° support-from financial engineering and legal structuring to capital optimisation-empowering clients with custom-fit strategies that drive growth, efficiency, and long-term value.

FIRM PROFILE
Magellan Asset Finance is a Paris-based boutique advisory firm specialising in structured asset financing and strategic industrial transactions. Since its founding in September 2022, Magellan has completed over 30 transactions totaling approximately €5 billion in value, supporting clients across the full asset lifecycle-from concept and structuring to execution and long-term optimisation.

The firm is known for its ability to deliver highly tailored, tax-efficient financing solutions-including tax-lease, off-balance sheet, and cross-border structures-designed to meet the unique regulatory and financial demands of each project. Its core sectors include maritime, rail, aerospace, renewable energy, public transport, and advanced manufacturing.

In addition to asset finance, Magellan advises on M&A, joint ventures, fundraising, and export finance-helping clients navigate complex capital strategies with agility and precision.

Backed by a multidisciplinary team with backgrounds in investment banking, legal advisory, and industry operations, Magellan combines technical financial expertise with legal and tax engineering capabilities. This integrated approach enables the firm to unlock value in complex, capital-intensive projects that require creative structuring and close regulatory alignment.

DEAL REPORT:
Magellan Asset Finance advises Vela on securing €40 million in growth funding

Chammas & Marcheteau provided legal counsel to Vela (Sail for Goods) in connection with its successful €40 million fundraising effort. This round saw participation from prominent French and American investors, including Crédit Mutuel, through its Révolution Environnementale et Solidaire fund, Bpifrance, and the 11th Hour Racing Foundation. Additional support came from regional entities such as Normandie Littoral and Normandie Participations, alongside notable private investors, including Benoist Grossmann and Pascal Marty.

Founded in 2022 by Pierre-Arnaud Vallon, Michaël Fernandez-Ferri, Pascal Galacteros, Thibault Charles, and renowned navigator François Gabart, Vela is a French start-up specialising in the design and ownership of cargo sailing vessels. Vela is committed to providing innovative, efficient, and sustainable freight transport solutions through its 100% sailing-powered cargo ships. The company's initial shipping route will operate between France and the eastern coast of the United States.

This capital injection will be instrumental in financing the construction of Vela's first 100% sailing-powered giant cargo trimaran, a key milestone in its ambition to revolutionise maritime transport. Magellan Finance served as financial advisors throughout the process.

Interview with Xavier De Taisne

Xavier, can you tell us what Magellan Finance's specific role was in structuring and facilitating the fundraising for Vela, and how did you collaborate with other stakeholders throughout the process?

Magellan Finance played a crucial role in structuring the debt component of the financing through an innovative financial arrangement. Coordination was essential between Vela and Avolta, which managed the equity fundraising, to ensure smooth progress and adherence to the projected timeline. Our objective was to maintain alignment and respect the interests of all parties involved throughout the process. This required close collaboration to ensure the successful integration of various financial and strategic elements, ultimately leading to a streamlined and efficient fundraising process.

Could you share any insight into how the valuation of Vela was determined, and what key factors were emphasised to attract such a wide range of investors?

The valuation of Vela was built around several critical factors, including its pioneering position in sustainable maritime transport, the innovative design of its 100% sailing-powered cargo vessels, and the strategic importance of its environmentally friendly approach.

Additionally, the company's founding team, including experienced professionals and renowned navigator François Gabart, played a key role in building investor confidence. By emphasising Vela's potential to revolutionise freight transport and contribute to reducing carbon emissions, we were able to attract a diverse group of investors, ranging from institutional to private entities committed to supporting sustainable innovations.

How did Magellan Finance help Vela align its financial goals with the strategic objectives of the investors, and how was this secured to support their future goals?

We ensured the alignment of Vela's financial goals with investor interests by structuring a security package that balanced the early-stage nature of Vela with the need for investor protection. This included strategic project guarantees from Bpifrance, covering 75% of the senior financing, along with a mortgage on the vessel and specific financial covenants. These measures created a protective framework that reassured investors while supporting Vela's strategic ambitions, enabling them to confidently move forward with their plans to revolutionise maritime transport.

What role, if any, will Magellan Finance play in providing ongoing financial support to Vela following this fundraising round, particularly as they embark on the construction of their first cargo trimaran?

In this fundraising round, financing was secured for the construction of Vela's first cargo vessel. Looking ahead, Vela plans to fund four additional vessels by 2026. Subject to Vela's agreement, Magellan Finance aims to continue its involvement by facilitating both senior and junior financing through an asset co model, ensuring ongoing support as the company scales its operations. This long-term financial backing will be crucial in realising Vela's vision of sustainable maritime transport.

Xavier De Taisne

Xavier De Taisne

Interview with Xavier De Taisne

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