Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The marine autonomous vehicles (MAV) industry in Europe is rapidly evolving, offering innovative solutions for ocean exploration, maritime security, and environmental monitoring. Companies in this sector range from startups developing unmanned underwater vehicles to established firms integrating advanced AI technologies into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. This growth is largely driven by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ increasing need for efficient data collection and surveillance at sea, alongside a push for sustainable practices in marine activities. With advancements in robotics and automation technology, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is set to enhance maritime operations, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m safer, more efficient, and eco-friendly. As climate concerns mount, reliance on MAVs is expected to rise significantly.

The list of investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles sector showcases a mix of corporate entities and venture capital firms, with headquarters spread across key European cities like Brussels, Glasgow, and London. Founded between 1948 and 2017, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors vary in size from small firms with a handful of employees to large corporations employing thousands. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in numerous funding initiatives, with notable investment counts ranging from 7 to 198. This diverse investment community reflects a strong commitment to promoting innovation and projects that drive progress in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine technology field.

Top 18 Marine Autonomous Vehicles Investors in Europe

1. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC offers various funding programs, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. In 2023, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Fund participated in a significant Series A funding round for bound4blue, a technology developer specializing in automated wind-assisted propulsion systems for maritime transport, which raised EUR 15.9 million. Additionally, bound4blue received multiple grants from Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC, totaling EUR 6.5 million, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's commitment to advancing maritime technology. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's active role in supporting innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine sector, particularly in areas that could intersect with marine autonomous vehicles.

2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has invested in marine-related companies such as OceanWings, which raised $20,292,765 in a Series B round in September 2023 and $12,402,068 in a Series A round in September 2021. They also supported Unseenlabs, which raised significant funding in 2024, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine technology sector.

3. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. The EIB serves both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles sector, such as providing venture debt to Spire Global, which is developing a satellite constellation and software applications that can enhance maritime operations. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ debt financing of XOCEAN, a company focused on marine autonomous vehicles, indicating its support for innovations in this area. The EIB also invested in Rocsys, which, while primarily focused on robotics, has applications that could intersect with marine technologies. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB's engagement in financing projects that align with advancements in marine technology and autonomous systems.

4. Scottish Enterprise

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 55
• LinkedIn:

Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. With a workforce of 1001-5000, it provides a variety of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise has made 55 investments, demonstrating its active role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. Among its notable transactions, Scottish Enterprise has invested in companies like Mocean Energy, which focuses on wave energy technologies, and Tymor Marine, a maritime technology firm developing innovative solutions for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry. These investments highlight Scottish Enterprise's commitment to supporting advancements in marine technology, making it a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles sector.

5. Almi

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in several transactions that touch upon Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine sector, including investments in TBS Yard, which is related to shipbuilding and marine technology, and Waves4Power, which focuses on wave energy solutions. These investments indicate Almi's engagement with companies that could intersect with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles industry, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specific focus on autonomous vehicles is not explicitly stated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir transaction history.

6. Katapult

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They focus on tech startups that address global challenges, providing investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Katapult has been involved in several relevant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles context, including Open Ocean Robotics, which raised over $2 million in 2024, and ACUA Ocean, which secured $285,000 in a pre-seed round in 2021. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Zeabuz, which raised $315,362 in a seed round in 2022. These investments highlight Katapult's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine technology sector, particularly those related to autonomous vehicles and ocean sustainability.

7. InnoEnergy

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 52
• LinkedIn:

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle challenges related to energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has invested in Zparq, a startup focused on decarbonizing marine transport, and has made significant investments in CorPower Ocean, which is developing wave energy converters. These investments highlight InnoEnergy's commitment to supporting innovations that not only advance energy sustainability but also have implications for marine autonomous vehicles and technologies.

8. Shell

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1907
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 20
• LinkedIn:

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, founded in 1907. It operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ energy and chemicals sectors, providing essential products such as fuels, lubricants, and chemical solutions globally. Shell has been actively investing in innovative technologies through its venture arm, including notable transactions such as an investment in Corvus Energy, which focuses on energy storage solutions for marine applications. This investment aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing interest in sustainable energy solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ maritime sector. Additionally, Shell has invested in companies like ZeroAvia, which is working on hydrogen-powered aviation and could have implications for marine transport as well. Despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investments, Shell's core business remains in traditional energy sectors, which may limit Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir direct involvement in marine autonomous vehicles.

9. Bgf

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn:

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Ireland. BGF addresses Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding gap in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in ROVOP, a UK-based subsea ROV services company, providing £10M in funding to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of its fleet and international expansion. Additionally, BGF, in collaboration with Blue Water Energy, committed £56 million to ROVOP, enabling Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company to increase its fleet by 50%. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles sector, particularly through its support of ROVOP's growth and technological advancements.

10. Future Planet Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Future Planet Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2015. They manage over $400 million in assets and focus on impact-led investments that address global challenges, particularly those aligned with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UN Sustainable Development Goals. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made seven investments, including notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine sector. They invested in Vaarst, which raised $20 million to enhance its capabilities in computer vision and data management for marine applications. They also participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed funding round for Armada Technologies, which raised $3.2 million to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ shipping industry's transition to cleaner technologies. These investments reflect Future Planet Capital's commitment to supporting innovative companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles industry.

11. CDTI Innovación - Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
• Founded year: 1977
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 29
• LinkedIn:

CDTI Innovación - Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (CDTI) is a public entity established in 1977, located in Madrid, Spain. It plays a crucial role in promoting innovation and technological development within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ country by providing financial support and technological advice to Spanish companies engaged in research and development. CDTI facilitates access to government funding for innovative projects across various sectors. Notably, CDTI has participated in funding rounds for companies like bound4blue, which focuses on automated wind-assisted propulsion systems for maritime transport, raising significant amounts in both Series A funding and grants. Additionally, CDTI has been involved with Zeleros, a company that is working on innovative transportation solutions, although its direct connection to marine autonomous vehicles is less clear. Overall, CDTI's involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se transactions highlights its commitment to supporting technological advancements that could intersect with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine industry, particularly in sustainable and innovative transport solutions.

12. Enterprise Ireland

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 48
• LinkedIn:

Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has invested in marine autonomous vehicle companies, such as XOCEAN, which raised â‚�30 million in a Series B funding round in June 2024, with participation from Enterprise Ireland. They also participated in XOCEAN's earlier Series A funding round, which raised â‚�8 million in September 2021. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r technology-focused ventures, demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in fostering innovation in sectors that include marine robotics.

13. SoftBank Investment Advisers

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn:

SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, UK, founded in 2017. The fund specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in various sectors, including health tech and fintech. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in companies like Cruise, which focuses on autonomous driving technology, and Nuro, which develops autonomous delivery vehicles. Their investment in Robotic Research, which raised $228 million in Series A funding, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of autonomous systems. This focus on advanced robotics and AI technologies aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ potential advancements in marine autonomous vehicles, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in this space.

14. CDP Venture Capital SGR

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Rome, Lazio, Italy
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 41
• LinkedIn:

CDP Venture Capital SGR is a venture capital firm based in Rome, Italy, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on supporting startups and innovative companies across various sectors in Italy, providing financial backing and strategic resources for growth. CDP Venture Capital has been involved in several notable transactions, including a â‚�9 million funding round for WSense, an IoT startup that could have applications in marine technology. They also participated in a pre-seed investment for PipeIn, a deep-tech startup focused on pipeline inspection and maintenance, which is relevant to marine operations. Their diverse portfolio and commitment to innovative technologies position Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a potential investor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles sector.

15. L'Union Européenne (UE)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1993
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 34
• LinkedIn:

L'Union Européenne (UE) is a public entity that serves as a political and economic union of member states, founded in 1993 and based in London, England. With over 10,000 employees, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EU plays a crucial role in governance, legislation, and support for regional development, education, and research initiatives. In recent years, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EU has been involved in several transactions that support marine technology and innovation. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y provided a grant of $4,022,349 to Mocean Energy in September 2023, which focuses on marine energy solutions. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y supported XOCEAN with a grant of $2,041,311 in May 2021, a company that specializes in marine autonomous vehicles. These investments demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EU's commitment to enhancing marine technology and innovation, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of autonomous vehicles and sustainable marine practices.

16. Sictic

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 77
• LinkedIn:

SICTIC is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, that connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups. Founded in 2014, SICTIC provides investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of startups and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment community. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, SICTIC has invested in Hydromea, which raised funds in both 2019 and 2021, focusing on underwater communication technologies that are crucial for marine autonomous vehicles. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved with Daedalean, a company that develops autonomous systems, which may also intersect with marine applications. These investments highlight SICTIC's engagement with technologies that could be relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles sector.

17. Britbots

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Britbots is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2017, specializing in robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation technologies. They provide funding to startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se sectors, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m develop innovative solutions to enhance productivity and address resource scarcity. In 2024, Britbots made a notable investment in ACUA Ocean, which raised $1,892,401 in a Pre-Seed round, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles sector. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Rad Propulsion, a company involved in propulsion technologies, which may also have applications in marine vehicles. Their diverse investment strategy includes companies like Marble Aerospace, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus on innovative technologies. Overall, Britbots is positioned as a forward-thinking investor in high-growth opportunities, including those in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles industry.

18. 360 Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 17
• LinkedIn:

360 Capital is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various technology sectors, including climate tech and deep tech. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of growth and innovation. With a focus on sustainable technological progress, 360 Capital aims to foster innovation and drive positive change in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Unseenlabs, a company that operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ space industry and has potential applications in maritime monitoring, which could relate to marine autonomous vehicles. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Arbe Robotics, a company developing imaging radar for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ autonomous vehicle industry, indicates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in technologies that could be applicable to autonomous systems, including those in marine environments. However, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir primary focus does not seem to be on marine autonomous vehicles specifically.

Marine Autonomous Vehicles Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	1991	55
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
	Oslo, Oslo, Norway	11-50	2017	8
	Eindhoven, North Brabant, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	201-500	2010	52
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1907	20
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2015	7
	Madrid, Madrid, Spain	201-500	1977	29
	Dublin, Dublin, Ireland	501-1000	1998	48
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	2017	14
	Rome, Lazio, Italy	51-200	2015	41
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1993	34
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2014	77
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1-10	2017	2
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	11-50	1997	17

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehicles industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ marine autonomous vehiclesindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨re are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
• Portfolio: Companies Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y've invested in.
• Contact data: Key dealmakers, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir emails and phonenumbers.
• ...and much more!