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The satellite manufacturing industry in Europe is dynamic and rapidly evolving, focused on developing cutting-edge satellite technology that supports communication, weaÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r monitoring, and environmental observation. A mix of established aerospace giants and innovative startups are at work, producing everything from small satellites for specific mission applications to advanced systems for global connectivity. European players are increasingly collaborating on projects, expanding capabilities in areas like miniaturization and propulsion technologies. Growth opportunities abound, particularly with increasing government investments and growing interest in satellite-based solutions for climate monitoring and unprecedented connectivity in remote areas.

This list features a range of satellite manufacturing investors, categorized into corporate and venture capital participants. Ensuring regional representation, notable investors are established in key European hubs like Paris, London, and Dublin. While many have been in operation for over a decade, oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rs are relatively new, founded notably around 2015 and onward. With 2024 deal counts ranging from 6 to 198, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors showcase a balance of stability and innovation, channeling significant funds into promising technology to reshape Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ future of satellite manufacturing.

Top 12 Satellite Manufacturing Investors in Europe

1. Seraphim Space

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 27
• LinkedIn:

Seraphim Space is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in SpaceTech investments. They provide funding and support to startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ space technology sector, operating various investment funds and an accelerator program to help entrepreneurs navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of developing innovative space solutions. Notably, Seraphim Space has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Spire Global, which focuses on satellite-powered data, and ICEYE, a provider of synÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨tic aperture radar (SAR) data. In 2022, Seraphim led a $136 million Series D funding round for ICEYE, aimed at expanding its SAR satellite constellation. Their active engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader focus on SpaceTech, positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a key player in this sector.

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 venture capital investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding and private equity investments. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing context, particularly with Exotrail, a French space logistics provider. They led a $58 million Series B funding round for Exotrail in February 2023, aimed at bringing innovative space logistics products to market. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in earlier funding rounds for Exotrail, including a Series A round in 2020 and a Seed round in 2018, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ongoing support for companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite sector. Their investments reflect a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ space industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in satellite manufacturing.

3. 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, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in significant funding transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing context, such as a â‚�10 million grant awarded to NanoAvionics for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Global Internet of Things (GIoT) nano-satellite constellation. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r relevant transactions include grants to ThrustMe and Dawn Aerospace, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's commitment to advancing technologies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace and satellite sectors.

4. European Space Agency - ESA

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1975
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn:

The European Space Agency (ESA) is a public entity dedicated to space exploration and research, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France. With a workforce of 1001-5000, ESA conducts human spaceflight missions, Earth observation, and satellite navigation, serving governments and research organizations. It collaborates with international partners to advance space technology and provide critical data for scientific research and environmental monitoring. In recent years, ESA has been involved in several significant transactions that highlight its commitment to satellite manufacturing. For instance, it awarded a â‚�10 million grant to NanoAvionics, KSAT, and Antwerp Space for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Global Internet of Things (GIoT) nano-satellite constellation. Additionally, ESA has provided grants to companies like Dawn Aerospace and Skyrora, supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir efforts in satellite technology development. These investments reflect ESA's strategic focus on enhancing satellite capabilities and fostering innovation within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

5. Accenture

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 51
• LinkedIn:

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and operates across various industries, providing solutions that help businesses innovate and improve efficiency. In recent years, Accenture has shown a notable interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing sector, participating in significant funding rounds for companies like Open Cosmos, which focuses on satellite mission management and aims to address climate change and disaster management. Additionally, Accenture's involvement with Pixxel, a company that is developing a satellite-based earth imaging platform, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r highlights its commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite industry. These transactions reflect Accenture's strategy to leverage its consulting expertise to support advancements in satellite technology and related fields.

6. 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, established in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In recent years, EIB has actively engaged in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing industry, exemplified by its venture debt financing agreement of up to EUR 18 million for GomSpace, a Danish space company specializing in nano-satellite platforms. This funding supports product innovation crucial for high-frequency applications in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ telecom sector. Additionally, EIB invested 20 million euros in Spire Global, which is focused on developing a satellite constellation and new software applications. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to fostering growth and innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite sector, alongside its broader mission to support sustainable initiatives.

7. 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. It provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In recent years, Scottish Enterprise has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing sector, notably through its support for Spire Global, which received multiple funding rounds including grants and convertible notes totaling over $10 million. Additionally, it has supported Craft Prospect Limited, a Glasgow-based space company, showcasing its commitment to enhancing Scotland's space industry. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's role in promoting innovation and growth within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing landscape.

8. 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 various transactions, including investments in technology-driven startups. Notably, it participated in a pre-seed funding round for TeraSi, a deeptech startup focused on system-in-package technology, which has applications in high-frequency wireless communications, potentially relevant to satellite technology. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments include Airolit, SmartPlanes, Forsway, and SweGaN, indicating a diverse portfolio that touches on advanced technologies, although not all are directly linked to satellite manufacturing.

9. Agoranov

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 42
• LinkedIn:

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. Agoranov has been actively involved in various sectors, including satellite manufacturing. Notable transactions include ThrustMe, which raised funds in 2017 and focuses on propulsion systems for small satellites, and Skynopy and SpaceLocker, which are also related to satellite technology and received non-equity assistance in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to nurturing early-stage startups in innovative fields, including those pertinent to satellite manufacturing.

10. Safran

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Safran is a prominent aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor based in Paris, France, specializing in aircraft equipment, propulsion systems, and defense technologies. Founded in 2005, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has established a strong global presence with a focus on sustainability and technological advancement. In recent years, Safran has made significant strides in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Syrlinks in November 2022, which enhances its portfolio with satellite communication systems and resilient GNSS expertise. Additionally, Safran Corporate Ventures participated in a â‚�8.5 million seed funding round for Vyoma GmbH, a company focused on space situational awareness and space traffic management. These transactions underscore Safran's strategic interest in expanding its capabilities within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite industry, making it a noteworthy investor in this space.

11. Thales

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Meudon, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Thales Group is a technology company based in Meudon, ÃŽle-De-France, France, specializing in designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced electrical systems and devices for various sectors, including aerospace and defense. Founded in 1979, Thales has grown to employ over 10,000 people and has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing industry. Noteworthy transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Alcatel's 67% stake in Alcatel Alenia Space for over $2.1 billion, which bolstered Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing sector. In 2024, Thales furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expanded its capabilities by acquiring Get SAT, an Israeli company focused on satellite communications, and Tampa Microwave, which specializes in tactical satellite communications terminals. These acquisitions reflect Thales's strategic intent to enhance its satellite communications offerings and solidify its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing market.

12. 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, UK, 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 Orbex Space, a UK-based launch startup, participating in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir Series B and Series C funding rounds, which raised significant amounts to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir Prime launch vehicle. Additionally, BGF has invested in Open Cosmos, a British startup that focuses on satellite manufacturing, providing funding to expand Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir staff and establish new manufacturing facilities. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ satellite manufacturing sector.

Satellite Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2016	27
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	1975	10
	Dublin, Dublin, Ireland	10001+	2001	51
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	1991	55
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	11-50	2000	42
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	2005	9
	Meudon, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	1979	5
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53

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