Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The aerospace engineering industry in Europe is a vibrant sector focused on designing, manufacturing, and maintaining aircraft and spacecraft. It features a mix of established giants like Airbus and innovative startups specializing in satellite technology and propulsion systems. With an increasing emphasis on sustainability, electric propulsion, and efficient air mobility solutions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is evolving rapidly. Investments in space technology are rising as companies seek to leverage cutting-edge technologies for projects like space tourism and satellite constellations. As European nations strive to lead in this global market, research and development play a crucial role in shaping future advancements.

The investors featured in this article represent a blend of venture capital firms, public entities, and corporate investors primarily located in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK, France, Belgium, and beyond. Ranging from major players like Bpifrance to niche investors like Agoranov, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se entities come in various sizes, from fewer than ten employees to over 10,000. Established between 1958 and 2016, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investments in 2024 highlight unique initiatives across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace landscape. With a total of over 400 investments, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ collective efforts of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors reflect a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to fueling innovation in aerospace engineering.

Top 15 Aerospace Engineering Investors in Europe

1. 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 firm 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 variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several key transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering sector, including a significant investment in Exotrail, a French space logistics provider that raised $58 million in a Series B round led by Bpifrance in February 2023. This funding is intended to bring Exotrail's spacedrop and spacetower products to market. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Sabena technics, enhancing its growth opportunities in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace maintenance sector. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting aerospace engineering initiatives.

2. 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, founded in 1958. It supports innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe through various funding programs, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder. The EIC provides grants and investment opportunities to startups and SMEs to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering sector, such as providing grants to Dawn Aerospace and ThrustMe, both of which are focused on aerospace innovations. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC participated in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series B funding round for Heart Aerospace, a company developing hybrid-electric aircraft, showcasing its commitment to advancing aerospace technologies. Through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se initiatives, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC plays a crucial role in fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace industry.

3. 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 firm has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and has made significant strides in various industries, including aerospace. Accenture offers a wide range of solutions aimed at helping businesses innovate, improve efficiency, and navigate digital transformation. Notably, Accenture Ventures participated in a $50 million Series B funding round for Open Cosmos, a UK-based satellite mission management provider, highlighting its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace sector. This investment aligns with Accenture's focus on technology and innovation, particularly in areas that intersect with aerospace engineering, such as satellite technology and data analytics. Additionally, Accenture's acquisitions of firms like Myrtle Consulting Group and Callisto Integration enhance its capabilities in manufacturing and supply chain management, which are relevant to aerospace engineering operations. Overall, while Accenture's primary focus is not solely on aerospace, its strategic investments in related technologies suggest a growing interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering domain.

4. 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. With a team size of 11-50, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been actively involved in supporting startups within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ space technology sector through various investment funds and an accelerator program. In 2024 alone, Seraphim Space has made 27 investments, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace industry. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Skyrora, a company focused on developing launch vehicles, and Auriga Space, which is working on electromagnetic technology for space launches. They also participated in funding rounds for Voyager Space, which raised $80.2 million to advance its space initiatives. These investments highlight Seraphim Space's strategic focus on companies that are pushing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ boundaries of aerospace engineering and technology.

5. 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 founded in 1975, headquartered in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France. It is dedicated to space exploration and research, conducting human spaceflight missions, Earth observation, and satellite navigation. ESA collaborates with governments and research organizations to advance space technology and provide critical data for scientific research and environmental monitoring. In recent years, ESA has been involved in several notable transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering context. For instance, it provided grants to Dawn Aerospace and Rocket Factory Augsburg, supporting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of innovative aerospace technologies. Additionally, ESA has collaborated with private investors and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European Commission to fund projects like NanoAvionics' Global Internet of Things (GIoT) nano-satellite constellation, showcasing its commitment to fostering advancements in aerospace engineering.

6. 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. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in companies relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering sector, such as Airolit, which raised over $1.3 million in a venture round in June 2022, and Marstrom Composite, which also received venture funding in January 2011. These investments highlight Almi's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace industry, although it also supports a diverse range of oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r sectors.

7. 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. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering context, EIB has been involved in several significant transactions, such as a venture debt financing agreement of up to EUR 18 million for GomSpace, a Danish space company focused on nano-satellite platforms, and a $24 million venture debt deal with Spire Global, which is developing a satellite constellation and new software applications. Additionally, EIB has supported oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r aerospace-related companies like Airborne Technology and EnduroSat, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace sector.

8. 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 founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ funding gap in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering sector, including a £4m funding round for Walker Precision Engineering, which is expanding its operations to meet increasing demand in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ space market. Additionally, BGF invested £6m in Prodrive Composites, a motorsport engineering company that also engages in aerospace applications through carbon fibre composites. Most recently, BGF participated in a Series C funding round for Orbex Space, raising $20,767,270, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace industry.

9. 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 corporate investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees. Founded in 2005, Safran specializes in aerospace manufacturing and defense contracting, focusing on aircraft equipment, propulsion systems, and defense technologies. The company serves a diverse clientele, including aircraft manufacturers and military organizations, by providing innovative solutions that enhance safety and operational efficiency in aviation and defense sectors. In 2017, Safran made a significant move by acquiring Zodiac Aerospace for approximately $9.06 billion, a strategic acquisition aimed at strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ning its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace sector. More recently, in 2024, Safran finalized Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Preligens, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r expanding its portfolio. Additionally, Safran has invested in Cranfield Aerospace, participating in funding rounds aimed at developing hydrogen-electric propulsion technology, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to sustainability and technological advancement in aerospace engineering.

10. Airbus

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Blagnac, Occitanie, France
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Airbus SE, founded in 2003 and headquartered in Blagnac, Occitanie, France, is a prominent corporate investor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace industry. With over 10,000 employees, Airbus specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ design and production of commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense systems, and space technology. The company serves a diverse global customer base, including airlines, military organizations, and space agencies. Airbus is committed to sustainability and advancing aerospace technology, as evidenced by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir recent transactions. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Bombardier's stake in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ A220 program for $591 million, solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir control over Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ program and enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commercial aviation portfolio. Additionally, Airbus co-led a financing round for ZeroAvia, which raised $34 million to support Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ development of hydrogen-powered engines for larger commercial aircraft. These strategic investments highlight Airbus's active role in shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ future of aerospace engineering and technology.

11. Tikehau Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in alternative asset management. Founded in 2004, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm offers a diverse range of services, including private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital serves a variety of clients, including institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs seeking tailored financing solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau Capital has made several significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace sector, including a debt financing deal with Daher in 2014, a private equity round for Mecachrome France in 2020, and a post-IPO equity investment in Latecoere in 2012. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y are currently in exclusive negotiations to acquire Sabena Technics, a company specializing in aeronautical maintenance, and have invested in Nexteam Group, a precision mechanics and machining company that supports aerospace manufacturing. These transactions highlight Tikehau Capital's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering industry.

12. 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, France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. With a focus on early-stage startups, Agoranov has been involved in various innovative sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in companies like ThrustMe, which develops propulsion systems for aerospace applications, and Preligens, which utilizes AI for defense and aerospace intelligence. Their portfolio also includes Expliseat, known for lightweight aircraft seats, and Ascendance, which is working on hybrid-electric aircraft solutions. These transactions highlight Agoranov's engagement with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering sector, despite Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

13. Omnes

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Omnes Capital is a private equity firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investment management with a focus on sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable cities. Omnes emphasizes long-term partnerships to foster growth and sustainability in critical infrastructure projects. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of SOURIAU SAS in 2006, a company recognized for its aerospace connectivity solutions. They also invested in Satys, which provides services to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace industry, and Porcher Industries, known for its advanced materials used in aerospace applications. These transactions highlight Omnes' commitment to supporting innovation and development within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering field.

14. 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 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, showcasing its active role in supporting businesses. Notably, it has invested in aerospace-related companies such as Aurora Avionics, which focuses on space technology and rocket control systems, and Flowcopter, a manufacturer of hybrid unmanned aircraft. The latter received nearly £1 million to develop a heavy-lift drone, highlighting Scottish Enterprise's commitment to advancing aerospace engineering and technology. These transactions reflect its strategic focus on enhancing Scotland's economic landscape through innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace sector.

15. Parkwalk Advisors

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 17
• LinkedIn:

Parkwalk Advisors is a London-based venture capital investment management firm founded in 2009. They specialize in venture capital investments in university spin-outs and innovative technologies, managing various EIS funds aimed at providing capital appreciation and tax reliefs for investors. Their focus is on high-growth companies in sectors such as AI, life sciences, and cleantech. Notably, Parkwalk has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering context, including investments in Silicon MicroGravity, which raised $7 million to commercialize its technology with potential aerospace applications, and Wayland Additive, which specializes in electron beam 3D printing machines, raising over $6 million in multiple funding rounds to enhance production capabilities and R&D efforts. These investments highlight Parkwalk's commitment to supporting innovative technologies that intersect with aerospace engineering.

Aerospace Engineering Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Dublin, Dublin, Ireland	10001+	2001	51
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2016	27
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	1975	10
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	10001+	2005	9
	Blagnac, Occitanie, France	10001+	2003	6
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	501-1000	2004	6
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	11-50	2000	42
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	1999	8
	Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	1991	55
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2009	17

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineering industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ aerospace engineeringindustry, 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!