The satellite manufacturing industry in Europe is dynamic and rapidly evolving, focused on developing cutting-edge satellite technology that supports communication, weather 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, others are relatively new, founded notably around 2015 and onward. With 2024 deal counts ranging from 6 to 198, these investors showcase a balance of stability and innovation, channeling significant funds into promising technology to reshape the future of satellite manufacturing.


Top 12 Satellite Manufacturing Investors in Europe


1. Seraphim Space

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

Seraphim Space is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in SpaceTech investments. They provide funding and support to startups in the space technology sector, operating various investment funds and an accelerator program to help entrepreneurs navigate the 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 synthetic 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 the satellite manufacturing industry, alongside their broader focus on SpaceTech, positions them as a key player in this sector.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-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 the 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 their ongoing support for companies in the satellite sector. Their investments reflect a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the space industry, making them a relevant player in satellite manufacturing.


3. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in significant funding transactions within the satellite manufacturing context, such as a €10 million grant awarded to NanoAvionics for the development of the Global Internet of Things (GIoT) nano-satellite constellation. Other relevant transactions include grants to ThrustMe and Dawn Aerospace, which further highlight the EIC's commitment to advancing technologies in the aerospace and satellite sectors.


4. European Space Agency - ESA

  • Website: esa.int
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1975
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: european-space-agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) is a public entity dedicated to space exploration and research, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Paris, Île-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 €10 million grant to NanoAvionics, KSAT, and Antwerp Space for the development of the Global Internet of Things (GIoT) nano-satellite constellation. Additionally, ESA has provided grants to companies like Dawn Aerospace and Skyrora, supporting their efforts in satellite technology development. These investments reflect ESA's strategic focus on enhancing satellite capabilities and fostering innovation within the industry.


5. Accenture

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

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, the 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 the 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, further highlights its commitment to the 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)


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 the 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 the 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 the satellite sector, alongside its broader mission to support sustainable initiatives.


7. Scottish Enterprise


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 the 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 the satellite manufacturing landscape.


8. Almi

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

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 their 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. Other 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: agoranov.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn: agoranov

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, Île-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: safran-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: safran

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, the company has established a strong global presence with a focus on sustainability and technological advancement. In recent years, Safran has made significant strides in the 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 €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 the satellite industry, making it a noteworthy investor in this space.


11. Thales

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

Thales Group is a technology company based in Meudon, Île-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 the satellite manufacturing industry. Noteworthy transactions include the acquisition of Alcatel's 67% stake in Alcatel Alenia Space for over $2.1 billion, which bolstered their position in the satellite manufacturing sector. In 2024, Thales further 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 the satellite manufacturing market.


12. Bgf

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

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 the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Orbex Space, a UK-based launch startup, participating in their Series B and Series C funding rounds, which raised significant amounts to support the development of their Prime launch vehicle. Additionally, BGF has invested in Open Cosmos, a British startup that focuses on satellite manufacturing, providing funding to expand their staff and establish new manufacturing facilities. These transactions highlight BGF's active role in the satellite manufacturing sector.



Satellite Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Seraphim SpaceLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201627
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Space Agency - ESAParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000197510
AccentureDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+200151
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
SafranParis, Île-De-France, France10001+20059
ThalesMeudon, Île-De-France, France10001+19795
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153


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