The spacecraft components manufacturers industry in Europe is vibrant and integral to the broader aerospace sector. This industry includes companies designing and producing essential components such as propulsion systems, satellite technology, and launch vehicle parts. As demands for satellite deployment and space exploration grow, the industry is evolving towards more sustainable technologies and innovative materials. Key players range from startups to established giants, creating an environment ripe for collaboration and investment. With increasing governmental and private sector interest, coupled with an active focus on research & development, the future looks bright for those involved.


The list comprises various investors, including corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms, all prominently headquartered in Europe. Active in 2024, these entities span different sizes, from small firms to larger organizations, founded between 1945 and 2016. Deal counts in 2024 vary across the list, showing significant engagement within the spacecraft components sector. Notable investments reflect a growing appetite for innovation and technology in space-related manufacturing, emphasizing strategic growth opportunities across the continent.


Top 12 Spacecraft Components Manufacturers Investors in Europe


1. 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. In the context of the aerospace sector, the EIC has been involved in several significant transactions. For instance, it provided grants to ThrustMe, which raised over $2.3 million for its innovative propulsion technology, and to Aurora Propulsion Technologies, which also received funding for its seed round and additional grants. Furthermore, the EIC supported NanoAvionics in a €10 million funding round for the development of a nano-satellite constellation, showcasing its commitment to advancing technologies in the space industry. Through these initiatives, the EIC not only provides financial support but also facilitates business acceleration services and networking opportunities for companies in the aerospace sector.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm 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 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 significant transactions in the space sector, including leading funding rounds for Exotrail, a French space logistics provider, which raised $58M in a Series B round in February 2023, and $13 million in a Series A round in July 2020. They also participated in Exotrail's Seed round in 2018. Additionally, Bpifrance invested in OPUS Aerospace, which raised $1,411,290 in a Seed round in July 2022, and The Exploration Company, which raised $158,042,465 in a Series B round in November 2024. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting companies that are integral to the spacecraft components manufacturing industry.


3. 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 through various investment funds and an accelerator program. Their focus is on helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of developing innovative space solutions. In 2023, Seraphim Space participated in a $5 million funding round for Auriga Space, a company working on electromagnetic technology for space launch, highlighting their commitment to advancing technologies relevant to spacecraft components. Additionally, they have been involved in several seed and pre-seed rounds for companies like Arkisys, Viridian Space, and Veoware, indicating a strong interest in supporting early-stage companies within the space industry.


4. 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. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In the context of the space industry, EIB has been actively involved in financing companies such as GomSpace, which received up to EUR 18 million in venture debt to enhance its nano-satellite platform, and Spire Global, which secured 20 million euros to develop its satellite constellation and software applications. These investments highlight EIB's role in fostering innovation and development in the spacecraft components sector.


5. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, focused on economic development in Scotland. It provides a range of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, demonstrating its active role in fostering business growth. Notably, they have invested in several space technology companies, such as Craft Prospect Limited, which received funding for its ROKS Mission, and Aurora Avionics, which secured funding to enhance rocket control systems. Additionally, they led a £2.25M investment round for Bright Ascension, supporting the development of satellite software products. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's commitment to supporting the aerospace sector and its components manufacturers.


6. 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 leading aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Founded in 2005, the company specializes in aircraft equipment, propulsion systems, and defense technologies, serving a diverse clientele that includes aircraft manufacturers and military organizations. Safran is committed to sustainability and technological advancement, operating globally to enhance safety and operational efficiency in aviation and defense sectors. Notably, Safran has made significant acquisitions that bolster its position in the space sector, including the acquisition of Syrlinks in November 2022, which specializes in satellite communication systems and GNSS expertise. Additionally, their acquisition of CILAS, a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, further strengthens their portfolio in space-related technologies. These strategic moves highlight Safran's active role in the spacecraft components manufacturers industry.


7. Tikehau Capital


Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, specializing in alternative asset management. Founded in 2004, the 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 been involved in several transactions relevant to the aerospace and spacecraft components sector, such as their investment in Mecachrome France, which raised over $55 million in 2020, and their involvement with Daher, a company that has received debt financing. Additionally, their acquisition of Bt2i group and investment in Latecoere, a company that raised funds in the post-IPO equity round, further highlight their engagement in the aerospace industry. Their investment in Nexteam Group, a precision mechanics company, also underscores their commitment to supporting companies that are integral to the development of spacecraft components.


8. Parkwalk Advisors


Parkwalk Advisors is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2009, specializing in investments in university spin-outs and innovative technologies. They manage various EIS funds aimed at providing capital appreciation and tax reliefs for investors. Their focus is on high-growth companies across sectors such as AI, life sciences, and cleantech. Notably, Parkwalk has invested in Silicon MicroGravity, which raised $7 million to commercialize its technology relevant to microgravity applications, and Surrey NanoSystems, which has developed materials for semiconductor fabrication, crucial for advanced technology applications including those in the aerospace sector. Additionally, they have invested in Wayland Additive, which raised funds for its innovative additive manufacturing technologies, potentially applicable in spacecraft component production.


9. 3i Group plc

  • Website: 3i.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, aiming to foster sustainable growth. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group seeks to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, 3i Group invested in Collins Aerospace, which raised $6.7 million in a private equity round in 2005, highlighting their engagement in the aerospace sector. Additionally, they have made multiple investments in Metalysis, a company focused on advanced materials, raising significant funds across several rounds from 2005 to 2009. These transactions reflect 3i Group's commitment to supporting innovative companies that may contribute to the spacecraft components industry.


10. 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, 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 funding rounds across multiple sectors. Notably, they participated in the seed round for ThrustMe, a company that develops propulsion systems for small satellites, which is directly relevant to the spacecraft components industry. Other investments include Preligens, SpaceLocker, Cailabs, and Expliseat, showcasing their diverse portfolio but highlighting their potential interest in aerospace technologies through ThrustMe.


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

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

CDTI Innovación - Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (CDTI) is a public entity based in Madrid, Spain, established in 1977. It promotes innovation and technological development by providing financial support and technological advice to Spanish companies engaged in research and development. CDTI facilitates access to government funding for innovative projects, particularly in high-tech sectors. Notably, CDTI has been involved in several transactions within the aerospace industry, including a seed investment in IENAI SPACE, a company specializing in electric propulsion systems for satellites, and multiple grants to companies like Kreios Space, Sanzar Group, and PLD Space. In a significant Series B funding round, CDTI invested an additional $2.9 million in PLD Space, which is focused on developing suborbital and orbital launch vehicles. These activities highlight CDTI's active role in supporting the growth of the aerospace sector in Spain.


12. Omnes

  • Website: omnescapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: omnes-capital

Omnes Capital is a private equity firm based in Paris, Île-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, they have been involved in significant transactions within the aerospace sector, including a Series B funding round for The Exploration Company, which raised $158 million to commercialize their reusable space capsule, Nyx. Additionally, they have a history of investments in companies like Tronics Microsystems and 3D Plus, which are relevant to the spacecraft components industry. Their acquisition of SOURIAU SAS, known for its interconnect solutions in aerospace, further highlights their engagement in this sector.



Spacecraft Components Manufacturers Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Seraphim SpaceLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201627
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
SafranParis, Île-De-France, France10001+20059
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046
Parkwalk AdvisorsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200917
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
CDTI Innovación - Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la InnovaciónMadrid, Madrid, Spain201-500197729
OmnesParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019998


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