The aircraft manufacturing industry in Benelux is pivotal, thriving on innovation and technological advancement. This sector includes companies specializing in various areas, such as aircraft assembly, parts manufacturing, and aerospace technologies. While major players focus on traditional air transport, there is a growing interest in sustainable aviation practices, including hybrid-electric and fully electric aircraft. The industry is heading toward greener, more efficient solutions, driven by both regulatory changes and consumer demand for sustainable travel. Excitingly, local startups are continually reshaping how aircraft are designed and built, paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future.


The investors in this list consist of diverse types, including corporate, private equity, and venture capital firms, each playing a unique role in funding advancements in aircraft manufacturing. With headquarters in cities like Brussels, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg, these investors range from small firms to significant players managing thousands of employees. Many were established within the last two decades, reflecting a rapidly evolving investment landscape. In 2024 alone, these investors collectively engaged in numerous transactions to fuel innovation, showcasing their confidence in the sector's growth potential.


Top 14 Aircraft Manufacturing Investors in Benelux


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 recent years, the EIC has been involved in significant transactions within the aircraft manufacturing sector, notably investing in Heart Aerospace, a Swedish company focused on hybrid-electric aircraft, which raised $107 million in Series B funding with EIC's participation. Additionally, the EIC supported Maeve Aerospace, a Dutch startup developing a full-electric regional airliner, providing €2.5 million in funding to advance their project. These investments highlight the EIC's commitment to fostering innovation in the aerospace industry, making it a key player in the aircraft manufacturing landscape.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. Founded in 1958, the EIB serves both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, the EIB has invested in Quantum-Systems GmbH, a Munich-based leader in small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), providing €10 million to support the expansion of operations and technological innovation in the UAS mapping and surveillance industry. This transaction highlights the EIB's commitment to investing in the aircraft manufacturing sector, particularly in areas that enhance sustainability and innovation.


3. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in the aerospace sector, acquiring Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc., a key player in aerospace parts manufacturing, for $1.365 billion in 2019. They also invested in Avolon Holdings, an aircraft leasing group, contributing $750 million to its initial capital raise in 2010. More recently, CVC acquired CTC Moyson Airport Equipment in 2024, further solidifying their presence in the aviation industry. These transactions highlight CVC's commitment to the aircraft manufacturing and aviation sectors, showcasing their strategic investment approach.


4. InnovationQuarter

  • Website: innovationquarter.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: innovationquarter

InnovationQuarter is a public entity focused on regional development in South Holland, established in 2013. It provides innovation support, investment funding, and internationalization assistance to businesses, particularly startups and SMEs. The organization collaborates with various sectors to enhance economic growth and facilitate innovative projects. Notably, InnovationQuarter has invested in several companies relevant to the aerospace sector, including Airborne Technology, which raised significant funding in multiple rounds to develop advanced materials for aircraft manufacturing. Additionally, their involvement with Dawn Aerospace highlights their interest in aerospace technologies, particularly in propulsion systems and spaceplanes. These transactions demonstrate InnovationQuarter's commitment to fostering innovation in the aerospace industry.


5. Exor N.V.

  • Website: exor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: exor_2

Exor N.V. is a holding company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. It operates across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and media, and manages a diverse portfolio of companies such as Ferrari, Stellantis, and Philips. Exor focuses on enhancing value through strategic investments and operational support. In addition to its broad investment strategy, Exor has made significant contributions to the aerospace sector, including investments in Ursa Major, a rocket propulsion company that raised $138 million to develop innovative solid rocket motors, and Radian Aerospace, which secured $27.5 million to support its plans for an orbital space plane. These transactions highlight Exor's commitment to advancing technologies that are integral to the aerospace and aircraft manufacturing industries.


6. Mainport Innovation Fund


Mainport Innovation Fund II is a venture capital fund based in Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The fund focuses on accelerating innovation in sustainable mobility, logistics, and aviation, providing funding and support to startups that aim to create climate impact solutions. They have collaborated with major partners like KLM and Schiphol to enhance the success of their portfolio companies. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Aiir Innovations, a company specializing in AI-based software solutions for aircraft engine inspection, contributing €500,000 in 2019 and participating in a later funding round in 2023. This investment highlights their commitment to advancing technology in the aircraft manufacturing sector. Additionally, their investment in C Teleport, which facilitates flight bookings for the maritime industry, further illustrates their engagement with aviation-related ventures.


7. Stellantis

  • Website: stellantis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: stellantis-slovakia

Stellantis N.V. is a multinational automotive manufacturer based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2014. The company produces a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars and light trucks, and is focused on electrification and innovative mobility solutions. In recent years, Stellantis has made significant investments in Archer Aviation, a company dedicated to developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Notable transactions include a $215 million investment round in August 2023, which was aimed at supporting the development of aircraft and related technology, as well as the build-out of manufacturing and test facilities. Additionally, Stellantis participated in multiple post-IPO equity rounds for Archer, raising substantial amounts of capital, including $430 million in December 2024 and $600 million in September 2021. These investments reflect Stellantis's commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, extending its influence beyond traditional automotive manufacturing into the aerospace sector.


8. Syensqo Ventures

  • Website: solvay-ventures.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn:

Syensqo Ventures is a corporate investor based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in advanced materials and solutions across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. With a strong emphasis on research and development, Syensqo Ventures aims to meet the evolving demands of its diverse market. Notably, the firm has participated in several relevant transactions, such as investing in 9T Labs, a startup focused on 3D printing technology, which is increasingly important in the aerospace sector for producing lightweight and complex components. Additionally, their investment in iCOMAT, which raised $22.5 million in a Series A round, indicates their commitment to supporting innovative companies that could impact the aerospace industry. These transactions highlight Syensqo Ventures' strategic interest in technologies that enhance aircraft manufacturing capabilities.


9. Noshaq

  • Website: noshaq.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Belgium
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: noshaq-be

Noshaq is a venture capital investment fund based in Belgium, founded in 1985. It provides financial solutions and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province of Liege, focusing on funding, project structuring, and business development. While Noshaq primarily targets sectors such as biotech and sustainable development, it has also engaged in transactions relevant to the aerospace industry. Notably, Noshaq participated in a Series B funding round for Aerospacelab, which raised €40 million to enhance satellite production capacity and develop geospatial data analytics capabilities. Additionally, Noshaq has invested in Aerosint, a company involved in advanced manufacturing technologies, which could have applications in aircraft manufacturing. These transactions demonstrate Noshaq's potential interest in the aerospace sector, making it a relevant investor in the aircraft manufacturing context.


10. Sgh

  • Website: sghcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sghcapital

SGH Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Luxembourg, that specializes in investing in early and mid-stage disruptive companies across various sectors, including fintech and blockchain. They provide capital and strategic support to innovative businesses primarily in the US and western Europe, helping them to grow and succeed in competitive markets. Notably, SGH Capital has invested in ZeroAvia, which raised $13 million in a Series A round in June 2021, focusing on hydrogen-electric powertrains for aviation. This investment highlights SGH's interest in the aviation sector, alongside their earlier investments in WIJET and OpenJet, which, while not directly related to manufacturing, indicate a broader engagement with the aviation industry.


11. Graduate Entrepreneur Fund


The Graduate Entrepreneur Fund is a venture capital firm based in the Netherlands, founded in 2021. It specializes in providing funding and support to early-stage startups founded by alumni of the universities of Delft and Rotterdam. The fund typically invests between €75K to €2M, offering tailored support, coaching, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs navigate their challenges. Notably, the fund has participated in transactions such as Fusion Engineering, a Dutch flight control startup that raised €700k, indicating its involvement in the aircraft manufacturing sector. Additionally, the fund has invested in other innovative startups like Spherical Systems and Revolv Space, showcasing its commitment to supporting ambitious founders across various high-tech industries, including aerospace.


12. H2 Equity Partners

  • Website: h2ep.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: h2-equity-partners

H2 Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in private equity investments in mid-sized companies across various sectors, providing hands-on support and consulting services to help management teams achieve growth and operational improvements. Notably, H2 Equity Partners acquired Multi Pilot Simulations in December 2016, a company that plays a role in the aviation sector by providing simulation technology for pilot training. This acquisition indicates their interest in the aviation industry, although their other transactions, such as the acquisition of the William Hackett Group and TB&C Outsert Center, suggest a broader investment strategy that spans multiple industries. Their approach focuses on enhancing performance and operational efficiency for their portfolio companies.


13. HPE Growth

  • Website: hpegrowth.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: hpe-growth-capital

HPE Growth is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in technology growth investments, focusing on providing equity and active support to fast-growing digital tech businesses across Europe. HPE Growth has a particular interest in sectors such as SaaS, FinTech, Digital Health, and Climate Tech. Notably, they have made significant investments in the aerospace sector, acquiring Cotesa in June 2012 and supporting Airborne Technology through multiple funding rounds from 2010 to 2016. Cotesa specializes in advanced composite materials, while Airborne Technology focuses on innovative aerospace solutions, highlighting HPE Growth's engagement in the aircraft manufacturing industry.


14. Future Industry Ventures


Future Industry Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg that specializes in early-stage investments within the industrial technology sector. The firm aims to support businesses that are developing innovative technologies related to Industry 4.0, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, connectivity, and decentralization. They typically provide funding between €2 and €10 million to help these companies grow. Notably, Future Industry Ventures has invested in Flyability, a Swiss startup focused on indoor drone technology, which has significant applications in the aircraft manufacturing industry, particularly for inspection and monitoring purposes. Their investment in Flyability, which has raised multiple rounds of funding, showcases their commitment to supporting innovative solutions that could enhance the efficiency and safety of aircraft manufacturing processes.



Aircraft Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
InnovationQuarterThe Hague, South Holland, Netherlands51-20020139
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
Mainport Innovation FundAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020090
StellantisAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+20147
Syensqo VenturesBrussels, Brussels, Belgium1-1020164
NoshaqBelgium11-50198511
SghLuxembourg1-1020153
Graduate Entrepreneur FundNetherlands11-5020219
H2 Equity PartnersAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019910
HPE GrowthAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020101
Future Industry VenturesLuxembourg11-502


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