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, the 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 the UK, France, Belgium, and beyond. Ranging from major players like Bpifrance to niche investors like Agoranov, these entities come in various sizes, from fewer than ten employees to over 10,000. Established between 1958 and 2016, their investments in 2024 highlight unique initiatives across the aerospace landscape. With a total of over 400 investments, the collective efforts of these 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


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 key transactions in the 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 the acquisition of Sabena technics, enhancing its growth opportunities in the aerospace maintenance sector. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting aerospace engineering initiatives.


2. European Innovation Council (EIC)


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 the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder. The EIC provides grants and investment opportunities to startups and SMEs to help them develop and scale their technologies. Notably, the EIC has been involved in significant transactions within the aerospace engineering sector, such as providing grants to Dawn Aerospace and ThrustMe, both of which are focused on aerospace innovations. Additionally, the EIC participated in the Series B funding round for Heart Aerospace, a company developing hybrid-electric aircraft, showcasing its commitment to advancing aerospace technologies. Through these initiatives, the EIC plays a crucial role in fostering innovation in the aerospace industry.


3. 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 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 the 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 the aerospace engineering domain.


4. 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. With a team size of 11-50, they have been actively involved in supporting startups within the space technology sector through various investment funds and an accelerator program. In 2024 alone, Seraphim Space has made 27 investments, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovation in the aerospace industry. Notable transactions include their 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 the boundaries of aerospace engineering and technology.


5. 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 founded in 1975, headquartered in Paris, Île-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 the aerospace engineering context. For instance, it provided grants to Dawn Aerospace and Rocket Factory Augsburg, supporting the development of innovative aerospace technologies. Additionally, ESA has collaborated with private investors and the 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: 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. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in companies relevant to the 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 the aerospace industry, although it also supports a diverse range of other sectors.


7. 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 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 other aerospace-related companies like Airborne Technology and EnduroSat, further demonstrating its engagement in the aerospace sector.


8. 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 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 the UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in several companies relevant to the aerospace engineering sector, including a £4m funding round for Walker Precision Engineering, which is expanding its operations to meet increasing demand in the 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, further solidifying their commitment to the aerospace industry.


9. 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 corporate investor based in Paris, Île-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 strengthening its position in the aerospace sector. More recently, in 2024, Safran finalized the acquisition of Preligens, further expanding its portfolio. Additionally, Safran has invested in Cranfield Aerospace, participating in funding rounds aimed at developing hydrogen-electric propulsion technology, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and technological advancement in aerospace engineering.


10. Airbus

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

Airbus SE, founded in 2003 and headquartered in Blagnac, Occitanie, France, is a prominent corporate investor in the aerospace industry. With over 10,000 employees, Airbus specializes in the 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 their recent transactions. Notably, they acquired Bombardier's stake in the A220 program for $591 million, solidifying their control over the program and enhancing their commercial aviation portfolio. Additionally, Airbus co-led a financing round for ZeroAvia, which raised $34 million to support the development of hydrogen-powered engines for larger commercial aircraft. These strategic investments highlight Airbus's active role in shaping the future of aerospace engineering and technology.


11. Tikehau Capital


Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, 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 made several significant investments in the 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, they 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 the aerospace engineering industry.


12. 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 innovative sectors. Notably, they 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 the aerospace engineering sector, despite their broader investment strategy.


13. 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 made significant investments in the aerospace sector, including the acquisition of SOURIAU SAS in 2006, a company recognized for its aerospace connectivity solutions. They also invested in Satys, which provides services to the 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 the aerospace engineering field.


14. 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 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 the aerospace sector.


15. Parkwalk Advisors


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 the 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


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
AccentureDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+200151
Seraphim SpaceLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201627
European Space Agency - ESAParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000197510
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
SafranParis, Île-De-France, France10001+20059
AirbusBlagnac, Occitanie, France10001+20036
Tikehau CapitalParis, Île-De-France, France501-100020046
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
OmnesParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019998
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Parkwalk AdvisorsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200917


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