The aerospace manufacturing industry in Benelux is an innovative sector focusing on the design, production, and maintenance of aircraft components and systems. It comprises a blend of established companies and emerging startups specializing in advanced technologies like drones, satellites, and electric aircraft. The region is recognized for its strong collaborative network, connecting academia, government agencies, and industry players to enhance research and technology transfer. With increasing demands for sustainable aviation solutions, companies are exploring hybrid-electric systems and lightweight materials. This shift positions Benelux as an evolving hub for aerospace innovation with promising growth opportunities.


The list features a variety of investors, spanning corporations, venture capital firms, and private equity groups, headquartered across Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Established between 1958 and 2018, these investors range in size from small firms to multi-thousand employee organizations, showcasing their capability to mobilize significant investments. In 2024, these investors collectively participated in 340 deals within the aerospace manufacturing sector, signaling robust activity and commitment to technological advancement in this industry. Each investor plays a unique role in shaping the future of aerospace in Benelux.


Top 15 Aerospace 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 several significant transactions within the aerospace manufacturing sector. Notably, it participated in the Series B funding round for Heart Aerospace, a Swedish company developing hybrid-electric aircraft, contributing to a total of $107 million raised. Additionally, the EIC provided grants to companies like Dawn Aerospace and Nimesis Technology, which are also engaged in aerospace-related innovations. These activities highlight the EIC's commitment to fostering advancements in aerospace manufacturing and its role as a key investor in this field.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, EIB was involved in 99 investments, showcasing its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions in the aerospace sector, EIB provided €10 million in funding to Quantum-Systems GmbH, a market leader in small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), to expand operations and meet technological demands in the UAS mapping and surveillance industry. Additionally, EIB announced a venture debt financing agreement of up to EUR 18 million for GomSpace, a Danish space company, to support its nano-satellite platform, which is crucial for high-frequency applications in the telecom sector. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to fostering innovation and development within the aerospace manufacturing industry.


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 has made notable investments in the aerospace manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc. for $1.365 billion in 2019, which specializes in aerospace parts. In 2024, CVC also acquired CTC Moyson Airport Equipment, further solidifying their presence in the aerospace industry. Additionally, their involvement with Avolon Holdings, an aircraft leasing group, highlights their strategic investments in the broader aerospace sector, showcasing their commitment to delivering sustainable value and growth through targeted investments in aerospace-related companies.


4. Boundary Holding


Boundary Holding is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in deep tech investments, focusing on technologies that enable the 4th industrial revolution. They provide funding and support to startups in the AI and technology sectors, helping them scale and innovate. Notably, Boundary Holding has invested in several companies relevant to the aerospace manufacturing industry, including Aeraccess, which raised funds in a Series A round in May 2020, and Asteria Aerospace, which secured funding in a corporate round in December 2018. These investments highlight Boundary Holding's engagement with the aerospace sector, alongside their broader focus on technology and innovation.


5. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


The Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a venture capital development agency based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM supports startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region by offering various programs aimed at enhancing business growth, including readiness programs for venture capital and innovation. They provide funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to facilitate success in competitive markets. Notably, BOM has invested in several companies relevant to the aerospace manufacturing sector, such as Airborne Technology, which raised over $13 million in a venture round in 2016, and Additive Industries, which secured over $11 million in debt financing in 2019. These investments highlight BOM's engagement in the aerospace industry, alongside their broader focus on sustainable technologies and innovation.


6. 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 within the aerospace manufacturing context, including Dawn Aerospace, which specializes in satellite propulsion systems and the development of the Mk-II Spaceplane, and Airborne Technology, which has raised significant funding for its aerospace-related projects. Additionally, their investment in IMSystems, a motion control startup, further demonstrates their engagement in technology that could have applications in aerospace manufacturing. These transactions highlight InnovationQuarter's role in fostering innovation and growth in the aerospace sector.


7. 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 the aerospace manufacturing context, Exor has made notable investments, including participation in Ursa Major's Series D funding round, which raised $138 million for developing innovative rocket propulsion systems. Additionally, Exor invested in Radian Aerospace's seed funding round, supporting the company's plans to build an orbital space plane. These transactions highlight Exor's commitment to advancing aerospace technologies while maintaining a diverse investment strategy.


8. 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 the aerospace sector, particularly in Archer Aviation Inc., 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 working capital and the development of aircraft and related technology. Additionally, Stellantis participated in multiple post-IPO equity rounds for Archer, raising substantial amounts such as $600 million in September 2021 and $430 million in December 2024. These investments highlight Stellantis's commitment to advancing aerospace manufacturing alongside its core automotive business.


9. 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. In 2024, they participated in a Series A funding round for iCOMAT, raising $22.5 million, which is likely to involve aerospace applications. Additionally, they invested in Plyable, which focuses on composite tooling solutions, and 9T Labs, a startup that raised $17 million for 3D printing technologies, both of which are relevant to aerospace manufacturing. Their portfolio also includes investments in companies like Kumovis and Autonomic Materials, which, while primarily focused on medical applications, showcase their interest in advanced materials technology that could have cross-industry applications, including aerospace.


10. 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, established in 1985. It specializes in providing financial solutions and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province of Liege. Noshaq focuses on funding, project structuring, and business development, particularly in sectors such as biotech and sustainable development. Notably, Noshaq has participated in key transactions in the aerospace sector, including a co-investment in Aerospacelab, which raised €40 million in a Series B funding round aimed at enhancing satellite production capacity. Additionally, Noshaq was involved in the seed funding of Aerosint, a company that operates within the aerospace manufacturing domain. These investments highlight Noshaq's engagement in fostering growth and innovation in the aerospace industry, alongside its broader investment strategy.


11. Capricorn Partners


Capricorn Partners is an investment management firm based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in venture capital, growth capital, and quoted equity funds. Founded in 1993, the firm focuses on innovative companies across various sectors, including digital technologies, health, and clean technologies. Notably, Capricorn Partners has participated in significant transactions such as their investment in SpaceX, which raised $1 billion to advance research in space transport and satellite manufacturing. This involvement highlights their interest in the aerospace sector, alongside their commitment to responsible investing and creating strategic value for their clients. Other transactions include investments in companies like Anteryon and FRX Innovations, showcasing their diverse portfolio while maintaining a focus on impactful technologies.


12. OTB Ventures

  • Website: otb.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: otb-ventures

OTB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, specializing in early-stage investments in deep-tech startups. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on sectors such as SpaceTech, AI, FinTech, and CyberSecurity, providing capital and strategic support to help these startups scale and succeed in global markets. Notably, OTB Ventures has invested in several aerospace-related companies, including ClearSpace, which is dedicated to sustainable space practices through in-orbit servicing and active debris removal, and Kurs Orbital, an Italian startup working on advanced space technologies. They also participated in the funding of ATMOS Space Cargo, further emphasizing their engagement in the aerospace manufacturing sector. Their diverse portfolio showcases their commitment to fostering innovation in aerospace alongside other technology sectors.


13. NewSpace Capital


NewSpace Capital is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, that specializes in growth investments in the space industry. The firm focuses on deep-tech companies that tackle global challenges, providing both investment management and strategic support. NewSpace Capital operates across various market segments, including Earth observation and telecommunications, primarily catering to businesses in the space technology sector. Notable transactions include leading a €26 million funding round for Cailabs, which is innovating in laser communications and optical ground station technology, and participating in funding rounds for companies like Voyager Space and ATLAS Space Operations, which are pivotal in the aerospace sector. Their investments reflect a commitment to advancing technologies that are essential for modern aerospace manufacturing.


14. 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 made significant investments in the aerospace sector, including a nearly €1 million investment in Spherical Systems, a startup focused on developing chips for extreme space conditions, and €700K in Fusion Engineering, a Dutch flight control startup. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to fostering innovation in aerospace manufacturing, alongside its broader investment strategy.


15. 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. Notable transactions include investments in Aiir Innovations, which specializes in AI-based software for aircraft engine inspections, receiving €500,000 in 2019 and participating in a €2.1M funding round in 2023. Additionally, they have invested in Robin Radar Systems, which operates in the aviation sector, and Eye on Air, a technology firm developing screening technology relevant to aviation security. Their partnerships with major industry players like KLM and Schiphol further enhance the success of their portfolio companies, positioning them as a significant player in the aerospace manufacturing landscape.



Aerospace Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Boundary HoldingLuxembourg11-5020160
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
InnovationQuarterThe Hague, South Holland, Netherlands51-20020139
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
StellantisAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+20147
Syensqo VenturesBrussels, Brussels, Belgium1-1020164
NoshaqBelgium11-50198511
Capricorn PartnersLeuven, Flanders, Belgium11-5019935
OTB VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020176
NewSpace CapitalLuxembourg11-5020183
Graduate Entrepreneur FundNetherlands11-5020219
Mainport Innovation FundAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020090


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