The marine autonomous vehicles industry in the DACH region involves innovative technologies designed for watercraft that operate without direct human control. Companies in this sector include tech startups focusing on autonomous navigation, robotics, and AI integration geared toward maritime applications. Notable offerings range from underwater drones to surface vessels, enhancing functions like surveillance, research, and freight. As environmental concerns rise, the industry trend leans toward greener, efficient solutions. The future looks promising as more players invest in sustainability, enabling autonomous vessels to revolutionize traditional maritime practices.


This article covers 15 key investors in the marine autonomous vehicles space across the DACH region. With venture capital firms, corporate investors, and private equity players, this list includes firms from prominent cities like Munich and Zurich. Founded from 1995 to 2022, these investors vary in size, with deal counts fluctuating from several to over 70 in 2024. Companies like Siemens and Partners Group feature, reflecting the robust investment activity aimed at innovating marine technology solutions.


Top 15 Marine Autonomous Vehicles Investors in DACH


1. Bayern Kapital

  • Website: bayernkapital.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: bayern-kapital-gmbh

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria. They support their clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development in various sectors, including life sciences and software. In 2023, Bayern Kapital participated in several notable transactions, including a €2.2 million seed round for Driveblocks, a technology startup focused on fully autonomous driving of commercial vehicles, and a $50 million Series A funding round for Fernride, which is also in the autonomous vehicle space. Additionally, they have invested in Blickfeld, a LiDAR technology firm, which is relevant for autonomous navigation systems. Their involvement in Quantum Systems, a leader in AI-powered drone robotics, further highlights their interest in advanced technologies that could be applicable to marine autonomous vehicles.


2. Sictic

  • Website: sictic.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 77
  • LinkedIn: sictic

Sictic is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups, providing investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate the growth of startups and the investment community. Among its notable transactions, Sictic has invested in Hydromea, which specializes in underwater autonomous vehicles, raising funds in both a Seed Round in 2019 and a Venture Round in 2021. This involvement highlights Sictic's engagement in the marine autonomous vehicles sector, alongside other technology investments.


3. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG is a leading technology conglomerate based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. Founded in 1847, Siemens operates globally with approximately 320,000 employees and generates significant revenue. The company has made notable investments in various sectors, including a strategic acquisition of Marine Current Turbines (MCT) in 2012, which focuses on tidal power technology. This acquisition reflects Siemens' commitment to enhancing its position in the marine sector, which is expected to grow significantly. Additionally, Siemens has been involved in other technology investments, such as acquiring shares in the robotics startup Magazino and participating in funding rounds for sustainable battery development through Morrow Batteries. These transactions highlight Siemens' focus on innovation and sustainability, which are crucial in the evolving landscape of marine autonomous vehicles.


4. Verve Ventures

  • Website: verve.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio, catering primarily to entrepreneurs and innovative companies seeking investment. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like ANYbotics, a robotics startup that focuses on robotic inspection solutions, and Flyability, which specializes in drones for indoor inspection. These transactions highlight their commitment to advancing technologies that could intersect with marine autonomous vehicles, particularly in the areas of robotics and automation.


5. Momenta

  • Website: momenta.one
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: momentapartners

Momenta is a venture capital firm based in Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in industrial impact and digital transformation, providing strategic investments and advisory services to Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chain. In recent years, Momenta has made several notable investments, including in Fixposition AG, a Swiss technology company that focuses on autonomous navigation. This investment, part of a seed financing round, aims to support the production and market strategy of Fixposition's next-generation products, which are relevant to the marine autonomous vehicles industry. Other investments include NODE Robotics and Luffy AI, showcasing Momenta's commitment to innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.


6. Swisscom Ventures


Swisscom Ventures is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in high-potential technology startups. The firm provides financial support and strategic advisory services, helping startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Swisscom Ventures operates across various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech. Notably, they have invested in ANYbotics, a Swiss robotics startup that focuses on robotic inspection solutions, which could have applications in marine environments. Their involvement in the Series B funding rounds for ANYbotics and other technology-driven companies like Lumotive highlights their commitment to innovative technologies that may intersect with marine autonomous vehicles, although their primary focus remains broader than just this niche.


7. Nabtesco Technology Ventures


Nabtesco Technology Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2018. The firm focuses on strategic investments in industrial-technology start-ups globally, leveraging its extensive industry expertise in sectors such as robotics and artificial intelligence. In 2024, Nabtesco participated in a $12 million funding round for Sea Machines Robotics, which develops autonomous control systems for maritime vessels. Additionally, they acquired DeepSea Technologies, a company specializing in intelligent maritime control systems, further solidifying their commitment to the marine technology sector. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their focus on enhancing the growth of companies that are innovating in the marine autonomous vehicles space.


8. Atlantic Labs

  • Website: atlanticlabs.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: atlantic-labs

Atlantic Labs is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2013. The firm supports exceptional, mission-driven founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey, focusing on startups across various sectors, including climate tech, AI, and digital health. Notably, Atlantic Labs has participated in funding rounds for companies like Enway, a Berlin-based autonomous vehicle software developer, which raised significant seed funding in 2019 and 2017. This involvement highlights their interest in the autonomous vehicle space, making them a relevant player in the marine autonomous vehicles industry.


9. Project A

  • Website: project-a.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: project-a-ventures

Project A is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2012. They specialize in early-stage tech investments and provide operational support for startups, including consulting in tech and growth, access to a network of investors, and pre-seed investment opportunities. In 2024, Project A has made 13 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for Quantum Systems, a company recognized for its advancements in AI-powered drone robotics, which has significant implications for marine autonomous vehicles. Their involvement in Quantum Systems includes a Series C round raising over $181 million in 2025 and earlier rounds, indicating a strong interest in technologies that intersect with marine autonomy. Additionally, they have invested in other tech-focused startups, reinforcing their commitment to innovation in various sectors.


10. Technology Fund

  • Website: technologyfund.ch
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: technology-fund

Technology Fund is a not-for-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It provides loan guarantees to innovative Swiss companies focused on environmental sustainability, particularly in the cleantech sector. The fund bridges the gap between startup funding and traditional loans, enabling businesses to develop and market their innovative products. Notably, Technology Fund has invested in Flybotix, a company specializing in autonomous navigation capabilities for drones used in marine environments. In December 2022, Flybotix secured a total of CHF5.5 million through a financing round that included both equity investment and a loan guarantee from Technology Fund, aimed at enhancing its ASIO drone's capabilities. This transaction highlights Technology Fund's active role in supporting marine autonomous vehicle technology.


11. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is a prominent investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Recently, Partners Group has made significant strides in the marine sector, notably through their acquisition of North Star, a UK operator of specialized vessels for emergency response and offshore wind maintenance services, announced on January 13, 2022. This acquisition aims to position North Star as a leading player in offshore wind infrastructure services, highlighting Partners Group's strategic interest in marine operations. Additionally, their acquisition of Gateway Fleets on September 30, 2024, further underscores their focus on expanding their portfolio in the marine industry, making them a key investor in sectors that could benefit from marine autonomous vehicle technologies.


12. Alpana Ventures

  • Website: alpana-ventures.ch
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: alpana-ventures

Alpana Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in digital transformation and invests in startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Alpana Ventures focuses on 'Deeptech' solutions, providing funding and strategic consulting to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of launching and scaling their businesses. Notably, Alpana Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Sinay, a maritime tech company, which raised significant capital in 2023 and 2024 to support its growth and internationalization. This involvement highlights Alpana Ventures' interest in the marine technology sector, particularly in solutions that could be relevant to marine autonomous vehicles. Additionally, their investment in Toposens, a company developing 3D ultrasonic echolocation sensors, showcases their commitment to innovative technologies that could have applications in various industries, including robotics and potentially marine applications.


13. Hensoldt

  • Website: hensoldt.net
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Taufkirchen, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: hensoldt

Hensoldt AG, founded in 2017 and based in Taufkirchen, Bavaria, Germany, is a corporate investor specializing in defense technology, particularly sensor solutions for protection and surveillance missions. The company serves military and security organizations globally, focusing on innovation and customer-specific solutions to enhance operational effectiveness. Hensoldt has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the defense sector. Notably, they acquired Kelvin Hughes in June 2017, a company known for its maritime navigation and surveillance radar systems, which positions Hensoldt within the maritime technology space. Additionally, their acquisition of Sail Labs Technology in January 2020 further demonstrates their commitment to enhancing their technological portfolio. These transactions highlight Hensoldt's interest in expanding its influence in areas that could intersect with marine autonomous vehicles, making them a relevant player in this sector.


14. Fly Ventures

  • Website: fly.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: fly-ventures

Fly Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies across Europe, with a focus on supporting technical founders who tackle complex challenges. Fly Ventures provides both capital and strategic guidance to help startups thrive in competitive markets. Notably, they have been involved in several funding rounds for Fernride, a company that develops autonomous vehicle technology, raising significant amounts in Series A and Seed rounds. Although Fernride is not specifically focused on marine applications, their work in autonomous systems indicates Fly Ventures' potential interest in related sectors, including marine autonomous vehicles. Additionally, Fly Ventures has invested in Pyka, which develops autonomous drones, further showcasing their engagement in the autonomous technology space.


15. Rethink Ventures

  • Website: rethinkventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: rethinkventures

Rethink Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in investing in logistics and mobility technology startups, providing both funding and expertise to entrepreneurs aiming to enhance efficiency and sustainability in transportation. Among their notable transactions, Rethink Ventures has invested in shipzero, which raised €8,689,135 in a Series A round on May 27, 2024, and previously in a seed round on March 14, 2023. Shipzero's focus on optimizing shipping logistics aligns with the marine sector, particularly in the context of autonomous vehicles. This investment reflects Rethink Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions that address critical challenges in logistics and mobility, including those relevant to marine autonomous vehicles.



Marine Autonomous Vehicles Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
SicticZurich, Zurich, Switzerland201-500201477
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
MomentaEngelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland11-5020127
Swisscom VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020074
Nabtesco Technology VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland1-1020185
Atlantic LabsBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201313
Project ABerlin, Berlin, Germany51-200201213
Technology FundZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-5020148
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Alpana VenturesGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1-1020161
HensoldtTaufkirchen, Bavaria, Germany5001-1000020171
Fly VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020162
Rethink VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020225


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