The marine engine manufacturing industry in Europe forms a crucial backbone of maritime transport and leisure activities. Stretching across coastal nations, the sector comprises established firms and innovative startups developing cutting-edge engines and propulsion systems that enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. As global focus shifts towards sustainability, companies are adopting cleaner technologies, including electric engines and hybrid systems. The industry's growth is propelled by advances in digital solutions, fueling a competitive market that encourages environmental responsibility. Furthermore, rising international trade and a burgeoning maritime tourism sector underscore the increasing significance of sustainable marine engineering innovation.


The investors in this list represent a broad spectrum of entities including venture capitalists and private equity firms, across major European cities. Founded between 1945 and 2021, these firms vary significantly in size, from small teams to large corporations. In 2024 alone, they collectively engaged in 405 investments, indicating robust interest in the marine sector. Notable investors such as the European Innovation Council and InnoEnergy demonstrate a commitment to unlocking potential in sustainable marine technologies. This dynamic group reflects an evolving investment landscape focused on innovation and traction in marine engine manufacturing.


Top 15 Marine Engine Manufacturing 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 significant transactions within the marine engine manufacturing context, such as a €6 million Series A financing round for Temo, a French company specializing in electric motors for boats, and multiple funding rounds for OceanWings, which is likely engaged in marine technology. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting the development of marine engine technologies and related innovations.


2. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1958, that supports innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in significant transactions within the marine industry, such as the funding rounds for bound4blue, a developer of automated wind-assisted propulsion systems for maritime transport, which raised a total of EUR 22.4 million through various funding sources, including grants from the EIC. Additionally, the EIC supported Evoy, a Norwegian startup focused on electric inboard and outboard systems, which raised €7.3 million for its development and market expansion. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to advancing technologies that are pertinent to marine engine manufacturing.


3. InnoEnergy

  • Website: innoenergy.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: innoenergy

EIT InnoEnergy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010, based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, dedicated to accelerating sustainable energy innovations. It serves as a marketplace for energy solutions, offering training programs and support for innovators and corporates in the energy sector. InnoEnergy collaborates with various stakeholders to tackle the challenges of energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has been involved in significant transactions relevant to the marine engine manufacturing context, such as their investment in Zparq, a startup focused on decarbonizing marine transport, and Equinox Ocean Turbines BV, which raised funds to develop ocean turbine technology. These investments highlight InnoEnergy's commitment to supporting innovations that can lead to more sustainable practices in the marine industry.


4. 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 provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in companies like TBS Yard, which is involved in shipbuilding and repair, and SeaTwirl, which focuses on innovative wind energy solutions that could intersect with marine applications. Other investments include Qtagg, Marstrom Composite, and Waves4Power, which, while not directly related to marine engines, indicate Almi's engagement with companies that may have marine applications or technologies. This diverse portfolio suggests that Almi is open to supporting ventures that could impact the marine industry, even if it does not exclusively focus on marine engine manufacturing.


5. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of an industrial group that focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various technology and industrial sectors. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. Notably, Indutrade has made strategic acquisitions in the marine engine manufacturing context, including the acquisition of Precision Products in 2008, a company that supplies piston rings to the marine engine industry. This acquisition aligns with Indutrade's strategy to build clusters of niche companies, highlighting their commitment to the marine engine sector. Other acquisitions, while not directly related to marine engines, demonstrate Indutrade's broader industrial focus and capability to integrate specialized companies into their portfolio.


6. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, founded in 1907. It operates in the energy and chemicals sectors, providing essential products such as fuels, lubricants, and chemical solutions to a diverse range of industries globally. In recent years, Shell has made strategic investments in companies that are relevant to the marine sector. Notably, they invested in Corvus Energy, which specializes in energy storage systems for marine vessels, indicating a commitment to advancing energy solutions in the maritime industry. Additionally, Shell has invested in ZeroAvia, a company focused on hydrogen fuel cell technology, which has potential applications in marine transportation. These transactions reflect Shell's interest in supporting innovations that could lead to more sustainable marine engine technologies.


7. Katapult

  • Website: katapult.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: katapult-accelerator

Katapult is an impact investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2017. They specialize in supporting tech startups that address global challenges, particularly in climate-tech and ocean-tech sectors. Katapult provides investment, accelerator programs, and mentorship to early-stage companies. Notably, they have invested in Mocean Energy, a pioneer in wave energy technology, which raised funds for the commercialization of its innovations. This investment highlights Katapult's commitment to marine-related technologies, making them a significant player in the ocean-tech space. Additionally, their involvement in other startups like Hyrex and Freepower showcases their diverse investment portfolio, while still maintaining a focus on impactful technologies that can benefit the marine industry.


8. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux is a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2021. It specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition, providing operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Notably, Mutares has made strategic acquisitions that strengthen its portfolio in engineering and technology. One significant transaction is the acquisition of Steyr Motors Betriebs GmbH, a company that produces marine engines, completed on November 30, 2022. This acquisition highlights Mutares' commitment to diversifying its investments into the marine engine manufacturing sector. Additionally, Mutares has acquired companies like Guascor Energy and NEM Energy, which, while not directly related to marine engines, demonstrate the firm's focus on engineering and technology, potentially providing synergies with its marine engine interests.


9. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT acquired Rolls-Royce Power Systems in 2006, a company known for its marine engine solutions, and Bergen Engines AS in 2013, which focuses on engines for marine and energy applications. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Aker Solutions in 2013 further highlights their engagement in sectors related to marine technology and engineering. These transactions illustrate EQT's strategic interest in the marine engine manufacturing industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


10. 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 in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has been involved in various transactions, including a significant investment in Ocean Crest Marine, which raised an undisclosed amount in September 2023, indicating their engagement in the marine sector. Additionally, BGF invested £6m in Prodrive Composites, a motorsport engineering company, which showcases their interest in engineering and technology sectors that may relate to marine applications. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting innovative companies across multiple industries, including those relevant to marine engine manufacturing.


11. Wärtsilä

  • Website: wartsila.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1834
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: wartsila

Wärtsilä Corporation, founded in 1834 and based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, is a corporate investor specializing in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Wärtsilä provides a comprehensive range of products, including marine engines, power plants, and energy management solutions. The company has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the marine sector, including the acquisition of Hamworthy, which enhances its offerings in offshore and marine gas applications, and Vik-Sandvik, a global ship design group that strengthens its ship design capabilities. Additionally, Wärtsilä's acquisition of Eniram, a company focused on energy management for the marine industry, showcases its commitment to integrating digital solutions into its marine operations. These transactions highlight Wärtsilä's strategic focus on enhancing operational performance and sustainability in the marine sector.


12. Future Planet Capital


Future Planet Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2015. They manage over $400 million in assets and focus on impact-led investments aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their portfolio includes innovative companies addressing global challenges across various sectors. Notably, Future Planet Capital has participated in funding rounds for companies in the marine industry, such as Armada Technologies, which raised $3.2 million to enhance the shipping industry's transition to cleaner technologies. They also have a stake in Smart Green Shipping and Regent Craft, the latter of which is developing all-electric seagliders, showcasing their commitment to advancing sustainable solutions in marine transportation. Their diverse investment strategy attracts both public and private investors looking to support high-growth companies with a positive environmental impact.


13. 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, helping them grow sustainably. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in the marine sector, including the acquisition of Esvagt in 2015, a company that provides emergency response and rescue services to the offshore industry, and Clyde Marine plc, which has a long history in marine services. These transactions highlight 3i Group's commitment to the marine industry, alongside its broader investment strategy.


14. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm founded in 1997, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses. With a focus on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare, Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential. Notably, Triton has made significant strides in the marine sector with their acquisition of MacGregor, a cargo handling specialist, for an enterprise value of EUR 480 million. This acquisition, announced on November 14, 2024, highlights Triton's strategic interest in marine logistics and equipment, as MacGregor recorded sales of EUR 733 million in 2023. This transaction aligns with Triton's operational focus and expertise in driving growth within the companies they invest in, particularly in industries that intersect with marine operations.


15. Montagu

  • Website: montagu.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1968
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: montagu-private-equity-llp

Montagu Private Equity is a private equity firm based in London, UK, founded in 1968. The firm specializes in investment management and growth strategies, partnering with management teams across various sectors, including healthcare and financial services. Montagu focuses on mid-market companies and is committed to responsible investing. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Survitec, a company involved in safety and survival solutions, and Maritime Intelligence, which enhances their portfolio in data and analytics relevant to the maritime sector. These transactions reflect Montagu's strategy of investing in companies that can unlock potential through operational improvements, although their direct involvement in marine engine manufacturing is limited.



Marine Engine Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
KatapultOslo, Oslo, Norway11-5020178
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
WärtsiläHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland10001+18340
Future Planet CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020157
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
MontaguLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019682


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