The metal additive manufacturing industry in Europe involves advanced techniques to create complex metal parts layer by layer. This sector attracts various players, including startups specializing in cutting-edge 3D printing technology and established corporations focused on enhancing traditional manufacturing methods. These companies offer tailored solutions for sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare, revolutionizing production efficiency and customization. The industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for lightweight components and intricate designs. Recent innovations are enabling greater material selection and improved performance, making metal 3D printing an essential part of future manufacturing strategies across Europe.


The investors featured in this list are a mix of venture capital firms, private equity groups, and corporate investors based in key European cities like London, Brussels, and Stockholm. Founded between 1945 and 2015, these firms vary significantly in size and investment strategies, with 2024 seeing each engaging in numerous deals, reflecting robust activity in the sector. Notably, some have made substantial investments in innovative companies driving advancements in metal additive manufacturing, showcasing commitment to this growing industry.


Top 15 Metal Additive Manufacturing Investors in Europe


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, designed to help startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the metal additive manufacturing industry, such as providing grants to Headmade Materials, which raised $6,623,893 in February 2022, and $2,830,789 in a Series A round in December 2021. Other relevant transactions include grants to companies like Scrona, Polymertal, and Glassomer, which also contribute to advancements in materials and manufacturing technologies. These investments highlight the EIC's role in supporting innovative companies within the metal additive manufacturing space.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public venture capital entity based in Paris, Île-De-France, founded in 2015. It aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions in the additive manufacturing space, such as a $43 million venture round for Prodways, a company specializing in 3D printing technologies, and multiple funding rounds for Vulkam, which raised over $15 million in 2023. These transactions highlight their engagement in the metal additive manufacturing sector, although their broader investment strategy encompasses various industries.


3. 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, that provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among their notable transactions, Almi has invested in companies like VBN Components, which focuses on metal additive manufacturing, and Wematter, which also operates in the 3D printing space. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in the metal additive manufacturing industry, showcasing their role in supporting innovative technologies and businesses within this sector.


4. 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. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In the context of metal additive manufacturing, EIB has made significant investments in companies such as DyeMansion, which raised €15 million with EIB contributing €11 million, focusing on 3D printing technologies. Additionally, EIB has provided debt financing to Voxeljet, a company known for its 3D printing solutions, and Ultimaker, which specializes in desktop 3D printers. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to supporting innovation and development in the additive manufacturing industry.


5. 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 focuses on addressing the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notable transactions include a £10 million investment in Polar Technology Management Group, a specialist engineering company, aimed at expanding production capacity. Additionally, BGF has invested in Walker Precision Engineering, which has received funding to enhance its operations and invest in specialist machinery, potentially relevant to the metal additive manufacturing sector. Other investments include Prodrive Composites and VTL Group, both of which operate in precision engineering and supply chains that could intersect with metal additive manufacturing applications.


6. 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. Parkwalk Advisors focuses on high-growth companies across sectors such as AI, life sciences, and cleantech. Notably, they have made significant investments in the metal additive manufacturing space, particularly through their funding of Wayland Additive, which raised multiple rounds of funding, including a Series A round in January 2024 for $5,330,396 and another Series A round in April 2023 for £4.6 million. These investments highlight their engagement in the metal additive manufacturing industry, supporting advancements in 3D printing technologies.


7. AM Ventures


AM Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investments in additive manufacturing technologies, particularly in the industrial 3D printing sector. They provide funding and strategic guidance to startups and entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and growth in this rapidly evolving industry. Notable transactions include investments in Elementum 3D, which raised $411,460 in a seed round, and Lithoz, which also raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round. More recently, they invested $2,830,789 in Headmade Materials during a Series A round, and they participated in seed rounds for Cubicure and Fortius Metals, with the latter raising $2,000,000 in 2024. These investments highlight AM Ventures' commitment to advancing technologies in the metal additive manufacturing space.


8. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is a venture capital firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in providing venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Notably, they have made significant investments in the metal additive manufacturing industry, including a Series B funding round of $15,207,506 for Additive Manufacturing Technologies in July 2021, which aims to enhance their post-processing hardware portfolio. Additionally, they have invested in AME Group, which has raised funds to expand its 3D print production services, indicating their active role in supporting advancements in additive manufacturing technologies. Mercia operates through various funds and investment vehicles, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation across multiple sectors, including metal additive manufacturing.


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. Notable transactions include the acquisition of BBS Automation, a provider of automation solutions for complex manufacturing processes, which aligns with the technological advancements in manufacturing, including metal additive manufacturing. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Zeus Industrial Products in 2023 further demonstrates its commitment to investing in companies that may intersect with advanced manufacturing technologies. While EQT's focus is broad, its involvement in manufacturing-related sectors positions it as a potential investor in the metal additive manufacturing industry.


10. 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, a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, was founded in 2021 and specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition. The firm provides operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Mutares has been actively involved in strategic investments and turnaround management for its portfolio companies. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Vallourec Bearing Tubes, a leader in seamless high precision steel tubes, and Special Melted Products, which focuses on engineering and technology in metal processing. These acquisitions reflect Mutares' commitment to enhancing its presence in the metal manufacturing sector, which is closely related to metal additive manufacturing.


11. CDP Venture Capital SGR


CDP Venture Capital SGR is a venture capital firm based in Rome, Italy, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on supporting startups and innovative companies across various sectors in Italy, providing financial backing and strategic resources to help them grow in competitive markets. Notably, CDP Venture Capital has participated in significant transactions within the metal additive manufacturing context, such as the Series A funding for Caracol, an industrial large format 3D printing company that raised €10.6 million to enhance its operations and expand into new markets. This investment highlights CDP's commitment to fostering innovation in the additive manufacturing sector. Additionally, CDP has been involved in funding rounds for other startups like 3DNextech, which, while not explicitly focused on metal additive manufacturing, operates in the broader 3D printing landscape, indicating a potential interest in related technologies.


12. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a venture capital firm based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM acts as a development agency that supports startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region, offering various programs aimed at enhancing business growth, including readiness programs for venture capital and innovation in sustainable food and energy sectors. Among their notable transactions, BOM invested in Additive Industries, which raised over $11 million in debt financing in 2019, directly linking them to the metal additive manufacturing industry. They also participated in funding rounds for other innovative companies, such as Morphotonics and inPhocal, the latter focusing on increasing production of machines for manufacturing lines. This diverse portfolio showcases BOM's commitment to fostering innovation and growth in various sectors, including metal additive manufacturing.


13. Trumpf

  • Website: trumpf.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: trumpf-gmbh-co-kg

Trumpf SE + Co. KG, founded in 2016 and based in Ditzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in advanced machine tools and laser technology. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Trumpf provides innovative solutions to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Their investment arm, TRUMPF Venture, has been actively involved in funding startups that align with their strategic interests. Notably, they participated in the Series A funding rounds for 3YOURMIND, a Berlin-based 3D printing software startup, which raised significant capital to enhance its position in the additive manufacturing sector. Furthermore, Trumpf's acquisition of Stellar Industries Corp. in 2019, a company focused on metalized ceramic components, showcases their commitment to expanding their capabilities in the metal manufacturing domain. These transactions highlight Trumpf's active role in the metal additive manufacturing landscape.


14. 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 Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in deep tech investments across Europe. The firm provides funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, helping them grow in various markets. Their investment focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like 9T Labs, which raised $17 million in Series A funding to advance its 3D printing technologies, and Scrona, which raised $9.6 million in Series A funding. These transactions highlight Verve Ventures' active role in the metal additive manufacturing industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in this space.


15. 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 company specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, focusing on sustainable growth. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has been involved in several significant transactions in the metal additive manufacturing context, particularly with Metalysis, a company that raised funds through multiple rounds, including $27 million in Series C in 2007 and $8 million in a venture round in 2009. These investments highlight 3i Group's commitment to supporting innovation in the metal additive manufacturing industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.



Metal Additive Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
Parkwalk AdvisorsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200917
AM VenturesStarnberg, Bavaria, Germany1-1020153
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
CDP Venture Capital SGRRome, Lazio, Italy51-200201541
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
TrumpfDitzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+20162
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
3i Group plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-50019453


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