The aerospace engineering industry in Benelux is vibrant and innovative, encompassing companies that design, manufacture, and maintain aircraft, satellites, and related technologies. Businesses range from startups specializing in niche aerospace applications to well-established giants developing advanced systems for commercial and government purposes. The region’s focus on innovation and sustainability is pushing boundaries in space exploration, aircraft modernization, and satellite communications. Furthermore, collaborations between academia and industry are enhancing research capabilities. As the demand for green technologies and efficient air travel rises, Benelux is poised to remain a pivotal player in the global aerospace market.


The landscape of aerospace investors in Benelux includes corporate giants, venture capital firms, and private equity players, reflecting a mix of funding approaches. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands, these firms range in size from small teams to large entities with thousands of employees. Over half of the listed investors were established in the 2000s, indicating a dynamic entry of new players. In 2024, these investors collectively engaged in over 200 aerospace transactions, targeting innovation across diverse sectors such as satellite technology and sustainable aviation. Their involvement illustrates an active commitment to growth in the aerospace engineering field.


Top 17 Aerospace Engineering 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 the aerospace engineering context, the EIC has been involved in several notable transactions, such as providing grants to Dawn Aerospace, which raised $1,404,249 in July 2022, and ThrustMe, which secured $2,310,803 in October 2021. Additionally, the EIC supported Aurora Propulsion Technologies with both a seed round and a grant totaling $2,365,528 in October 2022. These investments highlight the EIC's commitment to fostering innovation in the aerospace sector, alongside its broader mission to promote technological advancement across various industries.


2. 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. In 2024, EIB has been involved in 99 investments, showcasing its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions in the aerospace engineering context, EIB has provided significant funding to companies such as GomSpace, a Danish space company specializing in nano-satellite platforms, and Spire Global, which focuses on satellite constellation development. Additionally, EIB has supported Quantum Systems, a Munich-based leader in small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), with a €10 million grant to expand operations and meet technological demands in the UAS mapping and surveillance industry. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to fostering innovation and development in the aerospace sector.


3. Boundary Holding


Boundary Holding is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2016, specializing in deep tech investments that drive the 4th industrial revolution. The firm provides funding and strategic support to startups primarily in the AI and technology sectors. Notably, Boundary Holding has invested in several companies relevant to aerospace engineering, including SwissDrones, which focuses on drone technology, and Aeraccess, which is involved in aerospace solutions. Additionally, they have supported companies like infiniDome, which enhances GPS technology, and CerbAir, a defense and security firm specializing in anti-drone solutions. These transactions highlight Boundary Holding's engagement with innovative technologies that intersect with the aerospace industry.


4. 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 significant strides in the aerospace sector, highlighted by their acquisition of Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc. in July 2019, which focuses on aerospace parts manufacturing. In addition, CVC's involvement in Avolon Holdings, an aircraft leasing group, showcases their commitment to the aerospace industry. More recently, they acquired CTC Moyson Airport Equipment in September 2024, further solidifying their presence in the aerospace engineering domain. These strategic investments reflect CVC's focus on delivering sustainable value and growth through targeted investments in the aerospace sector.


5. 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 engineering 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 of $27.5 million, aimed at building an orbital space plane. These transactions highlight Exor's engagement in the aerospace sector, complementing its broader investment strategy.


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 aerospace-related companies, 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 innovations. Additionally, it has supported IMSystems, a motion control startup, indicating a broader interest in advanced technologies that may intersect with aerospace applications. These transactions highlight InnovationQuarter's active role in the aerospace engineering sector.


7. SES Satellites

  • Website: ses.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Betzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: ses

SES S.A. is a satellite telecommunications provider founded in 1985, headquartered in Betzdorf, Luxembourg. The company operates a fleet of over 70 satellites in geostationary and medium Earth orbits, providing global coverage for various sectors, including broadcasting, government, and maritime. In recent years, SES has made significant acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in satellite communications. Notably, in August 2022, SES acquired DRS Global Enterprise Solutions for $450 million, enhancing its offerings to the US Government. In April 2024, SES announced its acquisition of U.S.-based Intelsat for $3.1 billion, which is set to create the world's largest satellite services provider. Additionally, SES has previously acquired ND Satcom and RR Media, further solidifying its position in the satellite communications market. These transactions highlight SES's commitment to advancing satellite technology, making it a relevant investor in the aerospace engineering field.


8. 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, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in providing financial solutions and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province of Liege, with a focus on funding, project structuring, and business development. While Noshaq primarily targets sectors such as biotech and sustainable development, it has also made notable investments in the aerospace engineering sector. For instance, Noshaq participated in a Series B funding round for Aerospacelab, which raised €40 million to enhance satellite production capacity and develop geospatial data analytics capabilities. Additionally, they were involved in the seed funding for Aerosint, a company that operates within the aerospace domain. These transactions highlight Noshaq's engagement in the aerospace industry, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovation and growth in this field.


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, which focuses on advanced composite materials, a critical area in aerospace engineering. Additionally, their investment in 9T Labs, a startup specializing in 3D printing, highlights their commitment to innovative manufacturing technologies that are increasingly relevant in the aerospace sector. Other investments, such as those in Plyable and Autonomic Materials, further demonstrate their engagement with companies developing composite and smart materials that can enhance aerospace applications.


10. 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 committed to sustainability and technological advancement. In recent years, Stellantis has actively invested in the aerospace sector, particularly through its involvement with Archer Aviation. Notably, Stellantis led a $215 million investment round in August 2023, aimed at supporting the development of aircraft and related technology. Additionally, Stellantis participated in multiple post-IPO equity funding rounds for Archer, raising significant capital amounts such as $600 million in September 2021 and $430 million in December 2024. These investments highlight Stellantis's strategic interest in innovative mobility solutions that extend beyond traditional automotive applications, positioning the company as a relevant player in the aerospace engineering industry.


11. Lrm

  • Website: lrm.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hasselt, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: lrmnv

LRM is an investment company based in Hasselt, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1994. It focuses on sustainable economic growth in Limburg, Belgium, providing financing and expertise to startups, scale-ups, and mature companies to facilitate their development and innovation. LRM is also involved in real estate development and the reconversion of old mining sites, contributing to the region's economic ecosystem. Notably, LRM has participated in various funding rounds, including a significant investment in Aerial Precision, which specializes in aerospace applications. This investment aligns with LRM's commitment to supporting innovative technologies and companies that contribute to economic growth, showcasing their interest in the aerospace engineering sector.


12. NewSpace Capital


NewSpace Capital is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, that specializes in growth investments within 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, a company innovating in laser communications and optical ground stations, and participating in an $80.2 million capital raise for Voyager Space, which is involved in space exploration and operations. Their investments in companies like ATLAS Space Operations and Simera Sense further demonstrate their commitment to advancing technologies relevant to aerospace engineering.


13. 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, Netherlands, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in deep-tech startups across various sectors, including SpaceTech, AI, FinTech, and CyberSecurity. OTB Ventures has been actively involved in the aerospace engineering context, with notable transactions such as their investment in ClearSpace, a leader in space debris removal, which raised EUR 26 million to promote sustainable space use. They also led a seed funding round for Kurs Orbital, an Italian startup focused on developing space technology, raising €3.7 million to advance their flight model. Furthermore, OTB Ventures participated in the Series D funding round for ICEYE, a company specializing in SAR data solutions, which raised $136 million to expand its satellite constellation. These investments highlight OTB Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative aerospace engineering startups and their growth in the global market.


14. 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. Notably, Mainport Innovation Fund has collaborated with major partners like KLM and Schiphol to enhance the success of its portfolio companies. Among its relevant transactions, the fund has invested in Aiir Innovations, a company specializing in AI-based software for aircraft engine inspections, with a significant investment of €500,000 in 2019 and participation in a €2.1M funding round in 2023. This involvement underscores their commitment to advancing technologies that are crucial for the aerospace sector. Additionally, their investment in Robin Radar Systems, which operates in the aviation technology space, further solidifies their relevance in the aerospace engineering context.


15. 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 firm typically invests between €75K to €2M, offering tailored support, coaching, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs navigate their challenges. Notably, the fund has participated in several transactions relevant to the aerospace engineering sector, including an investment in Spherical Systems, which is developing a chip for extreme space conditions, and Revolv Space, a startup focused on aerospace technologies. Additionally, they have invested in Fusion Engineering, a flight control startup, showcasing their engagement in the aerospace industry.


16. 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 been involved in significant transactions in the aerospace sector, including an investment in SpaceX, a leader in space transport and satellite manufacturing. This involvement highlights their commitment to supporting impactful technologies and innovative companies, aligning with their goal of responsible investing and creating strategic value for their clients. In addition to their aerospace-related investments, they continue to engage with a diverse portfolio of companies, demonstrating their broad investment strategy.


17. Eureka Network


Eureka Network is a not-for-profit organization based in Etterbeek, Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1985. It specializes in facilitating international cooperation in research and development (R&D) and innovation, offering various funding programs such as Eurostars and Globalstars. These programs are designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research organizations, and universities in their R&D projects. In recent years, Eureka has been involved in several transactions relevant to the aerospace engineering sector, including grants to Alba Orbital, which focuses on satellite technology, and Sanzar Group, which may have aerospace applications. Additionally, they provided funding to Reblade and Addvalue Technologies, both of which could have implications in aerospace technology. Their recent pre-seed investment in Solaq further demonstrates their commitment to supporting innovative solutions that may intersect with aerospace engineering.



Aerospace Engineering Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Boundary HoldingLuxembourg11-5020160
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
InnovationQuarterThe Hague, South Holland, Netherlands51-20020139
SES SatellitesBetzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg1001-500019852
NoshaqBelgium11-50198511
Syensqo VenturesBrussels, Brussels, Belgium1-1020164
StellantisAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+20147
LrmHasselt, Flanders, Belgium51-20019941
NewSpace CapitalLuxembourg11-5020183
OTB VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020176
Mainport Innovation FundAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020090
Graduate Entrepreneur FundNetherlands11-5020219
Capricorn PartnersLeuven, Flanders, Belgium11-5019935
Eureka NetworkEtterbeek, Brussels, Belgium11-5019851


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