The marine autonomous vehicles industry in Benelux focuses on developing unmanned systems designed for aquatic tasks. Companies range from innovative tech startups to established engineering firms, offering solutions for applications like environmental monitoring, maritime logistics, and oceanic research. Recent advancements in AI, robotics, and communications have spurred significant growth, positioning Benelux companies at the forefront of this evolution. With an increasing emphasis on sustainability, the industry is leaning towards reducing environmental footprints and enhancing operational efficiencies. Exciting advancements in autonomous navigation systems promise a future where marine automation will be both safer and more adaptive to changing sea conditions.


In 2024, the marine autonomous vehicles investment scene in the Benelux region saw 17 notable investors with varied backgrounds. They include corporate giants, venture capitalists, and private equity firms, headquartered in cities like Brussels, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg. Ranging in size from startups to established entities, these investors have reported deal counts from two to over one hundred within the year. Founded as early as 1958 or as recently as 2021, their investments reflect a keen interest in advancing technology and sustainability within marine applications, marking a significant period of growth in the sector.


Top 17 Marine Autonomous Vehicles 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 2023, the EIC participated in a significant funding round for bound4blue, a technology developer specializing in automated wind-assisted propulsion systems for maritime transport, contributing to a total financing of EUR 22.4 million. This included a EUR 4.1 million grant from the Innovation Fund Program and a EUR 2.4 million grant from the EIC Accelerator Program. Additionally, the EIC has provided grants to other projects in the maritime sector, indicating its active role in promoting innovation in marine technologies.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services such as 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 recent years, EIB has made significant investments in companies relevant to the marine autonomous vehicles sector, including a €20 million venture debt deal with Spire Global, which is developing a satellite constellation and software applications that can support marine operations. Additionally, EIB participated in a debt financing round for XOCEAN, a company focused on autonomous marine operations, raising over $21 million. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to advancing technologies that can enhance marine autonomy and sustainability.


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 challenges related to energy transition and sustainability. Notably, InnoEnergy has participated in several transactions relevant to the marine sector, including a seed financing round for Zparq, which aims to decarbonize marine transport, and multiple funding rounds for CorPower Ocean, a company focused on wave energy technology. These investments highlight InnoEnergy's commitment to advancing sustainable solutions in marine environments, making it a significant player in the marine autonomous vehicles context.


4. Boundary Holding


Boundary Holding is a Luxembourg-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in deep tech investments that drive the 4th industrial revolution. They provide funding and strategic support to startups primarily in the AI and technology sectors. Notably, they invested in RanMarine Technology, a company focused on autonomous marine vehicles, which highlights their engagement in the marine autonomous vehicles space. Additionally, they have participated in various funding rounds for other tech startups, such as Internest, Skycharge, Defendec, and infiniDome, showcasing their broad interest in innovative technologies. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting companies that are at the forefront of technological advancements, including those relevant to marine autonomy.


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, managing a diverse portfolio of companies such as Ferrari, Stellantis, and Philips. Exor focuses on enhancing value through strategic investments and operational support. Notably, Exor participated in the Series B funding round for Saildrone, Inc., a company that specializes in marine autonomous vehicles, which raised $60 million in 2018. This investment highlights Exor's interest in innovative technologies within the marine sector. Additionally, Exor has been involved in other technology-focused investments, indicating a broader strategy that may encompass marine autonomous vehicles in the future.


6. Invest-NL

  • Website: invest-nl.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: invest-nl

Invest-NL is an impact investment firm based in Amsterdam, founded in 2020, that focuses on financing sustainable and innovative projects in the Netherlands. They support entrepreneurs with promising plans for societal transitions, particularly in the energy and technology sectors. Notable transactions include their participation in funding SolarDuck, which is developing offshore floating solar power technology, and SeaQurrent, which is working on a sustainable tidal energy converter. Additionally, they have invested in AquaBattery, a startup developing sustainable energy storage solutions, and Lightyear, a solar electric vehicle company. These investments reflect Invest-NL's commitment to supporting innovative technologies that contribute to a more sustainable economy, including those relevant to the marine sector.


7. SHIFT Invest

  • Website: shiftinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: shift-invest

SHIFT Invest is a venture capital fund based in Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in impact investing, targeting innovative enterprises with significant potential for environmental impact. They provide funding and support to early-stage companies across various sectors, including energy transition, smart food & agriculture, and sustainable mobility. In 2024, SHIFT Invest participated in a pre-seed funding round for Roboat, which raised $596,603. Roboat is focused on developing autonomous boats, aligning with SHIFT Invest's interest in sustainable mobility and innovative technologies. This investment highlights their commitment to supporting advancements in marine autonomous vehicles, alongside their broader mission to contribute to sustainability by helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses effectively.


8. Boskalis

  • Website: boskalis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Papendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1910
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: boskalis

Boskalis Westminster N.V. is a prominent logistics and marine services company based in Papendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1910. With over 10,000 employees, Boskalis specializes in dredging, coastal defense, land reclamation, and offshore energy support. Their clientele includes port authorities and energy companies, relying on Boskalis for safe and efficient maritime operations. Notably, Boskalis has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its service offerings. In 2017, they acquired the UK-based Gardline Group for approximately £40 million, which allows them to enter the offshore survey market, a sector that could benefit from marine autonomous vehicles. Additionally, their recent acquisition of ALP Maritime Services in 2024, which includes a fleet of anchor-handling salvage tugs, further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their maritime capabilities. These transactions suggest that while Boskalis may not focus solely on marine autonomous vehicles, their activities in related fields make them a relevant player in the marine technology landscape.


9. 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 investments in companies such as Next Ocean, which focuses on deep tech solutions potentially applicable to marine technologies, and ROCSYS, which raised $18 million in a Series A round. These transactions highlight the fund's engagement with innovative technology sectors, including those relevant to marine autonomous vehicles.


10. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing 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 been involved in significant transactions, including the acquisition of MacGregor, a cargo handling specialist, for EUR 480 million, which highlights their engagement in the maritime sector. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to enhance shareholder value and indicates Triton's interest in companies that may intersect with marine technologies. Other transactions include investments in industrial groups and oil services, showcasing their diverse portfolio and operational capabilities.


11. 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 based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, founded in 1985. The company operates a fleet of over 70 satellites, providing global coverage and reliable connectivity solutions across various sectors, including broadcasting, government, and maritime. Notably, SES acquired Greenham Regis Marine Electronics in 2016, which operated as a subsidiary until its full incorporation into SES in 2023. This acquisition enhances SES's capabilities in the maritime sector, particularly in providing electronic services and support for marine operations. Additionally, SES has been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of ND Satcom and DRS Global Enterprise Solutions, which, while primarily focused on government and satellite communications, demonstrate SES's strategic growth in technology and solutions that could benefit marine autonomous vehicles. Furthermore, SES's investments in companies like Isotropic Systems indicate a broader interest in advancing satellite technology, which is crucial for the operational needs of marine autonomous vehicles.


12. Mainport Innovation Fund


Mainport Innovation Fund II is a venture capital fund based in Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The fund is dedicated to accelerating innovation in sustainable mobility, logistics, and aviation, providing funding and support to startups that aim to create climate impact solutions. Notably, the fund has participated in various transactions, including a seed round investment in We4Sea, which raised $427,125 in April 2017. We4Sea focuses on data-driven solutions for the maritime industry, which aligns with the marine autonomous vehicles sector. Additionally, the fund has invested in companies like Aiir Innovations, which, while primarily focused on aircraft engine inspections, showcases the fund's interest in advanced technology solutions. Collaborating with major partners like KLM and Schiphol enhances the success of its portfolio companies, indicating a strong network in the transportation and logistics sectors.


13. Qbic Fund | Venture Capital

  • Website: qbic.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Ghent, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: qbic

Qbic Fund | Venture Capital is a venture capital fund based in Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2012. The fund specializes in seed and early-stage investments in innovative companies across various sectors, aiming to create impact by transforming technological breakthroughs into sustainable businesses. Qbic supports its portfolio companies throughout their growth, focusing on sectors such as biotechnology and technology. Notably, Qbic has invested in Unifly, a company that raised significant funding for its drone technology, which has potential applications in marine environments. Additionally, Qbic has invested in Aloxy, which develops Ex-certified sensors that could be relevant for marine autonomous vehicles. These transactions highlight Qbic's engagement with technology that intersects with the marine sector, making them a noteworthy investor in this context.


14. Fugro

  • Website: fugro.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leidschendam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1962
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: fugro

Fugro NV is a geotechnical service provider specializing in Geo-data solutions, founded in 1962 and headquartered in Leidschendam, South Holland, Netherlands. The company offers a wide range of services including surveying, environmental assessments, and geotechnical investigations to clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors. With a global presence, Fugro utilizes advanced technology and expertise to support safe and sustainable project development. Recently, Fugro has made significant strides in the marine autonomous vehicles sector by reaching a binding agreement to acquire SEA-KIT International, a company known for its development of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). This acquisition, announced on November 28, 2023, highlights Fugro's commitment to integrating innovative marine technologies into their operations. Additionally, Fugro has a history of strategic acquisitions, including De Regt Marine Cables and VIB-Weinhold, which further enhance their capabilities in marine and geotechnical services.


15. LUMO Labs

  • Website: lumolabs.io
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: lumo-labs

LUMO Labs is a venture capital firm based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 2016. They specialize in impact-driven investments in emerging technologies, providing funding and tailored support programs to early-stage startups that focus on addressing social and environmental challenges. In 2024, LUMO Labs participated in a Pre-Seed round for Roboat, which raised $596,603. Roboat is a startup dedicated to developing autonomous boats, making it a direct player in the marine autonomous vehicles sector. Additionally, they have invested in other technology-focused startups, such as AirHub and HULO.ai, the latter of which aims to enhance cloud-based solutions for water management, further indicating their interest in water-related technologies. Overall, LUMO Labs is positioned as a forward-thinking investor with a commitment to fostering innovation in impactful technologies, including those relevant to marine autonomy.


16. 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, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure investments. Among their notable transactions, CVC acquired D-Marin, a premium yacht marina operator, which aligns with the marine sector and suggests a strategic interest in marine-related businesses. Additionally, their investment in Hempel, a coatings provider, could have indirect relevance to marine applications, although it does not specifically target marine autonomous vehicles. CVC's diverse portfolio also includes acquisitions in various industries, indicating a broad investment strategy focused on delivering sustainable value and growth.


17. Louis Dreyfus Company

  • Website: ldc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1851
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: louis-dreyfus-company

Louis Dreyfus Company B.V. is a for-profit agricultural merchant and processor founded in 1851, headquartered in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands. The company operates across various sectors, including food processing, bioenergy, and transportation, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply chain for agricultural products. Recently, Louis Dreyfus Company Ventures has shown a keen interest in the marine technology sector, participating in significant funding rounds for companies like bound4blue, which focuses on automated wind-assisted propulsion systems for maritime transport, and Aquaconnect, which, while primarily in aquaculture, intersects with marine technology. Their investment in bound4blue, which raised EUR 15.9 million in a Series A funding round, highlights their commitment to advancing maritime innovations. Additionally, their involvement in grants for companies like SeaStock further emphasizes their engagement in the marine sector, particularly in technologies that could support autonomous maritime operations.



Marine Autonomous Vehicles Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
InnoEnergyEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands201-500201052
Boundary HoldingLuxembourg11-5020160
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
Invest-NLAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202017
SHIFT InvestAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020094
BoskalisPapendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19102
Graduate Entrepreneur FundNetherlands11-5020219
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
SES SatellitesBetzdorf, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg1001-500019852
Mainport Innovation FundAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020090
Qbic Fund | Venture CapitalGhent, Flanders, Belgium1-1020125
FugroLeidschendam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19620
LUMO LabsEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands11-5020165
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Louis Dreyfus CompanyRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+18515


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