The rocket engine manufacturing industry in the US is a pivotal segment within the broader aerospace sector. It includes companies crafting engines for satellites, launching vehicles, and advanced propulsion systems for space exploration. Key players range from established giants like Boeing and Lockheed Martin to agile startups focusing on cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printing and reusable engines. With the increasing demand for space access, fueled by commercial ventures and government projects like Artemis, innovation is accelerating. New propulsion technologies are expected, supporting missions beyond our planet and opening fresh opportunities in both defense and commercial markets.


The list of investors highlights a mix of corporate and venture capital interests, primarily headquartered in tech hubs like Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. They vary significantly in size, founding years, and investment focus, with notable players like the U.S. Department of Energy and Liquid 2 Ventures. Together, these investors made numerous deals in 2024, reflecting their shared enthusiasm for advancing rocket technology. From strategic government funding initiatives to private equity contributions, their interests underscore the significant potential and growing momentum in rocket manufacturing.


Top 17 Rocket Engine Manufacturing Investors in the US


1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. With a significant workforce of over 10,000 employees, the DOE serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In 2024, the DOE has been involved in several notable transactions within the rocket engine manufacturing context, including grants to TGV Rockets and Eta Space, which focus on developing advanced propulsion technologies. Additionally, the DOE has supported established entities like Pratt & Whitney and NASA Stennis Space Center, further emphasizing its commitment to fostering innovation in the aerospace sector. These transactions highlight the DOE's role as a key investor in the rocket engine manufacturing industry.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs and resources like the Startup School. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in Relativity Space, a rocket startup founded by engineers with experience at Blue Origin and SpaceX. The firm participated in several funding rounds for Relativity Space, including a Seed Round in 2016, Series A in 2016, Series B in 2018, and Series C in 2019, totaling over $175 million. This involvement highlights Y Combinator's engagement in the rocket engine manufacturing sector, showcasing its interest in innovative aerospace technologies.


3. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It focuses on providing accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm aims to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has made significant investments in the rocket engine manufacturing sector, including a $100 million Series D investment in Ursa Major, a leading developer of rocket engines, as well as earlier investments in the same company during its Series B and Venture Round. Additionally, the fund has invested in Vector Launch, which raised $70 million in Series B, and Phase Four, which is involved in propulsion systems. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the aerospace and rocket engine manufacturing industries.


4. NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  • Website: nasa.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1958
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: nasa

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a public entity focused on civil space programs and aeronautics research, founded in 1958. It conducts space exploration missions, supports the International Space Station, and develops advanced spacecraft. NASA has been involved in significant transactions within the rocket engine manufacturing sector, including a $3.2 billion contract with Boeing for the manufacture of core and upper stages for the Space Launch System (SLS) rockets, which are crucial for future Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond. Additionally, NASA has provided grants to companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX, which are also engaged in rocket engine development, further emphasizing its role as an investor in this industry.


5. Starburst


Starburst is a venture capital firm founded in 2012, located in El Segundo, California. It specializes in the aerospace and defense industry, providing startup acceleration, strategy consulting, and venture investments to help clients innovate in these sectors. Starburst has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to rocket engine manufacturing, including investments in Launcher, a company focused on developing launch vehicles; Morpheus Space, which specializes in electric propulsion systems; and Momentus, known for its space transportation services. These investments highlight Starburst's commitment to supporting technological advancements in the aerospace field, making them a significant player in the industry.


6. Lockheed Martin

  • Website: lockheedmartin.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: lockheed-martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation, founded in 1912 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, is a leading defense contractor specializing in aerospace and military technologies. The company provides advanced solutions to government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense and foreign governments, focusing on enhancing national security through innovative products like the F-35 and various missile systems. In recent years, Lockheed Martin has also made strategic investments in the rocket engine manufacturing sector. Notably, they participated in funding rounds for Agile Space Industries, a company that provides in-space propulsion solutions, and X-Bow Launch Systems, which is developing solid rocket motor technology. These investments reflect Lockheed Martin's commitment to advancing propulsion technologies, which are essential for modern aerospace applications, including lunar missions and other space exploration initiatives.


7. Boeing

  • Website: boeing.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: boeing

The Boeing Company, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is a leading aerospace manufacturer that designs, manufactures, and sells a wide range of products, including airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, and satellites. Boeing serves commercial airlines, government agencies, and military organizations, providing innovative solutions for safe and efficient air travel and defense capabilities. In recent years, Boeing has made strategic investments in companies that enhance its capabilities in the aerospace sector. Notably, Boeing HorizonX Ventures led a $11 million Series B funding round for Accion Systems, which develops Tiled Ionic Liquid Electrospray (TILE) thrusters for satellites, showcasing their interest in propulsion technologies. Additionally, Boeing's investment in X-Bow Launch Systems, which raised $70 million in a Series B round, further emphasizes their commitment to advancing rocket launch capabilities. These transactions highlight Boeing's active role in the rocket engine manufacturing industry, alongside their broader aerospace interests.


8. Liquid 2 Ventures

  • Website: liquid2.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 91
  • LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, Liquid 2 Ventures has made significant investments in the rocket engine manufacturing context, including multiple funding rounds for Stoke Space, which raised $65 million in Series A and $9.1 million in Seed Round, as well as an undisclosed amount in Pre-Seed Round. Additionally, they contributed to Momentus, which raised $25.5 million in Series A and $8.3 million in Seed Round, both of which are focused on space transportation technologies. This involvement highlights their interest in supporting exceptional founders in the rocket industry.


9. IQT (In-Q-Tel)

  • Website: iqt.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: in-q-tel

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a not-for-profit venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Arlington, Virginia. It specializes in investing in technology startups that aim to enhance U.S. national security. IQT collaborates with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions across multiple sectors, including software and materials sciences. Notably, IQT has participated in significant funding rounds for companies in the aerospace sector, such as Hermeus, which is developing hypersonic aircraft, and Stoke Space, which is focused on reusable rocket technology. In 2022, IQT was part of a $100 million Series B funding round for Hermeus, and in 2023, it participated in a $100 million Series B round for Stoke Space, highlighting its commitment to advancing technologies that are crucial for national security and aerospace capabilities.


10. Airbus Ventures

  • Website: airbusventures.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: airbus-ventures

Airbus Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2016, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing in deep tech startups, particularly in sectors such as aerospace, autonomous mobility, and advanced materials. Airbus Ventures provides both capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of bringing innovative technologies to market. Notably, Airbus Ventures has made significant investments in companies relevant to the rocket engine manufacturing industry, including Isar Aerospace, which has raised multiple funding rounds totaling over $166 million to develop launch vehicles. They also invested in Astra, which raised $100 million in a Series C round, further emphasizing their commitment to the aerospace sector. These transactions highlight Airbus Ventures' active role in fostering growth within the rocket engine manufacturing space.


11. Lux Capital

  • Website: luxcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 47
  • LinkedIn: lux-capital

Lux Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in investing in science and technology companies. Founded in 2000, Lux Capital provides venture capital investment and advisory services to startups across various innovative sectors. They focus on supporting companies at the forefront of technological advancements. Notably, Lux Capital invested in Relativity Space, which raised $620,000 in a seed round in March 2016. Relativity Space is known for its innovative approach to rocket manufacturing, utilizing 3D printing technology to produce rocket engines and components. This investment highlights Lux Capital's engagement in the rocket engine manufacturing space, alongside their broader portfolio that includes companies like Anduril Industries, which, while primarily focused on defense technology, also intersects with aerospace and advanced technologies.


12. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle aims to drive long-term value. Among its notable transactions, Carlyle has invested in companies relevant to the aerospace sector, such as Nordam Group, which received equity investment to support its operations in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance. Additionally, Carlyle's acquisition of Paradigm Precision, a company involved in precision manufacturing for aerospace applications, further highlights its engagement in industries that intersect with aerospace and potentially rocket engine manufacturing. These transactions indicate Carlyle's strategic interest in sectors that could relate to rocket engine technology, although it does not exclusively focus on this niche.


13. Space Capital

  • Website: spacecapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: spacecapital

Space Capital is a venture capital fund based in New York, founded in 2012, that specializes in early-stage investments in space technology companies. They provide capital and strategic support to startups in the space sector, helping them develop innovative technologies that can transform various markets. Their focus is on unlocking the value in space technology stacks, with a portfolio that reflects their commitment to the growth of the space economy. Notably, Space Capital has made significant investments in Ursa Major, which raised $100 million in Series D funding in April 2023, $85 million in Series C funding in December 2021, and $9.8 million in Series B funding in November 2020. These transactions highlight their active role in the rocket engine manufacturing context. Additionally, Space Capital has invested in SpaceX, which is a leader in the space industry, further emphasizing their involvement in the sector.


14. Khosla Ventures

  • Website: khoslaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 97
  • LinkedIn: khosla-ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic guidance to startups, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Notably, Khosla Ventures has been actively involved in the rocket engine manufacturing industry through its investments in Rocket Lab, a leading company in the space launch sector. Khosla Ventures participated in several funding rounds for Rocket Lab, including Series A in 2013, Series B in 2015, Series C in 2015, Series D in 2017, and Series E in 2018, contributing to the company's growth and the development of its Electron rocket. This involvement highlights Khosla Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative technologies in the aerospace sector.


15. Ametek

  • Website: ametek.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berwyn, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1930
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ametek

AMETEK, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, specializing in the manufacture of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices. Founded in 1930, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and focuses on providing advanced analytical and measurement solutions across various sectors, including aerospace, energy, and medical. Ametek has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the aerospace and defense markets. Notably, the acquisition of Muirhead Aerospace Limited in 2008, a UK-based manufacturer of motion technology products and avionics repair services, strengthens Ametek's position in the aerospace sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Southern Aeroparts Inc. and Advanced Industries further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their footprint in industries that may intersect with aerospace and potentially rocket engine manufacturing. These transactions highlight Ametek's strategic focus on innovation and operational excellence, addressing complex challenges in the aerospace industry.


16. Founders Fund

  • Website: foundersfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 44
  • LinkedIn: the-founders-fund

Founders Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in innovative technology companies across various sectors, including aerospace and software development. Notably, Founders Fund has made significant investments in SpaceX, a prominent player in the aerospace industry known for its advancements in rocket engine technology and space transportation services. Their involvement in multiple funding rounds for SpaceX, including a $50.2 million investment in 2010 and participation in later rounds, underscores their commitment to supporting high-impact aerospace innovations. Additionally, Founders Fund invested in Hermeus, which is developing hypersonic aircraft, further solidifying their focus on the aerospace sector. Through these investments, Founders Fund provides not only capital but also strategic support to help these companies grow and scale their operations in the competitive aerospace landscape.


17. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024 alone, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Leo Aerospace, which focuses on aerospace technologies, and ElevationSpace, a space startup developing satellite technology. These investments highlight their engagement in the space sector, which is closely related to rocket engine manufacturing, making them a relevant player in this field.



Rocket Engine Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+195824
StarburstEl Segundo, California, United States (USA)51-20020123
Lockheed MartinBethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)10001+191219
BoeingArlington, Virginia, United States (USA)10001+20027
Liquid 2 VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201591
IQT (In-Q-Tel)Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)51-200199924
Airbus VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)1-1020168
Lux CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50200047
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
Space CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020123
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
AmetekBerwyn, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)10001+19301
Founders FundSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50200544
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253


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