The space robotics industry in Benelux is rapidly evolving, combining advanced robotics with aerospace technology to address challenges in space exploration and satellite servicing. Companies range from startups developing autonomous robots for space debris removal to established firms focusing on propulsion systems. Noteworthy innovations include satellite constellations and robotics for planetary exploration. As the demand for sustainable space practices grows, Benelux positions itself as a key player in this innovative field, fostering collaborations and investments that drive technological progression. The focus is on enhancing efficiency and safety in space missions, paving the way for a more connected satellite environment.


The investor landscape for space robotics in Benelux is marked by a mix of corporate and venture capital firms. Predominantly headquartered in strategic locations like Brussels, Luxembourg, and Amsterdam, these investors range from well-established institutions to agile startups, some founded decades ago while others emerged within the last few years. Deal volume in 2024 varied significantly, reflecting investor confidence in technology trends. With a total of 99 key deals made, the engagement of firms like the European Investment Bank and Exor N.V. highlights the increasing emphasis on funding innovations that can shape the future of space robotics.


Top 17 Space Robotics 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. 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 space robotics industry, such as providing grants to NanoAvionics for the development of a nano-satellite constellation, and funding Dawn Aerospace and ThrustMe for their innovative space propulsion technologies. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in promoting advancements in space technology and robotics.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB), founded in 1958 and based in Luxembourg, is a public entity that provides financial services such as loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. The EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, the EIB has been active in the space sector, providing venture debt financing to companies like GomSpace, which received up to EUR 18 million to support its nano-satellite platform and product innovation. Additionally, the EIB has invested in Spire Global, contributing 20 million euros to aid in the development of a satellite constellation and software applications. Other transactions include funding for EnduroSat and Leaf Space, further emphasizing the EIB's role in supporting companies that are integral to the advancement of space technology and robotics.


3. 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 technology sector. Notable transactions include their investment in Astrocast, a company that raised funds for satellite communications, which is crucial for space operations. They also invested in Internest, a startup developing precision landing technology for drones, which has potential applications in space robotics. Other investments include infiniDome, SwissDrones, and CYSEC, showcasing their focus on innovative technologies that could intersect with the space robotics industry.


4. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


The 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 by providing funding, expertise, and networking opportunities. They focus on enhancing business growth through various programs, particularly in innovation and sustainable sectors. Notably, BOM has invested in companies like Microsure, which specializes in robot-assisted microsurgery, raising significant funds to develop their micro-surgical robot MUSA-3. This investment highlights BOM's engagement in the robotics field, which is relevant to the technological advancements seen in space robotics. Additionally, BOM has supported AvL Motion, which is developing an autonomous harvesting robot, showcasing their interest in robotics applications. These transactions illustrate BOM's commitment to fostering innovation in robotics, making them a noteworthy player in the broader robotics landscape.


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. In the context of space robotics, Exor has made notable investments in companies like Radian Aerospace, which raised $27.5 million to develop an orbital space plane, and Ursa Major, which secured $138 million to advance its rocket propulsion technologies. These transactions highlight Exor's commitment to supporting innovative technologies in the space sector, particularly those that intersect with robotics and propulsion systems.


6. 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 space robotics industry, as evidenced by their investments in companies like ClearSpace, which is dedicated to sustainable space practices through active debris removal, and Kurs Orbital, which is working on innovative space technologies. Additionally, OTB Ventures has participated in funding rounds for ICEYE, a company that provides SAR data solutions, highlighting their commitment to supporting advancements in space technology. With a total of six investments in 2024 alone, OTB Ventures is positioned as a significant player in the space investment landscape.


7. 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 based in The Hague, South Holland, founded in 2013, that focuses on regional development by providing 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. Among its notable transactions, InnovationQuarter has invested in Dawn Aerospace, a startup specializing in satellite propulsion systems and the development of the Mk-II Spaceplane, which is directly relevant to the space robotics industry. Additionally, it has participated in funding rounds for other technology-driven companies like IMSystems, which focuses on motion control, further showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative technologies that could intersect with space robotics.


8. Eureka Network


Eureka Network is a not-for-profit organization based in Etterbeek, Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1985. It facilitates international cooperation in research and development (R&D) and innovation, offering various funding programs such as Eurostars and Globalstars 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 space robotics sector, including grants to SpaceChain, which raised $585,000 in December 2020, and Alba Orbital, which also received funding in the same month. Additionally, Eureka has supported other technology-focused companies like Sanzar Group and Reblade, further demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation in various technological fields, including space robotics.


9. Capricorn Partners


Capricorn Partners is a venture capital investment management firm based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1993. The firm specializes in venture capital, growth capital, and quoted equity funds, focusing on innovative companies across various sectors, including digital technologies, health, and clean technologies. They are committed to responsible investing, aiming to create both financial returns and strategic value for their clients. Notably, Capricorn Partners has been involved in significant transactions such as their investment in SpaceX, which secured $1 billion in funding to advance research in space transport and satellite manufacturing. Additionally, they led a €5M Seed funding round for VoxelSensors, a company specializing in 3D perception technology, which could have applications in robotics and potentially in space robotics. Their diverse investment portfolio and interest in innovative technologies position them as a relevant player in the space robotics investment landscape.


10. NewSpace Capital


NewSpace Capital is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2018, that specializes in growth investments in the space industry. The firm focuses on deep-tech companies that address global challenges, providing both investment management and strategic support. NewSpace Capital operates across various market segments within the space technology sector, including Earth observation and telecommunications. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for companies such as Voyager Space, which raised $80.2 million, and ATLAS Space Operations, which secured $15 million in 2024. Additionally, they led a €26 million funding round for Cailabs, a company innovating in laser communications, which could have applications in space robotics. Their investment in ICEYE, which raised $87 million, further highlights their engagement in advanced space technologies, making them a potential player in the robotics sector as well.


11. 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, Netherlands, founded in 2020. The firm focuses on financing sustainable and innovative projects, particularly in the energy and technology sectors. They support entrepreneurs with promising plans for societal transitions by mobilizing capital from various sources. Notably, Invest-NL has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Microsure, which develops micro-surgical robotics, raising €38M in Series B2 funding to finalize the development of its microsurgical robot MUSA-3. They also led a $3.25M extension round for Microsure to support the clinical rollout of its CE-marked micro-surgical robot assistant. Additionally, they have invested in Vitestro, which raised over $21 million in Series A funding, and SparkNano, which focuses on sustainable energy solutions. These transactions highlight Invest-NL's engagement in innovative technology sectors, including robotics, which could be relevant to the space robotics industry.


12. 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, that provides financial solutions and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province of Liege. The firm focuses on funding, project structuring, and business development, particularly in sectors such as biotech and sustainable development. Notably, Noshaq has participated in significant transactions, including a €40 million Series B funding round for Aerospacelab, which aims to enhance satellite production capacity and develop geospatial data analytics capabilities. This investment highlights Noshaq's engagement in the space robotics industry. Additionally, Noshaq has been involved in various other funding rounds, supporting innovation and growth across different sectors, but its connection to Aerospacelab is particularly relevant to the space robotics context.


13. Innovation Industries


Innovation Industries is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in deep tech investments, providing capital and support to startups in sectors such as industrial tech, med tech, and food & agri tech. Their mission is to catalyze growth in technology companies that can transform industries, addressing the funding challenges faced by these businesses. Notably, Innovation Industries has invested in Microsure, a company that develops micro-surgical robotics, participating in multiple funding rounds including a €38M Series B2 round in 2023 and a $3.25M extension of a previous round in 2021. These investments highlight their engagement in the robotics sector, which is relevant to the broader context of robotics applications, including potential space robotics.


14. 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 invested in several startups relevant to the space robotics industry, including Revolv Space, which raised funds in a pre-seed round, and Spherical Systems, which is developing a chip for extreme space conditions. Additionally, they have invested in Fusion Engineering, a flight control startup, further demonstrating their engagement in the space technology sector. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative technologies that could have applications in space robotics.


15. Spdg


Société anonyme de Participation et de Gestion (Spdg) is a Brussels-based venture capital firm founded in 1977, focusing on managing investments in sustainable development sectors. The firm supports entrepreneurs by building partnerships and providing investment management services, primarily targeting businesses in energy transition, infrastructure, and transport. Notably, Spdg has participated in several transactions relevant to the robotics industry, such as their investment in Toposens GmbH, which is developing a 3D ultrasonic echolocation sensor for collision avoidance in industrial robotics. Additionally, they co-led a funding round for Outsight, a company specializing in 3D software based on LiDAR technology, which has applications in various sectors, including robotics. These transactions highlight Spdg's engagement in the robotics field, particularly in technologies that could intersect with space applications.


16. 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, with a strong emphasis on creating impact through technological breakthroughs. Qbic supports its portfolio companies throughout their growth, focusing on sectors such as biotechnology and technology. Among its notable transactions, Qbic participated in the seed funding rounds for VoxelSensors, a company specializing in 3D perception technology, which is highly relevant to robotics applications, including those in space. Additionally, Qbic's involvement in Unifly, a company that has received significant funding for its drone technology, further demonstrates its engagement in sectors that intersect with robotics and potentially space applications.


17. European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)

  • Website: eismea.ec.europa.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: easme

The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established in 2014 to support innovation and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. EISMEA provides funding opportunities and manages various EU programmes aimed at enhancing research and innovation. Among its notable transactions, EISMEA participated in the funding round for Infinite Orbits, which raised €12M for the development of its 'Endurance' satellite project, highlighting its commitment to advancing space technology. Additionally, EISMEA has been involved in other funding rounds, such as Dunia Innovation and Innatera, showcasing its broader focus on innovative projects, including those in the space sector.



Space Robotics Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Boundary HoldingLuxembourg11-5020160
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
OTB VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020176
InnovationQuarterThe Hague, South Holland, Netherlands51-20020139
Eureka NetworkEtterbeek, Brussels, Belgium11-5019851
Capricorn PartnersLeuven, Flanders, Belgium11-5019935
NewSpace CapitalLuxembourg11-5020183
Invest-NLAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202017
NoshaqBelgium11-50198511
Innovation IndustriesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201710
Graduate Entrepreneur FundNetherlands11-5020219
SpdgBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5019770
Qbic Fund | Venture CapitalGhent, Flanders, Belgium1-1020125
European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-50020148


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