The factory automation industry in Benelux is pivotal in transforming traditional manufacturing into smart, efficient processes. Companies in this sector are innovating with automation technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine vision. These firms range from startups focused on niche solutions to established giants providing comprehensive systems for industries like food, automotive, and electronics. As the demand for increased productivity and reduced operational costs grows, the industry is moving towards hyper-automation, where advanced technologies are fully integrated into manufacturing workflows. The emergence of sustainability concerns is also driving innovations that enhance environmental efficiency.


The list features a group of notable investors actively fostering innovation in the factory automation sector. These include venture capital firms like Bomb and corporate giants such as the European Investment Bank. Spanning different headquarter locations, from Belgium to Luxembourg, each investor varies in size, with most having roots dating back several decades. The breadth of deal counts for 2024 indicates a healthy interest in capitalizing on the burgeoning automation market, with numerous transactions across critical technological advancements.


Top 18 Factory Automation 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. It offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Among its notable transactions, the EIC has provided grants to KINE Robot Solutions and Saia Agrobotics, both of which are engaged in robotics and automation technologies. KINE Robot Solutions received a grant of $57,012 in 2018, while Saia Agrobotics secured a significant grant of $2,477,966 in 2022, highlighting the EIC's focus on advancing technologies that are pertinent to factory automation. Additionally, the EIC's support for Neuron Soundware, which raised funds in a venture round, further illustrates its engagement with innovative solutions that could impact the factory automation landscape.


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. The EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In the context of factory automation, the EIB has been involved in significant transactions such as the debt financing of KINEXON, a company specializing in real-time location systems, and the post-IPO debt financing of Valmet, which provides automation solutions for the pulp, paper, and energy industries. Additionally, the EIB led funding rounds for OnRobot, a maker of collaborative robot grippers, and Magazino, which focuses on robotics for logistics and warehouse automation. These transactions highlight the EIB's active role in supporting the development and expansion of technologies that are crucial for factory automation.


3. 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, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the factory automation space, including the acquisition of Leadec, a provider of factory automation services, and Turck Holding, which specializes in smart sensor technology and decentralized automation products. Other relevant transactions include the acquisitions of Dunkermotoren GmbH, known for its automation solutions, and Dematic, a leader in supply chain automation. These investments highlight Triton's strategic interest in enhancing operational efficiencies and technological advancements within the factory automation 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, providing funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to enhance business growth. They have been involved in various transactions, including significant investments in companies relevant to factory automation. Notably, they invested in Smart Robotics, which specializes in automation solutions for manufacturing processes, and Additive Industries, which focuses on additive manufacturing technologies. These investments highlight BOM's engagement in the factory automation sector, alongside their broader focus on innovation in sustainable food and energy.


5. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Their clientele primarily consists of entrepreneurial companies seeking capital and expertise to navigate market challenges. Notably, Gimv has made significant investments in the factory automation context, including the acquisition of One Of A Kind Technologies, a Netherlands-based group specializing in machine vision, which is crucial for automation processes. Additionally, they acquired Arplas Systems, a provider of resistance projection welding solutions, further emphasizing their focus on technologies that enhance manufacturing efficiency. These transactions highlight Gimv's active role in the factory automation industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


6. 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, specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Founded in 2021, the firm has quickly established itself with 16 investments in 2024 alone. Mutares provides operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth for its portfolio companies. Notably, Mutares has made significant strides in the factory automation context through its acquisitions. For instance, the acquisition of Primetals Technologies France S.A.S., now known as Clecim, strengthens their Engineering & Technology segment, which is crucial for factory automation solutions. Additionally, their acquisition of NEM Energy from Siemens Energy B.V. further solidifies their position in the engineering sector. These strategic investments highlight Mutares' focus on enhancing its portfolio in areas that are vital to factory automation, making them a noteworthy player in this industry.


7. M Ventures

  • Website: m-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: merck-ventures

M Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in transformative ideas within the biotechnology and technology sectors, providing funding and strategic guidance to startups in healthcare, life sciences, and advanced technology. M Ventures collaborates closely with entrepreneurs to drive innovation and growth in their portfolio companies. Notably, M Ventures has participated in funding rounds for companies like Micropsi Industries, which focuses on robotics and automation, raising significant capital to expand its operations. They also invested in MemryX, which is developing in-memory chips for AI applications that could be utilized in automation systems, and SynSense, which is working on neuromorphic computing technology that has potential applications in factory automation. These transactions highlight M Ventures' engagement with technologies that are relevant to the factory automation industry.


8. Finindus

  • Website: finindus.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zelzate, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1926
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: finindus

Finindus is a venture capital firm based in Zelzate, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1926. The firm specializes in providing early-stage and growth financing to innovative technology companies, particularly in the fields of materials, sustainable manufacturing, and industry 4.0. They emphasize proactive and pragmatic assistance to maximize long-term value creation for their portfolio companies. Notably, Finindus has been involved in several transactions relevant to factory automation, including:1. **Viking Analytics AB** - A predictive maintenance startup from Sweden, which raised €3 million in a Series A round co-led by Finindus. This investment underscores their interest in technologies that enhance operational efficiency in manufacturing environments.2. **IMSystems** - A Dutch motion control startup that raised $3.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Finindus. The company focuses on developing advanced motion control solutions, which are critical for automation in factories.3. **OTIV** - An AI company focused on autonomous train operations, which received funding to further develop its technology platform. This investment indicates Finindus's interest in automation technologies that can improve logistics and operational efficiency.These transactions illustrate Finindus's strategic focus on companies that contribute to the evolution of factory automation and sustainable manufacturing practices.


9. 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 a venture capital investment company based in Hasselt, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1994. The firm focuses on sustainable economic growth in the Limburg region by providing financing and expertise to startups, scale-ups, and mature companies. LRM is involved in various sectors, including real estate development and the reconversion of old mining sites, contributing to the local economic ecosystem. Notably, LRM has invested in several companies relevant to factory automation, such as Qviro, which raised €1 million to develop an online marketplace for Industry 4.0 technologies, and TrendMiner, which raised over $5 million to enhance analytics for industrial processes. These investments highlight LRM's engagement with innovative technologies that support the factory automation industry.


10. 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 focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, CVC acquired Epicor in August 2024, a key player in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that supports manufacturing and distribution processes, which is critical for factory automation. Additionally, their acquisition of Radwell International in April 2022, a company that provides industrial automation and control products, further emphasizes their commitment to investing in the factory automation sector. These transactions highlight CVC's strategic interest in enhancing operational efficiencies and technological advancements within manufacturing environments.


11. Rockstart

  • Website: rockstart.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: rockstart

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on empowering early-stage founders in sectors such as AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology. Rockstart provides investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed, with a strong emphasis on supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs to drive positive change. Among their notable transactions, Rockstart participated in the seed funding round for FloVision Solutions, which is developing an automated food analytics platform aimed at enhancing operational efficiency in food production. This investment highlights Rockstart's engagement with technology that could intersect with factory automation, particularly in the context of food manufacturing. Other investments include HydroNeo, which may also involve automation technologies, although specific details on its relevance to factory automation are less clear. Overall, Rockstart's focus on technology-driven startups positions them as a potential player in the factory automation space.


12. Pmv

  • Website: pmv.eu
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: pmv-eu

Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) is a public entity that acts as an investment company for the Flemish government, founded in 2001. PMV provides a range of financing solutions, including loans and co-financing, to startups, scale-ups, and established businesses across various sectors such as real estate, clean tech, and life sciences. In the context of factory automation, PMV has been involved in several notable transactions. For instance, they participated in a Series A funding round for Oqton, Inc., a software company that specializes in AI-powered solutions for the manufacturing industry, raising over $40 million. Additionally, PMV invested in Monarch Tractor, which raised $133 million in Series C funding, focusing on agricultural automation. Their investment in Azumuta, a company aimed at enhancing international growth and software development, also indicates their interest in supporting technology that can impact manufacturing processes. Overall, PMV's activities demonstrate a commitment to fostering innovation in the factory automation sector.


13. Navus Ventures

  • Website: navusventures.nl
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn:

Navus Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Maassluis, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in high-tech companies that focus on sustainable food and energy solutions. With a team that boasts over 75 years of experience in technological innovation and market deployment, Navus Ventures provides active support and guidance to its portfolio companies. Notably, they have invested in several companies relevant to factory automation, including Saia Agrobotics, which is developing technology to automate agricultural processes, and MetoMotion, which focuses on robotics for farming. Their recent investment in FarmDroid further emphasizes their commitment to advancing automation in agriculture, making them a significant player in the intersection of factory automation and sustainable food production.


14. Capricorn Partners


Capricorn Partners is a venture capital 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. Capricorn Partners is committed to responsible investing, aiming to create both financial returns and strategic value for its clients. Notably, they have invested in companies relevant to factory automation, such as fruitcore robotics, a provider of intelligent robotics and automation solutions, which raised €23M in a Series B funding round. They also participated in funding for Zozio, a predictive logistics solutions company, and Sensolus, an industrial IoT firm, both of which contribute to enhancing operational efficiencies in manufacturing and automation. These transactions highlight Capricorn Partners' engagement with technologies that are integral to the factory automation landscape.


15. 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. Notably, SHIFT Invest has engaged in transactions that intersect with factory automation, such as their investment in Jungle AI, which raised €5 million to accelerate technology deployment in the renewable energy and industrial sectors. Additionally, they co-led a funding round for OTIV, a company focused on autonomous train operations, further emphasizing their interest in automation technologies. These investments reflect SHIFT Invest's commitment to sustainability while also supporting advancements in factory automation.


16. 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 context of factory automation, Exor has been involved in several relevant transactions, including a significant investment in Verity, a company specializing in autonomous indoor drones that provide data-driven intelligence and inventory management solutions. Verity raised a total of $40.5 million in Series B funding, with Exor Ventures participating alongside other notable investors. Additionally, Exor's investment in Inbolt, which raised over $16 million in Series A funding, further demonstrates its interest in innovative technologies that could impact factory automation. These transactions highlight Exor's engagement in the factory automation space, making it a relevant investor in this sector.


17. Industrya

  • Website: industrya.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Seraing, Wallonia, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: industrya

Industrya is a venture capital firm based in Seraing, Wallonia, Belgium, founded in 2020. The firm focuses on supporting innovative start-ups and scale-ups in the industrial sector, providing services such as incubation, acceleration, and investment to help entrepreneurs develop sustainable solutions. Industrya has made several notable investments in companies relevant to factory automation. For instance, they invested €4 million in Zozio, a predictive logistics solutions company, which is crucial for optimizing supply chain and manufacturing processes. They also participated in funding Qviro, a platform that facilitates B2B transactions in industrial technology, which is essential for Industry 4.0 advancements. Furthermore, their investment in Aloxy, which develops Ex-certified sensors, highlights their commitment to enhancing safety and efficiency in industrial environments. Overall, Industrya is dedicated to fostering innovation in the industrial field, making them a significant player in the factory automation landscape.


18. VDL Groep

  • Website: vdlgroep.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1953
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: vdl-groep

VDL Groep is a prominent industrial manufacturer based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in transportation solutions, automation systems, and food processing equipment. Founded in 1953, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and operates across multiple sectors, ensuring high-quality solutions for its diverse clientele. In recent years, VDL Groep has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the factory automation industry. Notably, the acquisition of tbp electronics, which focuses on automation technology, and the acquisition of Siemens Hengelo's operations, which included development work for ASML, highlight VDL's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in automation. Furthermore, their acquisition of Rena Electronica and Olocco demonstrates their strategy to integrate advanced electronics and foodtech solutions, which are increasingly relevant in factory automation contexts.



Factory Automation Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
M VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200918
FinindusZelzate, Flanders, Belgium1-1019266
LrmHasselt, Flanders, Belgium51-20019941
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
PmvBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-200200111
Navus VenturesMaassluis, South Holland, Netherlands11-5020133
Capricorn PartnersLeuven, Flanders, Belgium11-5019935
SHIFT InvestAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020094
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
IndustryaSeraing, Wallonia, Belgium11-5020201
VDL GroepEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands10001+19531


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