The space robotics industry in Europe is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in automation and satellite technology. Companies in this sector are developing innovative solutions to assist in satellite assembly, space debris management, and environmental monitoring. The integration of robotics into space missions aims to enhance efficiency and reduce human risk. In recent years, European nations have increased their investment in this field, responding to global challenges and the growing interest in space exploration. Future trends suggest a transition toward more collaborative projects between public and private sectors, fostering a robust ecosystem for growth and innovation.


This article profiles 18 active investors in the European space robotics sector. Spanning venture capital firms, corporate investors, and public entities, these organizations have diverse backgrounds and focus areas. With headquarters in major hubs like Paris, London, and Luxembourg, they play a key role in driving innovation. In 2024, these investors collectively executed numerous funding deals, showcasing their commitment to supporting emerging technologies. Their ongoing involvement signals a vibrant future for the industry, providing essential resources to startups and established companies alike.


Top 18 Space Robotics Investors in Europe


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 also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the space robotics industry, such as providing grants to Dawn Aerospace, which focuses on developing space vehicles, and NanoAvionics, which is working on a nano-satellite constellation for the Global Internet of Things (GIoT). Additionally, the EIC has supported Aurora Propulsion Technologies, a company involved in propulsion systems for space applications, through both grant funding and seed investments. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in promoting advancements in space technology and robotics.


2. Seraphim Space

  • Website: seraphim.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: seraphim-capital

Seraphim Space is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, specializing in SpaceTech investments. They provide funding and support to startups in the space technology sector through various investment funds and an accelerator program. Notably, Seraphim Space has participated in several significant transactions within the space robotics context, including a $109 million Series F funding round for Astroscale, a company focused on on-orbit servicing and space debris management. This investment aligns closely with the objectives of space robotics, as it involves the development of technologies for robotic servicing in space. Additionally, they have invested in other startups like Voyager Space and Arkisys, further showcasing their commitment to advancing innovative solutions in the space industry.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several key transactions in the space sector, including leading a $58 million Series B funding round for Exotrail, a French space logistics provider, which focuses on bringing innovative space products to market. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in earlier funding rounds for Exotrail, including a Series A and a Seed round. The investor also supported Latitude, a NewSpace company, in its Series A and Series B funding rounds, which are aimed at developing a launcher for space operations. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in the space robotics and logistics industry.


4. Agoranov

  • Website: agoranov.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn: agoranov

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. In 2024 alone, Agoranov has made 42 investments, showcasing their active role in nurturing early-stage startups across various innovative sectors. Notably, they have been involved in transactions relevant to the space robotics context, such as ThrustMe, which raised funds in 2017 and focuses on propulsion systems for small satellites. Other transactions include SpaceLocker, Iris Lab, and Skynopy, which, while not exclusively space robotics, indicate Agoranov's commitment to supporting technology-driven ventures that could have applications in the space sector.


5. European Space Agency - ESA

  • Website: esa.int
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1975
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: european-space-agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) is a public entity dedicated to space exploration and research, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Paris, France. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, ESA conducts human spaceflight missions, Earth observation, and satellite navigation, serving governments and research organizations. The agency collaborates with international partners to advance space technology and provide critical data for scientific research and environmental monitoring. In recent years, ESA has been involved in several transactions that highlight its role in supporting space technology development. For instance, it provided grants to companies like Dawn Aerospace and Skyrora, which are working on innovative space solutions. Additionally, ESA played a significant role in funding the NanoAvionics project, which aims to develop a Global Internet of Things (GIoT) nano-satellite constellation, showcasing its commitment to advancing satellite technology that could integrate robotics. These transactions reflect ESA's active engagement in fostering technological advancements that are crucial for the future of space exploration and robotics.


6. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. The EIB has been actively involved in the space sector, providing venture debt financing to companies such as 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 new software applications. Other notable transactions include debt financing 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. These investments highlight the EIB's commitment to fostering innovation in the space industry, making it a significant player in the space robotics investment landscape.


7. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, it provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024 alone, Scottish Enterprise made 55 investments, showcasing its active role in supporting businesses. Notably, it has invested in companies like Spire Global, providing significant funding through grants and convertible notes to enhance their capabilities in satellite technology. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise led a funding round for Bright Ascension, which focuses on developing satellite software products. Their involvement in Craft Prospect Limited further emphasizes their commitment to the space sector, as they supported a Glasgow-based company working on space missions. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's strategic interest in advancing space technology and innovation in Scotland.


8. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness. Almi has been involved in several transactions that highlight its interest in the robotics sector, including investments in Realisator Robotics, which focuses on robotic solutions, and Univrses, which may have applications in robotics. Other notable transactions include Airolit and Flasheye, which, while not explicitly focused on space robotics, indicate Almi's engagement in innovative technology sectors. This diverse portfolio suggests that Almi is positioned to support advancements in robotics, including potential applications in space.


9. CDTI Innovación - Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación

  • Website: cdti.es
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Madrid, Madrid, Spain
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 29
  • LinkedIn: cdti

CDTI Innovación - Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (CDTI) is a public entity based in Madrid, Spain, established in 1977. It promotes innovation and technological development by providing financial support and technological advice to Spanish companies engaged in research and development. CDTI facilitates access to government funding for innovative projects, including those in the space sector. Notably, CDTI has been involved in several transactions with PLD Space, a company specializing in suborbital and orbital launch vehicles. In 2021, CDTI participated in a Series B funding round for PLD Space, contributing an additional $2.9 million to the total of $28 million raised, which aims to advance the demonstration flights of the MIURA 1 rocket and the commercial launch of the MIURA 5 vehicle. Additionally, CDTI has provided grants to PLD Space, including a grant of approximately $1.6 million in 2023, further demonstrating its active role in supporting space technology development.


10. Bayern Kapital

  • Website: bayernkapital.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: bayern-kapital-gmbh

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria. Bayern Kapital supports its clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development in various sectors, including life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has made significant investments in the space sector, including a Series C funding round for Isar Aerospace, which raised over €155 million to advance its launch vehicle development. They also participated in a Series B funding round for The Exploration Company, which raised approximately $158 million to support its space exploration initiatives. Furthermore, their involvement in Quantum Systems, a company focused on AI-powered drone robotics, highlights their interest in robotics technology that can be applied in space contexts. Overall, Bayern Kapital's investment portfolio reflects a strong commitment to fostering innovation in the aerospace and robotics industries.


11. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has made 9 investments in 2024 alone. While their primary focus is on fintech through their investment in OwnHome, which offers a rent-to-own model for home ownership, they have also engaged in the space sector. Notably, Possible Ventures participated in the funding of Auriga Space, which raised $5 million to advance electromagnetic technology for space launch, and InSpacePropulsion Technologies, which raised approximately $2.15 million for propulsion technologies. These transactions highlight Possible Ventures' interest in innovative technologies that could play a role in space robotics and exploration.


12. CDP Venture Capital SGR


CDP Venture Capital SGR is a venture capital firm based in Rome, Lazio, Italy, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on supporting startups and innovative companies across various sectors in Italy, providing financial backing and strategic resources for growth. Notably, CDP Venture Capital has been involved in significant transactions within the space robotics context, including a Series C funding round for D-Orbit, an Italian company specializing in space logistics and transportation, where they raised approximately $55.9 million in September 2024. Additionally, they participated in a €5.1 million Seed+ funding round for Sidereus Space Dynamics, a company engaged in pre-flight and flight test phases for space technologies. These transactions highlight CDP Venture Capital's active role in fostering innovation in the space robotics industry.


13. Thales

  • Website: thalesgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Meudon, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: thales

Thales Group is a technology company founded in 1979, headquartered in Meudon, Île-De-France, France. With over 10,000 employees, Thales specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced electrical systems and devices for the aerospace, defense, transportation, and security sectors. The company serves a diverse clientele, including governments and commercial enterprises, providing solutions that enhance operational efficiency and safety. Notably, Thales has made significant acquisitions in the space sector, including the acquisition of Alcatel's 67% stake in Alcatel Alenia Space in 2006, which bolstered their position in satellite manufacturing. In 2024, they acquired Cobham Aerospace Communications, further expanding their capabilities in aerospace technologies. These transactions highlight Thales's commitment to advancing technologies that are crucial for space operations, including robotics.


14. Safran

  • Website: safran-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: safran

Safran is a prominent aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor based in Paris, France, specializing in aircraft equipment, propulsion systems, and defense technologies. Founded in 2005, the company has established itself as a leader in providing innovative solutions that enhance safety and operational efficiency in aviation and defense sectors. In recent years, Safran has expanded its focus to include the space sector, evidenced by its acquisition of Syrlinks, a French SME specializing in radiocommunications and radionavigation for the space industry, which strengthens its portfolio in satellite communication systems. Furthermore, Safran's participation in the seed funding round for Vyoma GmbH, a company dedicated to space situational awareness and traffic management, highlights its strategic interest in the growing field of space robotics. These transactions reflect Safran's commitment to technological advancement and sustainability in the aerospace and space sectors.


15. Future Planet Capital


Future Planet Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2015. They manage over $400M in assets and focus on impact-led investments that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their investment portfolio includes innovative companies tackling global challenges across various sectors. Notably, Future Planet Capital has invested in Oxford Space Systems, a company specializing in space robotics, through multiple funding rounds, including a Seed Round in 2015, Series A in 2017, and subsequent rounds in 2018 and 2022. This consistent support for a space robotics company highlights their engagement in the sector, alongside other investments such as HonuWorx, which, while not directly related to space robotics, showcases their broader interest in innovative technologies.


16. Verve Ventures

  • Website: verve.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their investment focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in significant transactions within the space industry, including a £40.4 million Series C funding round for Orbex Space, a UK-based launch startup, which aims to scale resources for its Prime launch vehicle. Additionally, they invested in Astrocast, a Swiss new space startup that focuses on satellite technology. These investments highlight Verve Ventures' engagement in the space sector, particularly in areas that intersect with robotics and technology development.


17. Baillie Gifford

  • Website: bailliegifford.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1908
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn: baillie-gifford

Baillie Gifford & Co is an investment management firm based in Edinburgh, Scotland, specializing in managing equity, fixed-income, and multi-asset portfolios. Founded in 1908, the firm serves professional investors, including institutions and high-net-worth individuals, with a focus on long-term growth opportunities. Baillie Gifford employs a research-driven approach to deliver sustainable returns for its clients. Notably, they have made significant investments in the space sector, including a $486 million investment in SpaceX during its Series J funding round in December 2018, and a $650 million investment in Relativity Space during its Series E funding round in June 2021. Additionally, they participated in a $500 million Series D funding round for Relativity Space in November 2020, which aims to advance the company's initiatives in launch vehicle development and 3D printing technologies, crucial for future space exploration and robotics. These transactions underscore Baillie Gifford's active role in the space robotics industry.


18. Omnes

  • Website: omnescapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: omnes-capital

Omnes Capital is a private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investment management, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable cities. Omnes emphasizes long-term partnerships to foster growth and sustainability in critical infrastructure projects. In recent years, they have expanded their portfolio to include investments in the space robotics sector. Notably, they led a Series B funding round for The Exploration Company, which raised over $158 million to commercialize their reusable space capsule, Nyx. Additionally, they invested in ARX Robotics, which raised approximately $35 million in Series A funding, further showcasing their engagement in the robotics space. These transactions highlight Omnes Capital's strategic interest in innovative technologies that align with their investment philosophy.



Space Robotics Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Seraphim SpaceLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201627
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
European Space Agency - ESAParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000197510
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
CDTI Innovación - Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la InnovaciónMadrid, Madrid, Spain201-500197729
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
CDP Venture Capital SGRRome, Lazio, Italy51-200201541
ThalesMeudon, Île-De-France, France10001+19795
SafranParis, Île-De-France, France10001+20059
Future Planet CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020157
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Baillie GiffordEdinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000190813
OmnesParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019998


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