The factory automation industry in Europe focuses on integrating technology into manufacturing processes, enhancing efficiency, and boosting productivity. Companies within this sector design and deploy equipment such as robots, control systems, and sensors that streamline operations. European innovators are spearheading developments in areas like Industry 4.0, IoT, and AI-powered automation solutions. With a rising demand for smart factories, sustainability has become a pivotal concern, prompting firms to create energy-efficient systems and promote resource optimization. Moreover, regulatory changes across Europe encourage investment in modern technologies, driving the industry toward an even more advanced landscape in the coming years.


The list features 19 prominent investors in the factory automation sector, showcasing a mix of venture capital firms, private equity, and corporations. Headquartered across key cities including Paris, Stockholm, and Brussels, these investors range from relatively small teams to large organizations, with some established since the late 1900s. Collectively, they engaged in nearly 500 deals in 2024, underlining their commitment to fostering innovations in automation technologies. This diversity in investment focus reveals a vibrant interest in automation, robotics, and smart systems.


Top 19 Factory Automation 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 in diverse sectors. Among its notable transactions, the EIC has provided grants to KINE Robot Solutions and Saia Agrobotics, both of which are involved 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 active role in supporting advancements in factory automation. Additionally, the EIC has been involved in funding rounds for companies like Neuron Soundware, which, while not exclusively focused on factory automation, operates in the realm of sound analysis technology that can be applied in industrial settings.


2. 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 a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within the factory automation context, such as leading a €83 million growth equity investment in Braincube, a French manufacturing data software company, and participating in the Series A funding of Balyo, a company focused on robotic solutions for material handling. These investments highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting advancements in factory automation technologies.


3. 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 provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to the factory automation sector, including a seed round investment in Tricylon Robotics, which raised $687,499 in June 2022. This company focuses on robotic solutions, highlighting Almi's engagement in the automation space. Additionally, Almi has participated in funding rounds for other companies like MTEK and FlexQube, which may also have applications in automation and robotics, further demonstrating their interest in this industry.


4. 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 funding of OnRobot, a collaborative robot gripper maker, which raised $27.5 million in a funding round led by the EIB. Additionally, the EIB participated in a Series B financing round for Magazino, which raised €21 million to expand its robotic operating system and international sales activities. These transactions highlight the EIB's active role in supporting companies that are pivotal to advancements in factory automation.


5. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of an industrial group that specializes in developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various technology and industrial sectors. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. In recent years, Indutrade has made significant strides in the factory automation sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Kontram Oy, a Finnish leader in industrial automation, and SDT Scandinavian Drive Technologies AB, which enhances its automation solutions portfolio. These strategic acquisitions reflect Indutrade's commitment to expanding its capabilities in factory automation, alongside its other industrial interests.


6. Accenture

  • Website: accenture.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 51
  • LinkedIn: accenture

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and operates across various industries, providing solutions that drive innovation and efficiency. In recent years, Accenture has made significant strides in the factory automation space through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired Pollux Automation in March 2021 and Eclipse Automation in July 2022, both of which enhance their capabilities in automation technologies. Additionally, the acquisition of True North Solutions in July 2024 further strengthens their Industry X digital engineering and manufacturing services, focusing on integrating operational technology with information technology. These transactions highlight Accenture's commitment to advancing factory automation and optimizing production processes for industrial clients.


7. Siemens

  • Website: siemens.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1847
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: siemens

Siemens AG, founded in 1847 and headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading technology conglomerate specializing in industrial automation, energy solutions, rail transport, and health technology. With a workforce of approximately 320,000 employees, Siemens generates significant revenue and operates globally. The company has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the factory automation sector, including the acquisition of Opto-Control Elektronik Prüfsysteme, which enhances their Siplace surface mount technology business through high-precision automatic optical inspection systems. Additionally, Siemens acquired shares in Magazino, a robotics startup focused on sorting and packing, further expanding their capabilities in automation. Their acquisition of Siemens Digital Industries Software also underscores their commitment to integrating digital solutions into industrial processes, making them a key player in the factory automation landscape.


8. Momenta

  • Website: momenta.one
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: momentapartners

Momenta is a venture capital firm based in Engelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in industrial impact and digital transformation, providing strategic investments and advisory services to Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chain. Momenta aims to enhance operational efficiency and drive sustainability through its expertise in critical industries. Notably, they have invested in Senseye, which raised $4.67 million in a Series A round, focusing on predictive maintenance solutions that are crucial for factory automation. Additionally, their involvement with Smartex.ai, which raised $2.9 million in a Seed Round and later participated in a Series A round, highlights their commitment to improving manufacturing processes and product quality through technology. These transactions demonstrate Momenta's active role in supporting innovations that are directly relevant to factory automation.


9. Addtech AB

  • Website: addtech.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1906
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: addtech-ab

Addtech AB is a technology solutions provider based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in high-tech products and services across various sectors, including automation, electrification, energy, industrial solutions, and process technology. Founded in 1906, Addtech serves OEM manufacturers and end-users, helping them enhance operational efficiency and sustainability through innovative solutions. Notably, Addtech has made several strategic acquisitions in the factory automation space, including:1. **Kaptas Oy** - Acquired in August 2020, Kaptas specializes in automation systems for various industries, including pharmaceuticals and food, highlighting Addtech's focus on enhancing automation capabilities.2. **Sensor Control Nordic** - Acquired in December 2016, this acquisition further solidifies Addtech's commitment to automation technologies.3. **Goodtech Products** - Acquired in January 2016, this company also contributes to Addtech's automation portfolio.4. **SCN AB** and **Elsystem i Perstorp AB** - Both acquired in December 2016 and September 2020 respectively, these companies add to Addtech's diverse automation solutions.Through these transactions, Addtech demonstrates a clear strategy to strengthen its position in the factory automation market, making it a relevant player in this sector.


10. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. The firm has made significant strides in the factory automation industry, highlighted by its acquisition of BBS Automation, which focuses on automation solutions for complex manufacturing and testing processes. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of AutoStore, a Norwegian robotics company, and Dorner Holding Corporation, which specializes in industrial automation, showcases their commitment to investing in technologies that drive efficiency and innovation in manufacturing. These strategic investments reflect EQT's expertise in the industrial sector and its dedication to supporting the growth of companies within the factory automation landscape.


11. 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 corporate 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. Agoranov has been actively involved in various innovative sectors, including factory automation. Notable transactions include support for Fuzzy Logic Robotics, which focuses on robotics solutions, and iFollow, which develops automation technologies for logistics. These investments highlight Agoranov's commitment to fostering innovation in the factory automation industry, making them a significant player in this space.


12. ASSA ABLOY Group

  • Website: assaabloy.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: assaabloy

ASSA ABLOY Group is a leading security solutions provider based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in locks, doors, gates, and entrance automation. Founded in 1994, the company has established itself as a leader in the security industry through a strong focus on innovation and a diverse product portfolio. In 2023, ASSA ABLOY acquired Kinetron, a company specializing in motion-based energy harvesting systems, to enhance its digital access solutions, which is relevant for factory automation as it integrates energy-efficient technologies. In 2024, they further expanded their presence in the US market by acquiring Modern Entrance Systems, Inc., which could also play a role in automated access solutions. Their previous acquisitions, such as Cedes and Dynaco, reflect a consistent strategy to innovate and enhance their offerings in access control, which is increasingly important in automated factory settings.


13. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. With a global presence and a focus on sustainable finance, Ardian aims to create lasting value for its clients, including institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. Notably, Ardian has made significant investments in the factory automation sector, including the acquisition of Corob SpA, a leader in automation solutions for the chemical and coatings industries, in July 2018. They also acquired Fives Group in July 2012, which is involved in industrial engineering and manufacturing, further emphasizing their commitment to the factory automation space. Additionally, Ardian's investment in TRIGO Group, a provider of quality support and conformity assessment services, showcases their broader interest in enhancing operational efficiencies within industrial contexts.


14. Schneider Electric

  • Website: se.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rueil-Malmaison, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1836
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: schneider-electric

Schneider Electric SE is a multinational corporation based in Rueil-Malmaison, Île-De-France, France, specializing in digital automation and energy management. Founded in 1836, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and is recognized for its innovative solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability for businesses and organizations. Schneider Electric has made significant strides in the factory automation space through various acquisitions, including nxtControl, a company focused on automation solutions, Pro-Face, which enhances user interface technologies, Proleit, which specializes in process automation for consumer packaged goods, and Crouzet Automation, known for its automation components. These strategic acquisitions reflect Schneider Electric's dedication to advancing its automation offerings and solidifying its position in the factory automation industry.


15. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm founded in 1997, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses. The firm focuses on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare, providing operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential. Triton partners with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the factory automation context, including the acquisition of Leadec, which offers services for manufacturing and industrial processes, and Dunkermotoren GmbH, a provider of drive technology solutions. They also acquired Aventics GmBH, known for its automation technology, and Dematic, a leader in supply chain automation. Most recently, Triton reached a deal to invest in Turck Holding, a company specializing in smart sensor technology and decentralized automation products, further emphasizing their commitment to the industrial technology sector.


16. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. It provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. With a focus on helping businesses grow and improve their operations, Scottish Enterprise plays a vital role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. Among its notable transactions, it has invested in IOTech, a company specializing in open edge computing, which is highly relevant to the factory automation sector. This investment reflects Scottish Enterprise's commitment to supporting technological advancements that can improve manufacturing processes. Additionally, their involvement with Cascade Technologies and ŌGI Bio, while not directly linked to factory automation, showcases their broader investment strategy in innovative sectors.


17. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has invested in companies like Eiratech Robotics, which raised funds for developing robotic solutions, and SmartFactory, which received funding to expand its operations in the automation sector. These transactions highlight Enterprise Ireland's role in promoting advancements in factory automation and related technologies.


18. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as the SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund founded in 2017 and based in London, England. The fund specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in the factory automation sector, including notable transactions such as a $220 million Series C financing round in Agile Robots AG, a leader in intelligent robotics. Additionally, they have invested in Brain Corp, which has raised funds to expand its robotic applications beyond floor care into areas like inventory delivery and shelf analytics. These investments reflect SoftBank's commitment to fostering technological advancements in automation and robotics, positioning them as a key player in the factory automation industry.


19. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. The platform emphasizes promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. In recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the factory automation sector, including Miso Robotics, which raised over $5.6 million in 2020, and Academy of Robotics, which raised approximately $643,197 in 2022. These investments highlight Crowdcube's engagement with companies that are innovating in the automation space, making it a significant player in the factory automation investment landscape.



Factory Automation Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
AccentureDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+200151
SiemensMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+184711
MomentaEngelberg, Obwalden, Switzerland11-5020127
Addtech ABStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-500019069
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
ASSA ABLOY GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden10001+199421
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
Schneider ElectricRueil-Malmaison, Île-De-France, France10001+18364
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103


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