The rocket manufacturing industry in Europe is a dynamic sector that focuses on the development and production of launch vehicles, satellites, and propulsion systems. Companies range from established aerospace giants like Airbus to innovative startups working on reusable rockets and new propulsion technologies. This industry is evolving rapidly, with increasing interest in satellite deployment, space exploration, and sustainable solutions, partially fueled by advancements in technology and a growing space economy. As countries invest in their space ambitions, collaborations among companies, governments, and research institutions are critical to driving future growth and innovation in rocket manufacturing across Europe.


The list includes a variety of investors, such as venture capital firms, corporate entities, and public organizations, primarily located in vibrant European hubs like London, Paris, and Berlin. Founded between 1975 and 2021, these investors vary in size, with teams ranging from just a few to over 5,000 employees. In 2024 alone, they collectively executed numerous funding rounds, with entities like Scottish Enterprise and Czech Investment Bank engaged in significant deal-making, highlighting their active participation in the evolving rocket manufacturing scene.


Top 19 Rocket Manufacturing 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 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 rocket manufacturing industry, such as providing grants to Dawn Aerospace, which focuses on developing reusable rocket technology, and Aurora Propulsion Technologies, which specializes in propulsion systems. These investments highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting advancements in aerospace technologies, making it a significant player in the rocket manufacturing sector.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm 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, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. In the context of rocket manufacturing, Bpifrance has been actively involved in funding key players in the NewSpace sector. For instance, it led a $58 million Series B funding round for Exotrail, a French space logistics provider, which is developing products for satellite deployment. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in funding rounds for Latitude, a company focused on designing the Zephyr launcher, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the rocket manufacturing industry.


3. 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. Their focus is on helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of developing innovative space solutions. Notably, Seraphim Space has made significant investments in companies relevant to rocket manufacturing, such as Skyrora, which raised funds to develop launch vehicles, and Auriga Space, which secured funding to advance technology for space launches. They also invested in Voyager Space, which is involved in the broader space industry, and D-Orbit, which focuses on satellite deployment. These transactions highlight Seraphim Space's commitment to fostering innovation in the rocket manufacturing and broader space technology sectors.


4. 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. ESA conducts human spaceflight missions, Earth observation, and satellite navigation, serving governments and research organizations. It 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 significant transactions that support the rocket manufacturing industry. For instance, it provided funding to Rocket Factory Augsburg as part of the Boost! Programme, aimed at developing the infrastructure for launching the RFA One launch system. Additionally, ESA has supported companies like Skyrora and Dawn Aerospace through grants, facilitating their development of innovative rocket technologies. These transactions highlight ESA's active role in promoting advancements in rocket manufacturing and its commitment to fostering growth in the space sector.


5. 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. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In the context of the rocket manufacturing industry, EIB has engaged in several relevant transactions, such as a venture debt financing agreement of up to EUR 18 million for GomSpace, a Danish space company specializing in nano-satellite platforms. This funding supports product innovation crucial for high-frequency applications in the telecom sector. Additionally, EIB has invested in Spire Global, providing €20 million to aid in the development of a satellite constellation and new software applications. These investments highlight EIB's involvement in the aerospace sector, particularly in companies that are integral to the space industry.


6. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. With a workforce of 1001-5000, it provides a variety of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, showcasing its active role in supporting businesses. Notably, it has invested in several companies within the rocket manufacturing and space technology sectors. For example, it participated in funding rounds for Aurora Avionics, a start-up focused on rocket control systems, and Craft Prospect Limited, which is engaged in space missions. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise led a £2.25M investment round for Bright Ascension, which develops satellite software products, further highlighting its commitment to the aerospace industry. These transactions illustrate Scottish Enterprise's strategic focus on enhancing Scotland's position in the space and rocket manufacturing sectors.


7. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Orbex Space, a UK-based launch startup, participating in their Series B funding round in December 2020 and their Series C funding rounds in October 2022 and April 2024. These investments are aimed at scaling up resources for Orbex's Prime launch vehicle and future projects, highlighting BGF's involvement in the rocket manufacturing sector.


8. 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 established in 1977, located in Madrid, Spain, that promotes innovation and technological development. It provides financial support and technological advice to Spanish companies engaged in research and development, facilitating access to government funding for innovative projects. Notably, CDTI has been involved in several key transactions within the rocket manufacturing sector, including a $1.6 million grant to PLD Space in July 2023 and a $2.9 million investment in PLD Space's Series B funding round, which raised a total of $28 million. This funding is aimed at advancing the demonstration flights of the MIURA 1 suborbital rocket and preparing for the commercial launch of the MIURA 5 orbital vehicle in 2024. Additionally, CDTI has supported other funding rounds for PLD Space, including their Series A and Seed rounds, as well as participating in the funding of Payload Aerospace. These transactions highlight CDTI's active role in supporting the growth of the rocket manufacturing industry in Spain.


9. 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, by providing expert investment management and advisory services focused on long-term growth opportunities. Baillie Gifford employs a research-driven approach to deliver sustainable returns for its clients. Notably, the firm has made significant investments in the rocket manufacturing 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, Baillie Gifford participated in a $500 million Series D funding round for Relativity Space in November 2020, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing technologies in the rocket manufacturing industry.


10. 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. With a focus on early-stage startups, Agoranov has made 42 investments in 2024 alone, showcasing their active role in fostering innovation. Notably, they have invested in ThrustMe, which specializes in propulsion systems for small satellites, and SpaceLocker, which is involved in space logistics. These transactions highlight Agoranov's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to the rocket manufacturing and space industry, alongside their broader investment strategy in various innovative sectors.


11. 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 with a focus on sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable cities. Omnes emphasizes long-term partnerships to foster growth and sustainability in critical infrastructure projects. Notably, they have participated in significant transactions within the rocket manufacturing context, including a Series B funding round for The Exploration Company, which raised $158 million to commercialize their reusable space capsule, Nyx. This investment highlights Omnes' commitment to supporting innovative companies in the aerospace sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


12. Airbus

  • Website: airbus.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Blagnac, Occitanie, France
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: airbusgroup

Airbus SE is a leading aerospace manufacturer based in Blagnac, Occitanie, France, specializing in the design and production of commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense systems, and space technology. Founded in 2003, Airbus serves a global customer base, including airlines, military organizations, and space agencies, providing innovative solutions that enhance connectivity, security, and exploration. In recent years, Airbus has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the aerospace sector. Notably, they acquired Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. in 2008, enhancing their satellite technology portfolio. In 2023, Airbus participated in a funding round for Starlab Space, indicating their interest in space exploration initiatives. Additionally, their acquisition of Aerovel in 2024 reflects their commitment to advancing unmanned aerial systems, which can complement rocket technology. Overall, Airbus is committed to sustainability and advancing aerospace technology, positioning them as a relevant investor in the rocket manufacturing space.


13. Parkwalk Advisors


Parkwalk Advisors is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2009, specializing in investments in university spin-outs and innovative technologies. They manage various EIS funds aimed at providing capital appreciation and tax reliefs for investors, focusing on high-growth companies across sectors such as AI, life sciences, and cleantech. Notably, Parkwalk has invested in Silicon MicroGravity, which raised $7 million in funding to commercialize its technology related to microgravity, a field relevant to aerospace and rocket manufacturing. Additionally, they have invested in Wayland Additive, a manufacturer of electron beam 3D printing machines, which raised significant funds in 2021, 2023, and 2024 to enhance production capabilities and R&D. This involvement in companies that intersect with aerospace technology positions Parkwalk Advisors as a relevant player in the rocket manufacturing investment landscape.


14. 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. While their primary focus is on fintech through their investment in OwnHome, which provides a rent-to-own model for home ownership, they have also engaged in significant transactions within the rocket manufacturing context. Notable investments include Auriga Space, which secured $5 million to develop electromagnetic technology for space launch, and InSpacePropulsion Technologies, which raised approximately $2.15 million for its pre-seed round. Additionally, Possible Ventures participated in funding rounds for Antaris, a software platform for space applications, and has shown interest in companies like The Exploration Company, which is developing reusable space capsules. These transactions highlight Possible Ventures' involvement in the rocket manufacturing and broader space industry.


15. 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. It specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced electrical systems and devices for the aerospace, defense, transportation, and security sectors. Thales 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 aerospace sector, including the acquisition of Alcatel's 67% stake in satellite manufacturer Alcatel Alenia Space in 2006 for over $2.1 billion, which strengthened its position in the European defense and security industry. In 2024, Thales acquired Cobham Aerospace Communications, further expanding its capabilities in aerospace communications. These transactions highlight Thales's commitment to advancing technologies that are integral to the rocket manufacturing and aerospace industries.


16. 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 rocket manufacturing industry, including a Series C funding round for Isar Aerospace, which raised over €155 million to advance its rocket development and production capabilities. They also participated in a Series B funding round for The Exploration Company, which raised over $158 million, further emphasizing their active role in the aerospace sector. These transactions highlight Bayern Kapital's commitment to fostering innovation in rocket manufacturing and related technologies.


17. 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 focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio, catering primarily to entrepreneurs and innovative companies seeking investment. Notably, Verve Ventures has invested in Orbex Space, a UK-based launch startup that raised £40.4 million in a Series C funding round to scale up resources for its Prime launch vehicle. Additionally, they have been involved with Astrocast, a Swiss new space startup, which indicates their engagement in the space sector. These transactions highlight Verve Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that are directly involved in rocket manufacturing and related technologies.


18. Future Planet Capital


Future Planet Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2015. They manage over $400 million in assets and focus on impact-led investments that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The firm has made several investments in innovative companies, including notable transactions in the rocket manufacturing sector, such as multiple funding rounds for Oxford Space Systems. This company specializes in developing innovative solutions for the space industry, having raised funds through various stages including Seed, Series A, and subsequent rounds totaling over $6 million. Additionally, Future Planet Capital has invested in Qdot Technology, further showcasing their commitment to supporting high-growth companies in technology-driven sectors.


19. Vsquared Ventures

  • Website: vsquared.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: vsquared-ventures

Vsquared Ventures Management GmbH is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 2020, specializing in investing in innovative startups across high-tech industries such as aerospace, quantum computing, and robotics. The firm is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs by providing funding and resources to help scale transformative technologies that advance society. Notably, Vsquared Ventures has made significant investments in the rocket manufacturing sector, particularly in Isar Aerospace, where they participated in multiple funding rounds, including a €155M Series C round announced in March 2023, and earlier Series B rounds totaling over €160M. This investment supports Isar Aerospace's efforts to ramp up production and prepare for its inaugural flight. Additionally, Vsquared Ventures has invested in Morpheus Space, which is also involved in aerospace technology, further showcasing their commitment to fostering advancements in the rocket manufacturing industry. Their portfolio reflects a diverse range of companies, emphasizing their focus on technological innovation.



Rocket Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Seraphim SpaceLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201627
European Space Agency - ESAParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000197510
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
CDTI Innovación - Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la InnovaciónMadrid, Madrid, Spain201-500197729
Baillie GiffordEdinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000190813
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
OmnesParis, Île-De-France, France51-20019998
AirbusBlagnac, Occitanie, France10001+20036
Parkwalk AdvisorsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200917
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
ThalesMeudon, Île-De-France, France10001+19795
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Future Planet CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020157
Vsquared VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-10202012


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