European Rocket Builders Secured €1 Billion in 2024

Image credits: ESA / CNES / Arianespace / Optique vidéo du CSG / S. Martin / S. Corvaja / Philippe Sebirot / RFA

2024 Funding Trends for European Rocket Builders

1. Government Backing: A significant portion of funding in 2024 stemmed from governmental or institutional programmes through grants and loans, particularly in Germany, France, and Spain. Programmes like France 2030 and Boost! were highlighted as key mechanisms for fostering innovation and ensuring European competitiveness in the global launch market.

2. Venture Capital: The involvement of private investors in Latitude’s Series B, Isar’s Series C extension and Orbex’s Growth Round represents slowing support from private entities in 2024. This was exemplified by the fact that Isar’s Series C extension saw contributions from the NATO Innovation Fund, a government-backed venture fund supported by 24 NATO governments.

3. Slowing Support for Industry Incumbents: ESA’s shift towards service-based procurement and programmes like the European Lau…