Top 6 Venture Capital Firms Fueling Aerospace Startups

For founders in the Aerospace and space tech sectors, finding the right investor is about more than just capital. You need a partner who understands the unique challenges of deep tech, from long R&D timelines to complex regulatory hurdles. Knowing which venture capital firms specialize in your field is the first step to a successful fundraise.

To help you prepare, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top VC firms actively investing in Aerospace. This guide is designed to give you a clear picture of the key players so you can focus your efforts on the investors who are the best fit for your company.

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Which VC Firms in Aerospace Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing the right investors to approach is critical at every point in your company's journey, from its early days to a potential exit. We've organized this list of aerospace VC firms by the investment stages they focus on.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Aerospace

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, typically used to validate your idea and build an initial product. For founders in deep tech and aerospace, firms like Elefund and Starbridge Venture Capital focus on this critical initial stage.

Early Stage VC Firms in Aerospace

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, helps you scale your operations and achieve product-market fit. Some of the key early-stage venture capital firms in this space include the corporate venture arm Lockheed Martin Ventures and the deep tech-focused Starbridge Venture Capital.

Late Stage VC Firms in Aerospace

Late-stage rounds provide significant capital for mature companies to expand into new markets or prepare for an exit, such as an IPO or acquisition. Among the late-stage VC firms, you'll find investors like Airbus Ventures and Trajectory Ventures, which support companies through major growth phases.

Keep in mind that some VC firms invest across multiple stages, from seed to late-stage rounds.

Below, we provide an overview of the top VC firms focused on the aerospace sector. For each firm, you'll find details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and the specific attributes that make them a strong potential partner for founders.

1. Airbus Ventures

As the venture capital arm of the global aerospace leader, Airbus Ventures invests in entrepreneurs developing technologies that aim to reshape the future of the aerospace industry. They focus on creating a sustainable, intelligent, and more connected world.

A key characteristic is their multi-stage investment approach, backing companies from seed through late-stage rounds. Their portfolio includes high-profile deep tech companies like the quantum-computing firm IonQ and the drone-maker Quantum Systems, signaling their focus on ambitious, category-defining technologies.

This firm is likely a strong partner for founders with deep technical expertise who can benefit from a corporate VC's industry access. If you're building a company with long-term potential that aligns with the future of aerospace, their multi-stage support could be a great fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Aerospace and related deep tech sectors
• Geographical presence: Based in Menlo Park, California
• Founded year: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: IonQ, AEye, Impulse Space, Quantum Systems
• Portfolio size: Over 95 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. Lockheed Martin Ventures

As the venture arm of Lockheed Martin, this firm makes strategic investments in early-stage companies. Their focus is on technologies that have clear applications in aerospace and national security.

A key trait is their backing of companies with foundational technologies, from silicon photonics to AI processors. Their portfolio includes businesses that have reached public markets, such as the small-satellite builder Terran Orbital and electronics manufacturer Tempo Automation.

This firm is an excellent match for founders developing dual-use technologies with both commercial and defense potential. If your company could benefit from the resources and industry access of a global aerospace leader, they are a strong potential partner.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Aerospace, National Security, Space Travel, Hardware
• Geographical presence: Based in Bethesda, Maryland
• Founded year: 2007
• Notable portfolio companies: Terran Orbital, Ayar Labs, Tempo Automation, Mythic
• Portfolio size: 91 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. Elefund

Elefund is a thesis-driven, micro-VC firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. Based in Mountain View, they focus on identifying and backing businesses with breakout potential from their inception.

A defining characteristic is their track record of investing in future unicorns, including fintech platform Robinhood and the meditation app Calm. Their portfolio spans multiple industries, from aerospace to financial services, showing a focus on scalable ideas over narrow sector constraints.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders building technology companies with mass-market appeal. If you have a clear vision for a category-defining product, Elefund’s history of supporting early winners is a significant advantage.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, convertible note
• Industries of focus: Aerospace, FinTech, InsurTech, Mobile Apps, Wellness
• Geographical presence: Based in Mountain View, California
• Founded year: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Robinhood, Calm, Carta, Hotel Engine
• Portfolio size: 57 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. JetBlue Ventures

As the corporate venture capital arm of JetBlue, this firm partners with seed-stage startups working to improve the future of travel and hospitality. Their investments span from sustainable fuels to new aircraft technologies.

A key attribute is their broad focus on the entire travel ecosystem, from customer experience to operational efficiency and sustainability. Their portfolio includes high-profile exits like the electric aircraft developer Joby Aviation, showing their ability to back companies through to major milestones.

This firm is a great match for founders whose technology has clear applications in the travel and hospitality industries. If your startup could benefit from a strategic partnership with a major airline, their industry access and expertise are a significant asset.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Travel, Hospitality, Aerospace, Financial Services
• Geographical presence: Based in San Carlos, California
• Founded year: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Joby Aviation, Tomorrow.io, Aether Fuels, Shape Security
• Portfolio size: 58 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Starbridge Venture Capital

Starbridge Venture Capital provides capital to early-stage companies aiming to build the future of space and related deep tech industries. They focus on backing visionary founders with ambitions to open new frontiers and reshape major sectors.

A key attribute of Starbridge is their high-conviction approach, reflected in a concentrated portfolio of industry-defining companies. Their investments include giants like SpaceX and the fusion-energy unicorn Commonwealth Fusion Systems, signaling a clear focus on foundational technologies with massive potential.

This firm is an ideal partner for founders with bold, long-term visions in sectors like aerospace, satellite communications, and clean energy. If you are building a company that could create a new market, their focus on ambitious, frontier-defining ideas makes them a strong fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Aerospace, Satellite Communication, Space Travel, Telecommunications
• Geographical presence: Based in Washington, D.C.
• Founded year: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, Axiom Space, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Lynk Global
• Portfolio size: 25 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Trajectory Ventures

Trajectory Ventures invests in companies that are driving digital transformation across the globe. They focus on supporting foundational technologies that have the potential to reshape major industries.

A key trait is their flexible, multi-stage investment strategy, backing companies from seed rounds all the way to private equity. Their portfolio includes high-growth companies like the AI-chip startup Groq and the space-tech firm Stoke Space, showing a focus on capital-intensive, ambitious projects.

This firm is a strong fit for founders building deeply technical companies with the potential for significant global impact. If your business is driving major change in sectors like AI, aerospace, or ag-tech, their broad expertise and multi-stage support could be valuable.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage venture, private equity, secondary market, convertible note
• Industries of focus: Aerospace, Machine Learning, Electric Vehicle, E-Commerce Platforms, Developer Tools
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded year: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Groq, Stoke Space, AlphaSense, Monarch Tractor
• Portfolio size: 115 investments

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Aerospace Companies

This list shows a healthy mix of investors for aerospace companies. You'll find strong support at the early stages, with many firms focused on seed and Series A rounds. At the same time, corporate investors like Airbus Ventures and multi-stage firms like Trajectory Ventures provide capital for later growth, suggesting there is support available as your company grows.

The variety of investors is also a key takeaway. The presence of corporate venture arms from Airbus and Lockheed Martin alongside traditional VCs gives you options. You can seek a partner for pure financial backing or one that offers deep industry connections. Geographically, investors are not confined to a single hub, with active firms on both the East and West Coasts.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Fundraising requires your full attention, and knowing which investors to approach is half the battle. A focused list helps you direct your energy toward the partners who are most aligned with your vision.

Once your round is closed, the next step is putting that capital to work. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

We give you the tools to manage your new funding efficiently. Our platform integrates business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay to support your company’s growth.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Aerospace

Are there many aerospace venture capital firms in Europe or Asia?

The aerospace investment scene is growing globally. While the US has many established firms, hubs are developing in Europe, particularly in the UK and Germany. The Asia-Pacific region is also seeing increased activity, especially in satellite technology and drones.

How do deep tech VC firms relate to aerospace investing?

Aerospace is a key sector within deep tech. Many deep tech VCs invest in aerospace companies because they focus on foundational science and engineering challenges, such as new materials, propulsion systems, and advanced computing, which are common in the industry.

What is unique about defense venture capital firms?

Defense VCs often look for dual-use technologies with both commercial and government applications. They prioritize long-term strategic value and alignment with national security interests, and can offer access to government contracts and complex regulatory guidance for your startup.

How do I find the right early-stage VC firm for my startup?

Look beyond capital. Research a firm’s portfolio to check for alignment with your technology and market. Consider their network and whether their expertise matches your needs. The right partner offers relevant industry connections and operational guidance for your company.

How can Rho help after I close my funding round?

Once you've secured funding, our platform helps you manage it effectively. We provide integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, all designed to support your growth. You can get your financial operations set up with Rho in minutes.