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Company Profile

MAEVE AEROSPACE B.V.

Maeve Aerospace Secures €17.5M EIC Accelerator Funding for All-Electric Aircraft Development

NetherlandsEIC Accelerator2022

Table of Contents

  1. The EIC Accelerator Project
  2. The Funding Rounds
  3. The Press Releases
  4. The Technology Advancements
  5. The Partnerships and Customers
  6. The Hiring and Company Growth
  7. The Media Features and Publications

1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly startups and deep-tech companies, in their innovation journeys. The program provides financial support in the form of blended finance, which combines grants and equity investments. The EIC Accelerator offers grants of up to €2.5 million and equity investments of up to €15 million until 2024, transitioning to a maximum of €10 million from 2025 onwards. This dual funding approach is designed to foster groundbreaking innovations that address significant market needs and societal challenges, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of European businesses on a global scale.

The primary objective of the EIC Accelerator is to assist companies in scaling their innovations and securing additional funding from private investors. By providing substantial initial funding to promising projects, the program reduces the financial risk for private investors, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of these projects. This integrated funding strategy is crucial in the European deep-tech and startup ecosystem, where companies often face difficulties in accessing sufficient capital to bring their innovative ideas to market.

A notable example of an EIC Accelerator winner is MAEVE AEROSPACE B.V., a Netherlands-based company that focuses on developing innovative aerospace solutions. The company’s project, named Maeve 01, is an all-electric commuter aircraft designed to offer a sustainable alternative for short-distance air travel. The project was submitted for funding on October 5, 2022, during the Step 2 proposal phase, and the company subsequently succeeded in the Step 3 interview, securing funding through the EIC Accelerator.

The Maeve 01 project represents a significant advancement in aviation technology. The aircraft is designed to operate using electric propulsion systems, which aim to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution associated with traditional fossil-fuel-powered aircraft. This innovative design aligns with global efforts to transition towards more sustainable modes of transportation in response to climate change.

In terms of technology, Maeve 01 utilizes cutting-edge electric engines and lightweight materials to enhance efficiency and performance. The aircraft's design incorporates advanced aerodynamics to optimize flight capabilities, enabling it to operate in urban environments and connect smaller airports with major city centers. The focus on all-electric propulsion not only addresses environmental concerns but also aims to lower operating costs for airlines, making regional air travel more accessible and affordable.

The background of the Maeve 01 project is rooted in the increasing demand for sustainable transportation solutions. As urban populations grow and air travel becomes more prevalent, the need for efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives is paramount. The EIC Accelerator's support provides MAEVE AEROSPACE with the resources necessary to bring this innovative aircraft to market, showcasing the potential of blending technological advancement with sustainable practices.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program plays a pivotal role in nurturing the European startup ecosystem, particularly in deep-tech sectors. By offering a blend of grant and equity funding, the program not only supports innovative companies like MAEVE AEROSPACE B.V. but also facilitates the scaling of transformative projects such as Maeve 01. This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between public funding bodies and private investors in advancing sustainable technological solutions that can significantly impact society and the economy. For further information, visit the company’s website at maeve.aero.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Maeve Aerospace B.V. Funding Profile

Maeve Aerospace, a Delft-based company from the Netherlands, has successfully secured significant funding to develop its ambitious all-electric 44-passenger aircraft. Since its founding in September 2020 by co-founders Jan Willem Heinen and Joost Dieben, the company has progressed through several funding rounds to support its vision of emission-free aviation.

Funding Rounds and Timeline

Seed Round - June 2021

Maeve Aerospace (formerly known as Venturi Aviation) closed a €250,000 seed investment in June 2021. This initial funding helped the company conduct extensive feasibility studies on electric aviation.

Private Investment Round - June 2022

In June 2022, the company secured a €3.4 million investment from private investors, representing one of the largest private investments in a fully electric Dutch passenger aircraft. The investors included a number of angel investors and a large Dutch family office, though they requested to remain unnamed.

EIC Accelerator Funding - December 2022

On December 19, 2022, Maeve Aerospace was selected by the European Innovation Council (EIC) to receive up to €17.5 million in funding. This funding package consists of:
  • €2.5 million in grant funding
  • Up to €15 million in potential co-investments, subject to co-financing from private investors

This selection came after Maeve submitted their Step 2 proposal on October 5, 2022, and later succeeded in the Step 3 interview. The company was one of 78 innovative companies selected from more than 1,000 applications across the EU to receive funding from the EIC Accelerator program.

Investor Information

Maeve Aerospace's investors include:

  • Angel investors (unnamed at their request)
  • A large Dutch family office (unnamed at their request)
  • The European Innovation Council (EIC), a European Union investment fund

At the time of the EIC funding announcement in December 2022, the company also mentioned that they expected "to be able to complete a successful investment round with interested private investors in the short term".

Company Focus and Development Plans

The funding secured by Maeve Aerospace has been allocated to specific development goals:

1. After the €3.4 million investment in June 2022, the company focused on:
  • Developing core electric aviation technology, particularly the battery system
  • Expanding the team to 24 employees
  • Exploring future locations to support aircraft development

2. The EIC funding is being used to support:

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    • The development of a fully electric regional passenger aircraft seating 44 passengers
    • Creating an aircraft with a flight range of up to 550 km
    • Bringing this emission-free and low-noise aircraft to market within 8 years (from December 2022)

    Company Valuation

    The search results do not provide specific information about Maeve Aerospace's company valuation at different funding stages.

    Exit Events

    As of May 2025, there is no information in the search results about any IPO plans, buyouts, or acquisitions involving Maeve Aerospace. The company appears to be in its growth and development phase, focused on bringing its electric aircraft to market rather than pursuing exit strategies.

    Company Vision

    Maeve Aerospace's mission focuses on revolutionizing aviation through electric flight technology. The company emphasizes that electric flying:

    • Eliminates CO2 and NOx emissions
    • Reduces noise pollution by 40%
    • Is ultimately cheaper to operate

    According to CEO Jan Willem Heinen, the company believes that "the rate of advancements in battery technology is an area that we feel that we can start capitalising on very soon".

    Sources: - Maeve Aerospace raises 3.4M investment

    3 The Press Releases

    Maeve Aerospace B.V.: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments Maeve Aerospace B.V., a Netherlands-based innovator in sustainable aviation, secured EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, positioning itself as a leader in hybrid-electric aircraft technology. Since then, the company has advanced its mission to decarbonize regional air travel through strategic partnerships, technological milestones, and funding achievements.

    Key Developments

    • Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Development: Maeve’s flagship M80 aircraft combines turboprop efficiency with jet speed, reducing emissions by up to 40% compared to conventional models. The hybrid propulsion system integrates fuel engines and electric components for quieter, more economical flights.
    • Collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada: Announced in July 2024, this partnership focuses on propulsion system integration for the M80. Maeve handles aircraft design, while Pratt & Whitney contributes propulsion expertise.
    • Partnership with MHIRJ Aviation Group: In November 2024, Maeve announced engineering and advisory collaboration with MHIRJ to accelerate M80 development. The project aims to transform regional aviation economics while minimizing environmental impact.
    • Siemens Xcelerator Software Adoption: Since June 2023, Maeve has used Siemens’ design tools for its all-electric Maeve 01 prototype (44-passenger capacity; 250 nautical mile range). The software streamlined development timelines toward a pre-2030 launch target.

    Funding and Recognition

    In 2022 alone:
    • Raised €3.6 million from angel investors alongside EIC Accelerator funding.
    • Received early-stage support from InnovationQuarter Capital and aerospace networks in South Holland’s "Aerospace Delta," leveraging regional talent from TU Delft and Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport (RHIA).

    Strategic Vision

    Leadership emphasizes mission-driven innovation: “Everyone at Maeve shares the goal of making aviation sustainable” — CFO Erwin Koenraads highlights team alignment on reducing industry emissions while improving operational flexibility.

    Sources

    4 The Technology Advancements

    MAEVE Aerospace B.V.: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Advancements

    Since receiving €17.5 million in EIC Accelerator funding in December 2022, MAEVE Aerospace has pivoted its strategy, expanded operations, and introduced new hybrid-electric aircraft designs to address regional aviation demands. Below are key advancements post-funding:


    Strategic Shift to Hybrid-Electric Technology

    In late 2023, MAEVE transitioned from a fully electric 44-seat Maeve 01 aircraft to the M80 hybrid-electric model, prioritizing broader market viability. The M80 targets 76–100 passengers with a range of ~2,300 km (1,430 miles), leveraging a hybrid system combining combustion engines and electric propulsion for ~40% higher energy efficiency than regional jets. This decision followed investor feedback and technological feasibility assessments.

    New Aircraft Design & Partnerships

    • M80 Specifications: Designed as a direct replacement for regional jets (e.g., Embraer E-Jets) and turboprops (e.g., Dash 8), the M80 promises 25% lower trip costs than regional jets and 20% lower seat-mile costs than turboprops, while using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
    • Collaboration with MHIRJ: Partnered with MHI RJ Aviation Group for technical expertise in certification and systems integration.
    • Siemens Partnership: Utilized Siemens’ design software to optimize airframe weight and propulsion efficiency for the Maeve 01 prototype.

    Operational Expansion & Milestones

    • Facility Growth: Opened a second site at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport (Munich) to accelerate M80 development.
    • Paris Air Show Debut: Unveiled an updated Maeve 01 design in June 2023 with improved aerodynamics and energy consumption metrics (-30% vs. turboprops).
    • _No Flight Demonstrations Yet_: No operational prototypes or customer trials have been publicly reported; first flights are projected before 2030.

    Intellectual Property & Publications

    While MAEVE has not disclosed specific patents or peer-reviewed studies since late 2022, its focus on proprietary hybrid propulsion systems suggests ongoing R&D activity. Public communications emphasize advancements in battery density optimization through partnerships but lack technical whitepapers or clinical trial data—unsurprising given the pre-prototype stage of development.

    Sources

    Additional URLs cited above include:

    5 The Partnerships and Customers

    MAEVE AEROSPACE B.V. Partnerships and Customer Engagements Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022, Maeve Aerospace B.V. has strategically expanded its partnerships and customer base to advance its hybrid-electric and all-electric aircraft programs, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable regional aviation.

    Key Partnerships

    • MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ): Announced in November 2024, this collaboration focuses on engineering services and advisory support for the M80 hybrid-electric regional aircraft, aiming to accelerate design, industrialization, and commercialization. The partnership leverages MHIRJ’s expertise in regional aviation to optimize the M80’s fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
    • Siemens Xcelerator: Adopted Siemens’ software suite for developing the all-electric Maeve 01, enabling advanced design simulation tools to streamline development timelines targeting entry-in-service before 2030.

    Customer Agreements

    • Air Napier: New Zealand’s Air Napier reserved 35 Maeve 01 electric aircraft (announced June 2023) to establish zero-emission regional routes by the late 2020s.
    • Fly With Lucy: A European airline announced as a launch customer for Maeve’s electric aircraft program alongside Air Napier during early-stage development phases.

    Strategic Positioning Through Collaborations

    The MHIRJ partnership strengthens Maeve’s credibility in hybrid propulsion technology, addressing critical challenges like energy efficiency and infrastructure compatibility for the M80. Meanwhile, Siemens Xcelerator provides cutting-edge digital tools to reduce iterative design costs for both the M80 and Maeve 01 programs. These relationships enhance Maeve’s capacity to meet stringent sustainability targets while scaling production capabilities through industrial expertise from established aerospace players.

    By aligning with operators like Air Napier, Maeve gains early market validation for its zero-emission aircraft models—a critical step toward securing future orders amid growing regulatory pressure on aviation emissions.


    Sources

    6 The Hiring and Company Growth

    Maeve Aerospace B.V., based in Delft, Netherlands, received EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022. Since then, the company has been actively growing and developing innovative aircraft designs focused on sustainability and efficiency.

    Overview of Maeve Aerospace

    Maeve Aerospace is a European innovator in sustainable and economical aircraft design. Founded in 2021, the company has been expanding its operations and team to meet its ambitious goals, including reducing more than 50 MT of CO₂ from commercial routes before 2040.

    Current Team Size and Growth

    As of mid-2022, Maeve's team size was around 15 full-time employees (FTE), with plans to grow to 24 FTE. The exact current headcount is not publicly disclosed, but the company has been expanding its team significantly since receiving the EIC funding. This growth is crucial for advancing their aircraft projects and meeting sustainability targets.

    Hiring and Key Positions

    Maeve has not recently announced specific key positions they have hired for, but they continue to seek skilled employees to support their mission. The company's management team includes Jan Willem Heinen as CEO, Martin Nüsseler as CTO, and Erwin Koenraads as CFO.

    Impact of New Team Members

    The addition of new team members is vital for Maeve Aerospace as it helps the company scale and grow. These new members bring expertise necessary to develop innovative aircraft designs, such as the hybrid-electric M80 model, which aims to reduce fuel consumption significantly compared to current regional jets. This growth supports Maeve's goal of making aviation more sustainable and cost-effective.

    Major Changes in Management

    There are no reported major changes in the founding team or management of Maeve Aerospace since receiving the EIC funding. The core leadership remains consistent with Jan Willem Heinen, Martin Nüsseler, and Erwin Koenraads continuing in their roles.

    Future Prospects

    Maeve Aerospace's focus on sustainable aviation solutions positions the company for significant growth in the future. With projects like the M80 aircraft and partnerships with companies like Pratt & Whitney Canada, Maeve is well-placed to make a substantial impact on reducing emissions in the aviation sector.

    Hiring Status

    Maeve Aerospace is likely hiring to support its ongoing projects, though specific job openings are not detailed in available sources. The company's growth trajectory suggests a need for skilled personnel to advance their innovative aircraft designs and technology.

    Sources

    7 The Media Features and Publications

    Maeve Aerospace B.V.: A Leader in Sustainable Aviation

    Overview

    Maeve Aerospace B.V., a Netherlands-based company, has emerged as a pioneering force in sustainable aviation since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2022. Founded in 2021, Maeve aims to revolutionize regional air travel by developing all-electric zero-emission aircraft, aligning with its mission to reduce carbon emissions significantly by 2040.

    Media Features

    Maeve Aerospace has been prominently featured in various media outlets for its innovative approach to sustainable aviation. It was highlighted as a leading European innovator in sustainable aircraft design, focusing on both economic and environmental benefits. The company's vision for an all-electric regional airliner has garnered attention for its potential to transform regional air mobility.

    Publications

    Publications such as Amprius and Maeve Aerospace's own news section have covered the company's progress, particularly in the development of electric aircraft. Maeve's participation in the Paris Air Show was notable for unveiling its revamped Maeve 01 design, which promises significant reductions in energy consumption and emissions.

    Content

    Maeve Aerospace's content emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, aiming to develop the world's first all-electric zero-emission aircraft capable of seating 44 passengers with a range of up to 550 km. The company also focuses on creating a rapid recharge network to support its aircraft operations, ensuring turnaround times competitive with conventional turboprops.

    Interviews and Podcasts

    While specific podcasts are not detailed, Maeve Aerospace's team has participated in interviews and discussions on transforming aviation through sustainable technologies. The company's leadership, including CEO Jan Willem Heinen and CTO Martin Nüsseler, have been instrumental in communicating Maeve's vision and technological advancements.

    Conference and Fair Visits

    Maeve Aerospace made its international debut at the Paris Air Show in 2023, where it unveiled the revamped design of its Maeve 01 aircraft. This event marked a significant milestone in showcasing the company's innovative solutions to the global aviation community.

    Event Participation

    The company's involvement in events like the Paris Air Show underscores its commitment to showcasing sustainable aviation solutions. Maeve's participation in such forums highlights its role in driving technological advancements and fostering a greener aviation industry.

    Involvement in Events

    Maeve Aerospace's active participation in aviation events reflects its dedication to promoting sustainable aviation practices and engaging with stakeholders to advance its mission.

    Conclusion

    Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Maeve Aerospace has continued to innovate and expand its presence in the aviation sector. Its focus on sustainable aviation solutions positions the company as a leader in the transition towards environmentally friendly air travel.

    Sources

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