Safran has acquired a minority stake in French propulsion technology company Akira through its corporate venture capital arm, Safran Corporate Ventures, as part of Akira’s latest funding round.
The investment brings Safran alongside existing investors MBDA and Definvest, an investment fund established by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and managed by Bpifrance. The funding is expected to support Akira’s expansion and strengthen its industrial partnership with Safran.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in France, Akira specialises in designing, prototyping, and testing high-performance propulsion systems and rotating machinery. Its capabilities cover turbomachinery, piston engines, electric machines, transmissions and pumps.
Akira already works with several Safran businesses, including Safran Aircraft Engines, Safran Helicopter Engines and Safran Tech. Its collaboration includes developing and testing the RISE demonstrator, along with research and technology projects focused on hybridisation and hydrogen combustion. The company also designs and manufactures test benches for propulsion development programmes.
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The latest funding will help Akira expand its production and testing capabilities as it moves toward small- and medium-batch manufacturing. The company plans to increase its production facilities, obtain EN 9100 quality certification and pursue new market opportunities in drone propulsion and microturbines for defence applications.
Florent Illat, CEO of Safran Corporate Ventures, said the investment strengthens a long-standing relationship with Akira and provides access to its expertise in design, prototyping and agile development.
For Akira, the investment is expected to support its transition from technology development and prototyping toward scaled industrial production, while expanding its role in emerging propulsion technologies and defence applications.
