NewSpace Capital

Europe's space startups need support – but so do growth-stage companies, who often find themselves at the threshold of major expansion but lack the sustained and generous funding to make that happen. In Europe, many factors conspire to deny some of our best thinkers and doers the capital they need to scale and bring their work to the widest possible audience. That's where firms like NewSpace Capital step in: finding those outstanding companies solving major challenges, and providing them with the support, in the form of expertise and commercial backing, to grow. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gSbX3Jbd #space #spacetech #investment #europe #innovation

The link between climate intelligence, climate action and space technology grows stronger by the day. Satellites allow us to understand what's happening on our planet and where it's taking place. Thanks to satellites – namely, a joint effort between NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) – we now know that total freshwater levels on Earth have fallen abruptly since 2014. It's crucially important that we give space technology companies the sustained support they need so that they and their counterparts in the public sector can keep enriching our understanding of how our world is changing. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g98b-6qP #satellites #spacetech #climate #sustainability #innovation

This is a great write-up from SpaceNews. The article deals with the challenges and opportunities facing European space companies, which was discussed at the Space Tech Expo Europe Europe investment panel yesterday. It featured some sharp insights from Daniel Biedermann, Partner at NewSpace Capital. As Daniel explained, “Europe has done all the hard work to get the companies up and running, but when it comes to the growth stage, nobody’s there to support them.” The panel underscored the need for European governments to prioritise service contracts over grants and embrace risk so that companies can scale and compete globally. The speakers also highlighted Europe’s unique advantages, including cost-effective talent and strong technical expertise. But they warned that without better support for growth-stage companies, these strengths could be lost to overseas markets. The solution? Adopt a model similar to NASA’s commercial contracts, which have propelled U.S. companies like SpaceX to success, while encouraging private-sector sales within Europe. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5zVr-gi #newspace #spacetechexpo #spaceinvestment #commercialspace #europeanspace

This is a great write-up by Newsweek on how ICEYE, a NewSpace portfolio company, is using its constellation of cutting-edge SAR satellites to reveal the movement of Russian troops and artillery. ICEYE's SAR satellites can operate during the day or at night, and are impervious to weather conditions that can shroud optical satellite images. As a result, they can provide a crystal clear, detailed image of military equipment, types of vehicles, and more – regardless of the time of day or the weather. It isn't surprising that Ukraine's GUR military intelligence has described ICEYE as bringing a 'new level of quality and efficiency' to its operations. Read more: https://lnkd.in/efqAPiBs #commercialspace #newspace #innovation #sar #satellites

With COP29 reaching its conclusion, it's worth remembering the central role that space-enabled technology plays in our handling of the climate crisis. Companies like Simera Sense, a NewSpace Capital portfolio company, develop the optical tech that allows us to take images of greater and greater accuracy, while also developing the on-board data-processing capability that will dramatically reduce time and costs. Other NewSpace Capital portfolio companies like Kayrros, the world leader in environmental intelligence, crunch the raw data back on the ground, turning it into intelligible – and actionable – insights for decision-makers in the public and private sectors. With the climate crisis growing more serious, it's crucial that the space sector gets the sustained and generous funding it needs to keep developing solutions to food insecurity, greenhouse gas monitoring, flood and wildfire protection, and more. #cop29 #spacetech #innovation #commercialspace #climate

It's fantastic to see Cailabs, a NewSpace Capital portfolio company, named as a 'Reinvention Champion' by the Financial Times. It's a real testament to the intelligence, hard work and adaptability of the team in a fast-changing world. Reinvention isn't easy to pull off. Cailabs pivoted to optical communications from telecoms, applying their patented technology to solving the problem of atmospheric turbulence – maintaining the integrity of a laser beam as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere. But they succeeded. And with laser allowing the faster transmission of more data, and in a way that is almost impossible to detect, intercept and disrupt, it's no surprise that – as Iain Hughes of the UK Space Agency notes – 'We are likely to see a big shift to optical communication in orbit.' Well done, Cailabs 👏 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eExBG98V #spacetech #innovation #reinvention #commercialspace #laser

It isn't surprising that when we think 'space', we think of interstellar travel and far-flung planets. But here on Earth, space makes itself known in countless ways. This is just one example. NASA is using space technology to generate medical-grade oxygen for children in low- and middle-income countries. Without private and public investment in space, technology like this wouldn't exist. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ezBdivDu #tech #innovation #spacetech #deeptech #commercialspace

Japan is now second only to the US in terms of how spacetech startups are getting financial backing from corporate investors. Companies including the financial services company SBI Card, the camera manufacturer Nikon and the logistics firm Yamato have all raised funds recently, with spacetech mentioned as a target areas. It reflects the strategic importance of space for countries around the world but also the enormous commercial opportunities that exist for investors in the sector. Read more: https://lnkd.in/erUWSQXD #vc #funding #innovation #spacetech #commercialspace

The countries of the Middle East have become one of the most exciting regions for space innovation. Bahrain is no different. The Kingdom has made a dedicated effort to grow its space ecosystem, rightly viewing space as a field that is not only pivotal to its progress as a nation, but as one of the most consequential areas, along with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, in the modern day. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8P_tMJM #emea #spacetech #spaceinnovation #satellites #innovation

This is a very important use case for space-enabled technologies: disaster resilience and response. The floods across Europe and wildfires in Portugal in September were a reminder that, due to climate change, natural disasters are increasing. Space, supported by AI, can help by enabling the collection and analysis of geospatial data, which can help businesses and governments to predict, prevent and respond to crises. This applies all over the globe. The Philippines was named the country most at risk from the climate crisis in 2019. It's no surprise that the government is looking to space for solutions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/envmG_3s #space #innovation #newspace #commercialspace #satellites