Spacetech includes the tools, equipment, and systems used for exploring and developing space, the data from satellites that improve our lives on Earth, and the methods for operating and maintaining these technologies.
In recent years, space technology has flourished as a significant growth industry, with 2021 marking the peak of venture capital funding for space tech startups in Europe and globally according to Dealroom data. This growth is driven by our innate desire to explore and harness the vast resources beyond Earth’s boundaries, the necessity for advanced technologies to support telecommunications, innovations in hardware and software that enhance the efficiency and success of space missions, and the increasing importance of earth observation and scientific research. Additionally, national development strategies now prioritize space technology as a critical component for economic growth, security, and international competitiveness. As a result, the landscape has experienced a significant shift.
We invite all CEE key players (founders, VCs, ecosystem builders) to participate by filling out The Recursive’s survey Mapping the AI Landscape 2024 to ensure comprehensive coverage. Your insights are invaluable to us. Please send any comments or additional information to [email protected].
Liftero
Is dedicated to creating cutting-edge space tug technology tailored for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Utilizing their expertise in orbital mechanics and propulsion systems, Liftero’s solution facilitates efficient maneuvers and precise satellite positioning in space.
Headquarter: Poland
Year: 2019
Founders: Przemysław Drożdż and Tomek Palacz
Total funding: Pe-seed round, undisclosed
Last round’s investors: Sunfish Partners, Freya Capital, bValue, and angel investors
ICEYE
Owning the world’s largest synthetic-aperture radar constellation, the company enables objective, data-driven decisions for its customers in sectors such as insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring and finance. ICEYE’s data can be collected day or night, and even through cloud cover.
Headquarter: Finland, with a subsidiary in Poland
Year: 2012
Founders: Rafal Modrzewski (Polish) and Pekka Laurila (Finnish)
Total funding: $395M,
Last round’s investors: Solidium, Move Capital, Blackwells Capital
SatRev
SatRevolution designs, manufactures, and places nanosatellites in orbits around the Earth to collect optical data.
Headquarter: Poland
Year: 2016
Founders: Damian Fijałkowski, Grzegorz Zwolinski and Radosław Łapczyński
Total funding: $47.2M
Last round’s investors: Imperio
EnduroSat
A company that designs and engineers spacecraft for business applications and space exploration missions.
Headquarter: Bulgaria
Year: 2017
Founder: Raycho Raychev
Total funding: $25.2M
Last round’s investors: Freigeist Capital, Ceecat Capital
Thorium Space
Develops microwave arrays using AESA technology in the Ku, Ka, and E-Band radio bands. They also produce ready-made telecommunications modules for flat terminals in the FPA ground segment and satellite communication payloads for various LEO, MEO, and GEO orbits.
Headquarter: Poland
Year: 2017
Founder: Paweł Rymaszewski
Total funding: $14.1M
Last round’s investors: Smartlink Partners
InPhoTech
Specializes on modeling, fabrication, research and development of specialty optic fibers.
Headquarter: Poland
Year: 2010
Founder: Tomasz Nasiłowski
Total funding: $2.4M
Last round’s investors: European Innovation Council
TerraEye
An environmental monitoring platform that uses satellite imagery, AI, and geospatial data analytics to provide information: on biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, leakages, land changes, water quality, and mineral analysis for industries like mining and automotive manufacturing.
Headquarter: Poland
Year: 2021
Founder: Marek Wilgucki
Total funding: $2.0M
Last round’s investors: The National Centre for Research and Development
Orbital Matter
Is working on a 3D Printing technology to be used directly in orbit, on the Moon and on Mars to manufacture large elements of space infrastructure e.g., walls for space stations, moon habitats and SBSP reflectors.
Headquarter: Germany with a subsidiary in Poland
Year: 2022
Founders: Jakub Stojek (Polish) and Robert Ihnatisin (Romanian)
Total funding: $1.1M
Last round’s investors: Sunfish Partners
Orbify
A Platform-as-a-Service for building software that transforms satellite imagery and geospatial data into actionable insights for better decisions.
Headquarter: Poland
Year: 2021
Founders: Jakub Dziwisz, Ewelina Kalemba-Domagała, Michal Wieczorek
Total funding: $1.0M
Last round’s investors: EUSPA
3IPK
Using 3IPK’s blockchain-based system for spacecraft components quality inspection reduces process costs and ensures transparent information for all supply chain stakeholders.
Headquarter: Slovakia
Year: 2019
Founders: Maria Capova, Juraj Zamecnik and Matej Michalko
Total funding: $82.5K
Last round’s investors: EUSPA, Cassini Business Accelerator
