Space tech includes the tools, equipment and systems used to explore and develop space, the data from satellites that improve life on Earth, and how to operate and maintain these technologies.
Space technology has flourished as a key growth industry in recent years, with 2021 seeing a peak in venture capital funding for space tech startups in Europe and around the world, according to data from Dealroom. This growth is driven by an innate human desire to explore and exploit vast resources beyond the boundaries of our planet, the need for advanced technology to support communications, hardware and software innovations that increase the efficiency and success of space missions, and the growing importance of Earth observation and scientific research. Moreover, national development strategies prioritize space technology as a key component of economic growth, security, and international competitiveness. As a result, the landscape has changed significantly.
To ensure a comprehensive study, we are inviting all key players in CEE (founders, VCs, ecosystem builders) to respond to The Recursive’s survey “AI Landscape 2024”. Your input is very valuable to us. If you have any comments or additional information, please feel free to contact us. [email protected].
Liftero
We are committed to developing cutting-edge space tug technology customized for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Leveraging our expertise in orbital mechanics and propulsion systems, Liftero’s solutions enable efficient navigation and precise satellite positioning in space.
Headquarters: Poland
Year: 2019
Founders: Przemysław Drożdż and Tomek Palacz
Total funding: Pe-Seed round, undisclosed
Previous investors: Sunfish Partners, Freya Capital, bValue, angel investors
Ice Eye
The company owns the world’s largest fleet of synthetic aperture radars, enabling objective, data-driven decision-making for clients in insurance, natural disaster response and recovery, security, maritime surveillance, finance and more. ICEYE data can be collected at any time of the day or night, even under cloud cover.
Headquarters: Finland, with subsidiaries in Poland
Year: 2012
Founders: Rafal Modrzewski (Poland) and Pekka Laurila (Finnish)
Total funding: $395 million;
Previous investors: Solidium, Move Capital, Blackwells Capital
Satlev
SatRevolution designs, builds and places nanosatellites into orbit around Earth to collect optical data.
Headquarters: Poland
Year: 2016
Founders: Damian Fijakowski, Grzegorz Zwoliński, Radosław Łapczynski
Total funding: $47.2 million
Previous investor: Imperio
EnduroSat
A company that designs and engineers spacecraft for business applications and space exploration missions.
Headquarters: Bulgaria
Year: 2017
Founder: Raycho Rachev
Total funding: $25.2 million
Previous round investors: Freigeist Capital, Ceecat Capital
Thorium Space
We develop microwave arrays using AESA technology in the Ku, Ka and E band radio bands. We also manufacture off-the-shelf communications modules for flat terminals in FPA ground segments, as well as satellite communications payloads for a range of LEO, MEO and GEO orbits.
Headquarters: Poland
Year: 2017
Founder: Paweł Limaszewski
Total funding: $14.1 million
Previous Investor: Smartlink Partners
Infotech
We specialize in the modeling, manufacturing, research and development of specialty optical fibers.
Headquarters: Poland
Year: 2010
Founder: Tomasz Nasiłowski
Total funding: $2.4 million
Previous investor: European Innovation Council
Terra Eye
An environmental monitoring platform that uses satellite imagery, AI, and geospatial data analytics to provide information on biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, leakage, land change, water quality, and mineral analysis for industries like mining and automotive manufacturing.
Headquarters: Poland
Year: 2021
Founder: Marek Wilgucki
Total funding: $2 million
Previous investor: National Research and Development Center
Orbital Material
They are working on 3D printing technologies for direct use in orbit, on the Moon, and on Mars to manufacture large elements of space infrastructure, such as space station walls, lunar habitats, and SBSP reflectors.
Headquarters: Germany (with subsidiary in Poland)
Year: 2022
Founders: Jakub Stojek (Poland) and Robert Ihnatisin (Romanian)
Total funding: $1.1 million
Previous Investor: Sunfish Partners
Orbify
A platform-as-a-service for building software that transforms satellite imagery and geospatial data into actionable insights to make better decisions.
Headquarters: Poland
Year: 2021
Founders: Jakub Dziwisz, Ewelina Kalemba-Domagała, Michal Wieczorek
Total funding: $1 million
Previous investor: EUSPA
3IPK
Using 3IPK’s blockchain-based system for quality inspection of spacecraft components reduces process costs and ensures transparent information for all parties in the supply chain.
Headquarters: Slovakia
Year: 2019
Founders: Maria Kapova, Juraj Zamečnik, Matej Michalko
Total Funding: $82.5K
Previous investors: EUSPA, Cassini Business Accelerator
The Recursive Study: “Mapping the AI Landscape in 2024”
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