Vsquared Ventures’ Post

Despite of the growing interest and potential within #German space start-ups, a challenge appears with the prospect of budget cuts for the "National Program for Space and Innovation" in the upcoming federal budget.   A recent article by Dieter Sürig emphasises the importance of public investment in attracting private capital and fostering a self-sustaining #SpaceEconomy, a mission that resonates with UNIO Enterprise's dedication to achieving #GlobalConnectivity through cutting-edge satellite technology.   I can see a positive momentum in the industry, with upcoming #rocket launches by fellow #startups and collaborations between traditional players and newcomers, indicating a promising future for the German space industry.   To maintain and increase the industry's growth and competitiveness on a European level, I hope for continued governmental support for space start-ups. Additionally, there is also a need for involvement from major players in the #automotive and #telecommunications industries to foster #innovation and growth on a bigger scale.   We at #UNIO are optimistic about the opportunities in the space sector and believe that UNIO's focus on global #connectivity positions us as a key player in shaping the future of #SpaceTechnology. Despite the uncertainties caused by budget considerations, we are actively engaging with investors, confident in our ability to navigate challenges and contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of the German #SpaceIndustry.   Isar Aerospace SES Satellites Reflex Aerospace Mynaric OHB SE IABG   #UNIOEnterprise #NewSpace #Investment

The importance of public #investment to attract private capital and foster a self-sustaining #space economy is self-explanatory. Currently, there are around 150 startups in the #German space industry, covering various aspects such as #satellite data analysis, #SatelliteConnectivity, reusable launch vehicles, #BroadbandSatellites, lunar exploration, and strategies against #SpaceDebris. All those startups are playing a crucial role in the promising future of the German space industry. However, the budget cuts may lead to reluctance among private investors, potentially hindering the industry's growth and competitiveness on a European level. To maintain and increase the potential of German space #startups, there is a need for continued support through initiatives like 'Microlauncher' or 'Kleinsatelliten' and involvement from major players in the #automotive and #telecommunications industries. We at #UNIO continue actively seeking investors to support our mission of achieving global #connectivity and shaping the future of #mobility. #UNIOEnterprise #PublicInvestment #PrivateCapital

I have spoken to many #space founders in the last 2 years. The predominant theme has been #minituarisation - sending large constellations of small satellites into space -, and #robotisation - sending intelligent robots into orbit to fix what's already there (see Jeromy Grimmett for details!). K2space is different. 🚀 Karan Kunjur and Neel Kunjur want to send a giant 40 metre satellite into space. Their satellite bus is a platform that can piggyback a whole collection of instruments from various customers - such as thermal and spectral cameras, radar and other sensors. The young company with 28 employees has already received funding from the #Pentagon. Their #MegaClass satellite delivers an electrical output of 20 kilowatts and thus comes close to the largest conventional satellites, such as the Viasat-3 communications satellite with 26 kilowatts. 🌒 Where does the renaissance of large satellites come from? Large rockets like #Falcon9 and the upcoming #Starship are to blame, if you ask former SpaceX Vice President Bulent Altan and his partner Joram Voelklein. They believe in K2Space's vision: "Larger satellites make sense because they simply allow us to bring more customer loads on board," Altan explains. "For years, people said that large satellites were dead. K2Space is now going the other way round and showing that they are worthwhile again." 💲 K2Space just closed a #SeriesA financing round totalling 50 million dollars. The start-up from a suburb of LA is now valued at around 250 million dollars. And the German VC Alpine Space Ventures is on board. Full story in Handelsblatt:

Thomas Sinn, CEO of #DCUBED, was interviewed along with Walter Ballheimer from Reflex Aerospace and published after the Paris Space Roundtable last week in the BZ (Germany's main daily financial paper). The interview focuses on the entrepreneurial aspects of the #newspace sector and why the investment climate in France is more startup-friendly; as well as showcasing Thomas and DCUBED's promise in helping make #ISM, or In Space Manufacturing, a reality. Follow the link to learn more (German, paywall)! https://lnkd.in/gdMBt9iX

Welcome to a new era of innovation and dual use combined💥 💫 The Big Pic: dual use defense became super attractive, innovative alongside TAM which includes governments and huge customers (BTB AND BTC). The Directorate of Defense Research & Development, NATO - Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and more focused on dual use. 💫 Techstars is the sweetest dream of any entrepreneur. It is not only the biggest and greatest accelerator in the world, it is backed with VC, magnificent network of mentors, investors and design partners. A few days ago they concluded the 12 winners who will begin soon the program of NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 💫 Why it matters: the connection between government to the private sector gets closer and more attractive. From the eyes 👀 of the governmental entities it is great access and insight to cutting edge tech, for the startup it is an opportunity to have stable, long-term customer and awesome guidance to success by the accelerator. 💫 go deeper: https://lnkd.in/dct5cJV4 , by TechCrunch Daniel Weihrauch , Noya Kremer , Guy Israeli

The German government has approved a new #SpaceStrategy aimed at enhancing the country's presence in space and promoting #sustainability in outer space activities. 🚀 The strategy highlights several key points: 🇪🇺 European Access to Space: The strategy emphasises the importance of European nations having their own access to space. Currently, European states depend on launch vehicles from companies like Elon Musk's SpaceX due to delays in the launch of Ariane 6 rockets. Germany aims to create its own access to space and support companies that develop cost-effective and sustainable rockets. 🌿 Sustainable Space Practices: The coalition recognises the growing issue of space debris and commits to sustainable practices in space. This includes efforts to avoid creating more space debris and supporting technologies for space debris reduction. Preserving the dark night sky and protecting radio astronomy are also priorities. 👩🚀 Gender Diversity in Space: The government is committed to increasing gender diversity in the field of space travel and seeks to achieve better representation of women in space. ⚖️ Space Law: In addition to the space strategy, the government announced plans to introduce a space law, which is currently lacking in Germany. This law will establish clear responsibilities and enhance the safety and sustainability of space travel activities. “We welcome the government's recognition that demand for space technologies, data and services has grown significantly. Seeing that private enterprise is needed to fulfil these demands, we applaud the government's intention to promote the #NewSpace industry and look forward to contributing to and driving the work of the proposed Space Innovation Hub. At the same time, we have the ambition to provide commercial connectivity services at the highest level, independent of these initiatives”. - UNIO CEO Katrin Bacic Anna Christmann Federal Ministry for Economics and Climate Action Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla German Aerospace Center (DLR) European Space Agency - ESA

Budget Cuts in Space: A Chance for Startups The recent news of the German government planning to cut spending for the space industry may seem like a setback and not a good signal for the industry overall. However, I believe this situation presents a unique opportunity for all of us. Budget constraints require us to re-evaluate and possibly find smarter solutions to achieve our goals. Startups can play a key role here. They start with a fresh look on the field, with less constraints and path dependencies. They are agile, innovative, and can adapt to changes quickly. At Data Machine Intelligence, we are contributing by helping implement automation for aerospace safely but fast and without having to build extensive infrastructure. We are a testament to the fact that startups can indeed be a part of the solution, even in a complex field like aerospace. We are happy to see that the government has indeed said that they see space startups as part of the solution. We welcome this and will follow this situation closely, to see how this comes through. It's time to recognize the potential and the value startups can bring to the table. Let's make these budget cuts a catalyst for change and innovation. I invite you to read the article that inspired this post: https://lnkd.in/eHxEhatu What are your thoughts on this? How can we leverage this situation to foster innovation and growth in the space industry? #SpaceIndustry #Startups #Innovation #aerospace #safeai #aicertification

The Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades has launched a new call with a budget of 240 million for PERTE Aerospace projects. Administered by the Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (@CDTI_innovacion), this call is linked to the Addendum to the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. The main purpose of these aids linked to the PERTE Aerospace is to boost Spanish industry in the face of the challenges and opportunities posed by the global space market in the short and medium term. 🚀 With this funding, research initiatives aimed at improving aircraft efficiency and reducing polluting emissions are sought. In addition, priority is given to projects related to quantum communications and the commercial exploitation of space. 🛰 https://lnkd.in/eYgHGVPv

CapSek: Fueling growth and innovation in Space Tech 🛰 The second term sheet is now signed in the North of Sweden. Arctic Space Arctic Space and RockSigma are two of the most interesting companies in Sweden in my opinion!

🪐 There is room for Denmark in space 🪐 Exploring Denmark’s Future in the New Space Economy. Insights and Opportunities. Dive into how Denmark can thrive in this exciting new era! Read my blog👇 (Note: The article is in Danish, but a quick run through a GenAI translator will reveal all the key insights.) Innovation Centre Denmark Innovation Centre Denmark Silicon Valley Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet Uddannelses- og Forskningsstyrelsen Brug rummet