Skynopy, a Paris-based space startup specializing in satellite communications, announced a $3.1 million fundraising, which was completed in just three weeks, just months after its creation. This funding round will allow Skynopy to develop its turnkey connectivity service for low-orbit (LEO) satellite operators, meeting the growing needs of the rapidly expanding space industry.
The operation was backed by a group of investors, including the European fund Heartcore Capital, Kima Ventures, Better Angle and BPI France, along with well-known entrepreneurs such as Thibaud Elziere (electronic founders of Hexa) and Johan Leroy (CEO of Maya Space). Founded in October 2023 by Pierre Bertrand and Antonin Hirsch, former directors of Loft Orbital, Skynopy aims to bring simplicity of mobile communication to low-orbit satellites and the constellation sector, thanks to its unique business model and key interface technologies.
Skynopy offers a seamless and streamlined global service for satellite operators to connect their satellites (sending commands and receiving data) using its hybrid network of ground antennas. This “as a service” approach allows operators to focus on their missions without worrying about the technical details of connectivity or expensive indoor terrestrial antenna infrastructure, providing seamless connectivity with their satellites, similar to a mobile phone experience. Skynopy is developing universal connectors capable of interfacing with existing ground station networks, allowing the company to scale much faster than the traditional approach. This strategy allows Skynopy to provide high-capacity connectivity while limiting its capital expenditure needs, thus positioning itself as the Airbnb of terrestrial antennas.
By managing the entire satellite mission communication value chain, Skynopy aims to become a market leader in the rapidly expanding terrestrial segment. This position has already allowed Skynopy to sign and deliver several contracts with major players in the French space ecosystem, including HEMERIA and CNES, just six months after joining.
The funds raised will allow Skynopy to accelerate the commercial deployment of its ground station offerings “As a service.” The startup has already signed industry partnerships to integrate primary ground station networks and implement its vision of turnkey connectivity. Finally, these funds will allow Skynopy to streamline its teams with new hires.
Pierre Bertrand, CEO of Skynopy, commented: “The ground segment, specifically the ground stations, is the third pillar of any space infrastructure, next to the launch vehicle and satellites. Today, industrial actors and public policies tend to underestimate the importance of this fundamental pillar, which is critical to data creation and recovery, and which accounts for up to 20% of the cost of the mission. Skynopy aims to solve this stagnation and deliver real business model innovation. in this context, This funding round represents an important milestone for Skynopy And developing the first seamless satellite communication service, which meets the growing needs of the space industry.
“Skynopy offers an innovative solution to a major challenge in the space industry,” said Johan Pereira, representative of Heartcore Capital. “Pierre and Antonin’s deep market knowledge, coupled with their ambitious international vision – demonstrated by their significant contributions to Loft’s success in Europe – reinforce our belief.” “We are fully convinced of its transformative potential and are thrilled to be part of Skynopy’s journey.”
“Skynopy’s ground station service meets well-defined business needs within the satellite ecosystem,” added Lionel Suchet, Director of Innovation, Applications and Science at the French National Center for Space Studies. Thus bridging the commercial and industrial gap. “A player like this, with sufficient commercial traction, can leverage significant advantages, whether geographical, industrial or institutional.”
With this strong foundation of support and funding, Skynopy is positioned to transform satellite communications and meet the growing demands of the global space industry.
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