The space robotics industry in the US focuses on technologies used in robotic systems for space exploration, satellite servicing, and debris management. Companies range from nimble startups to established defense contractors, developing advanced robotics for lunar missions, Mars exploration, and autonomous satellite repair. Innovators are not just building robots; they are creating sophisticated mechanics that redefine how humanity operates in space. With growing support from both private investments and public funding, the industry is heading toward an era of increased commercial viability, autonomy, and sustainable use of outer space, paving the way for a new chapter in space adventure and exploration.


This list highlights 14 prominent US investors actively engaging in the space robotics sector. Composed of venture capital firms and corporate giants, these investors have established strong presences in regions such as California, New York, and Maryland. Founded between 1995 and 2023, each investor varies in size, with some managing substantial portfolios and others focusing on niche startups. An impressive number of deals were executed in 2024, illustrating a buoyant investment environment, particularly in technology driving advancements in space exploration and robotics.


Top 14 Space Robotics Investors in the US


1. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs, resources like the Startup School, and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in space robotics-related companies such as Relativity Space, which raised significant funding in multiple rounds (including $140 million in Series C and $35 million in Series B) to develop advanced rocket technologies. Additionally, Y Combinator contributed to Momentus, a company focused on space transportation, which raised $25.5 million in Series A funding. These investments highlight Y Combinator's involvement in the space robotics sector, supporting innovative companies that are pushing the boundaries of space exploration.


2. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in notable transactions in the space sector, including a $130 million Series B funding round for Axiom Space, which is developing a private space station, and multiple funding rounds for Impulse Space, which raised $150 million in Series B funding in 2024 and $45 million in Series A funding in 2023. These investments highlight the fund's focus on innovative companies in the space robotics and transportation sectors, underscoring its relevance in the space industry.


3. NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  • Website: nasa.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1958
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: nasa

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a public entity focused on civil space programs and aeronautics research, founded in 1958. NASA conducts space exploration missions, supports the International Space Station, and develops advanced spacecraft. In recent years, NASA has been actively involved in the space robotics sector, providing substantial grants to companies such as Astrobotic Technology, which received $34.6 million in July 2023, $199.5 million in June 2020, and $10 million in August 2018. Additionally, NASA granted $30 million to Intuitive Machines in September 2024 and $69.95 million to SpaceX in April 2022. These investments highlight NASA's commitment to advancing robotic technologies for space exploration and its role as a key investor in the space robotics industry.


4. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. In recent years, they have been involved in several relevant transactions, including Tumi Robotics, which raised funds in 2020, indicating their engagement in the robotics sector. Other notable investments include Mesa Quantum and Vertiq, which, while not directly related to space robotics, showcase SOSV's active role in supporting innovative technology companies. Their diverse portfolio and focus on deep tech suggest a potential interest in the evolving field of space robotics.


5. Starburst


Starburst is a venture capital firm based in El Segundo, California, specializing in the aerospace and defense industry. Founded in 2012, Starburst provides startup acceleration, strategy consulting, and venture investments to help clients innovate within these sectors. Their portfolio includes notable investments in companies such as Modularity Space, which focuses on modular spacecraft systems, and Starfish Space, which is developing technologies for satellite servicing and debris removal. Additionally, they have invested in Morpheus Space, known for its propulsion systems that could be utilized in various space missions. These transactions highlight Starburst's active role in supporting advancements in space technology, particularly in areas relevant to space robotics.


6. Lockheed Martin

  • Website: lockheedmartin.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: lockheed-martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation, founded in 1912 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is a leading defense contractor specializing in aerospace and military technologies. The company provides advanced solutions to government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense, focusing on enhancing national security through innovative products. In recent years, Lockheed Martin has actively invested in the space robotics sector. Notably, they participated in a Series A funding round for Orbit Fab, a company developing fuel delivery and storage platforms for in-space operations, which is critical for robotic missions. Additionally, Lockheed Martin has made significant investments in Terran Orbital, including a $100 million investment and a definitive agreement to acquire the company, which specializes in satellite manufacturing. These transactions highlight Lockheed Martin's strategic focus on expanding its capabilities in the space robotics domain, making it a relevant investor in this field.


7. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024 alone, they made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in several space-related startups, including ElevationSpace, which raised $2.7M for satellite development, and Starpath Robotics, which focuses on robotics for space applications. Other relevant transactions include Leo Aerospace and Involve Space, both of which are involved in the space sector. This diverse portfolio highlights their commitment to supporting innovation in the technology sector, including space robotics.


8. Liquid 2 Ventures

  • Website: liquid2.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 91
  • LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. In the context of space robotics, Liquid 2 Ventures has made significant investments in companies such as Starfish Space, which raised $7 million in a seed round to develop satellite servicing technologies. They also participated in funding rounds for Momentus, which raised $25.5 million in Series A funding and $8.3 million in a seed round, focusing on in-space transportation services. Furthermore, their investment in Inversion, which raised $10 million in seed funding to develop space capsules, highlights their commitment to supporting innovations in the space robotics sector.


9. IQT (In-Q-Tel)

  • Website: iqt.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: in-q-tel

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a not-for-profit venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Arlington, Virginia. It specializes in investing in technology startups that can enhance U.S. national security. IQT collaborates with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions in technology sectors, including software, materials sciences, and space technology. Notably, IQT has made significant investments in the space robotics industry, including a Series A investment in ClearSpace, a leader in in-orbit servicing and active space debris removal, which raised EUR 26 million to promote sustainable space use. Additionally, IQT participated in the seed funding round for Kurs Orbital, an Italian spacetech startup, which aims to advance its first flight model. These transactions highlight IQT's active role in fostering advancements in space robotics and related technologies.


10. Space Capital

  • Website: spacecapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: spacecapital

Space Capital is a venture capital fund based in New York, founded in 2012, that specializes in early-stage investments in space technology companies. They provide capital and strategic support to startups, helping them develop innovative technologies that can transform various markets within the space economy. Notably, Space Capital has invested in companies like Astrobotic Technology, which raised $2.5 million in a seed round to develop robotic systems for lunar missions, and Lunar Outpost, a commercial planetary mobility company that raised $12 million in seed funding. These investments highlight Space Capital's commitment to advancing space robotics and related technologies, showcasing their role in unlocking the value of space technology stacks.


11. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm provides capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. In addition to their focus on diversity, Gaingels has been involved in several notable transactions within the space robotics context. They participated in a $4.7 million seed round for Turion Space, a startup focused on satellite servicing and space debris removal, and contributed to a $27.5 million seed funding round for Radian Aerospace, which is working on an orbital space plane. These investments highlight Gaingels' active role in the space sector, particularly in areas that leverage robotics and advanced technology.


12. Founders Fund

  • Website: foundersfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 44
  • LinkedIn: the-founders-fund

Founders Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in innovative technology companies across various sectors, including aerospace and software development. Founders Fund has made notable investments in companies like SpaceX, which is at the forefront of space transportation and robotics, and Moon Express, a company focused on lunar exploration. In 2010, Founders Fund participated in a funding round for Moon Express, which raised $2.5 million, and later contributed to a $45 million Series B round in 2017. Additionally, Founders Fund has been involved with SpaceX in multiple funding rounds, including significant investments that have helped the company develop its Starship and Super Heavy launch vehicles. These transactions highlight Founders Fund's commitment to supporting advancements in space technology and robotics.


13. Airbus Ventures

  • Website: airbusventures.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: airbus-ventures

Airbus Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2016, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing in deep tech startups, with a strong focus on sectors such as aerospace, autonomous mobility, and advanced materials. Airbus Ventures provides not only capital but also strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complexities of bringing innovative technologies to market. Notably, they have made significant investments in companies relevant to the space sector, including Ispace Technologies, which focuses on lunar exploration, and Isar Aerospace, a company developing launch vehicles for small satellites. Their investment in Astra, which is also involved in the aerospace sector, further highlights their commitment to fostering growth in technologies that could intersect with space robotics.


14. Lux Capital

  • Website: luxcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 47
  • LinkedIn: lux-capital

Lux Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2000, that specializes in investing in science and technology companies. They provide venture capital investment and advisory services to startups across various innovative sectors, helping them navigate challenges and achieve growth. Lux Capital has been involved in several notable transactions in the space sector, including a seed investment in Relativity Space, which focuses on 3D-printed rockets, and multiple rounds of funding for Impulse Space, a company specializing in in-space transportation services. Their recent participation in a Series B round for Varda Space Industries, which aims to manufacture pharmaceuticals in orbit, further highlights their commitment to supporting companies at the forefront of technological advancements in space. With 47 investments in 2024 alone, Lux Capital is actively seeking opportunities in cutting-edge industries, including space robotics.



Space Robotics Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+195824
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
StarburstEl Segundo, California, United States (USA)51-20020123
Lockheed MartinBethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)10001+191219
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Liquid 2 VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201591
IQT (In-Q-Tel)Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)51-200199924
Space CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020123
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
Founders FundSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50200544
Airbus VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)1-1020168
Lux CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50200047


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