Top 16 Satellite Communication Investors in the US
Top 16 Satellite Communication Investors in the US
The satellite communication industry in the US focuses on providing vital connectivity and data services via satellites orbiting Earth. Companies range from global giants like SpaceX and Viasat to innovative startups like OneWeb and Astranis. They offer solutions for internet access, data transmission, and remote monitoring, bridging the communication gaps for various sectors. With the growing demand for seamless communication and adaptable data solutions, this industry is evolving rapidly. Expected trends include increased investment in low-Earth orbit satellites and expansions in IoT applications, which are set to revolutionize how data is collected and shared on a global scale.
The investors in this list represent a mix of corporate and venture capital firms, located across major US cities such as New York and San Francisco. Founded between 1911 and 2023, these firms vary in size, ranging from industry titans like Goldman Sachs to emerging funds such as Deep Tech Fund. In 2024, they collectively engaged in numerous investment deals, with some firms contributing to over 800 by participating in critical funding rounds. Their focus on the satellite communication sector showcases their commitment to building a connected future through technology.
Top 16 Satellite Communication Investors in the US
1. Intel Capital
- Website: intelcapital.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1991
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 23
- LinkedIn: intelcapital
Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In recent years, Intel Capital has expanded its investment portfolio to include companies in the satellite communication sector. Notably, they co-led a funding round for Skylo Technologies, a non-terrestrial network service provider, which raised $37 million in 2024. This investment highlights Intel Capital's commitment to supporting innovations in satellite communication, particularly for applications involving smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices. Additionally, their involvement in other technology sectors complements their satellite communication investments, providing strategic support and access to Intel's extensive resources for startups in this field.
2. 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 through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in Astranis, a satellite startup, through multiple funding rounds, including a $13.5 million Series A in 2018, a $40 million Series B in 2020, and a significant $200 million Series D in 2024. Additionally, they participated in the Pre-Seed round for Bifrost Orbital, further showcasing their engagement in the satellite communication sector.
3. 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 partners with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions across multiple technology sectors, including software, materials sciences, and satellite communications. Notably, IQT has made significant investments in satellite communication-related companies, such as Myriota, which focuses on low-cost satellite connectivity for IoT, and Fleet Space Technologies, which is involved in satellite technology development. Additionally, IQT has invested in Kurs Orbital, an Italian spacetech startup, indicating its interest in supporting emerging satellite technologies. These transactions demonstrate IQT's active role in the satellite communication industry, aligning with its mission to address the evolving technological needs of the intelligence community.
4. 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 in the space sector, helping them develop innovative technologies that can transform various markets. Their focus is on unlocking the value in space technology stacks, with a portfolio that reflects their commitment to the growth of the space economy. Notably, Space Capital has made significant investments in companies such as SpaceX, which raised substantial funding in 2018 and 2019, and ALL.SPACE, which raised $40 million in Series B funding in 2021 and $14 million in Series A funding in 2019. These transactions highlight their active role in the satellite communication sector.
5. 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. Based in Washington, D.C., NASA conducts space exploration missions, supports the International Space Station, and develops advanced spacecraft. In recent years, NASA has been involved in several significant transactions within the satellite communication sector, providing grants to key players in the industry. Notable transactions include a $30.65 million grant to Telesat, a $53.3 million grant to Viasat, a $28.6 million grant to Inmarsat Government, and a $69.95 million grant to SpaceX, all announced in April 2022. These investments highlight NASA's commitment to fostering advancements in satellite communication technologies, making it a relevant investor in this field.
6. Starburst
- Website: starburst.aero
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: El Segundo, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: starburst-aerospace-accelerator
Starburst is a venture capital firm based in El Segundo, California, specializing in the aerospace and defense industry. Founded in 2012, Starburst offers startup acceleration, strategy consulting, and venture investments to help clients innovate and navigate the complex landscape of these sectors. Their clientele includes startups, corporations, and government entities looking to enhance their technological capabilities and secure funding. Notably, Starburst has made investments in several companies relevant to satellite communications, including Skyloom Global, which focuses on satellite-based data services, and Spaceit, which is involved in satellite technology. Additionally, they have invested in Reflex Aerospace, which raised over $1.9 million in a seed round, further indicating their active role in the aerospace sector. These transactions highlight Starburst's commitment to fostering innovation in areas that intersect with satellite communications.
7. 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 based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. 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 actively involved in the satellite communication sector, notably participating in significant funding rounds for Fleet Space Technologies, which raised $100 million in Series D and $50 million in Series C to support the development of new satellite technologies. Additionally, the fund has invested in CesiumAstro, which raised $65 million in Series B, and Capella Space, a specialist in SAR satellite data, which raised $97 million in Series C. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the satellite communication industry.
8. Qualcomm Ventures
- Website: qualcommventures.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2000
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 18
- LinkedIn: qualcomm-ventures
Qualcomm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Diego, California, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in early to growth stage technology companies, particularly within the wireless ecosystem. They provide capital and strategic support to startups across various sectors, including automotive, digital health, and IoT. Notably, Qualcomm Ventures has made significant investments in the satellite communication space, including a seed investment in OneWeb, which aims to deploy a constellation of 648 satellites to provide global internet coverage. Additionally, they participated in a Series D funding round for Spire Global, a company focused on creating proprietary space-based data and analytics, further emphasizing their involvement in the satellite communication industry. These transactions highlight Qualcomm Ventures' strategic interest in supporting innovative companies that are shaping the future of satellite communications.
9. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)
- Website: nea.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1977
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates
New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. NEA specializes in investment management and advisory services for startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA operates through a collaborative approach, emphasizing long-term relationships with founders. Notably, NEA has invested in Ursa Space Systems, which raised $7 million in Series A funding in 2017, focusing on satellite data and analytics. Additionally, NEA has been involved with Xtera Communications, participating in multiple funding rounds, including a $110 million Series B in 2001 and a $30 million round in 2003, which highlights their engagement in telecommunications, a field closely related to satellite communications.
10. Goldman Sachs
- Website: goldmansachs.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1998
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 59
- LinkedIn: goldman-sachs
Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. The firm provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. Among its notable transactions, Goldman Sachs participated in a Series B funding round for Terran Orbital Corporation, raising $36 million to enhance satellite manufacturing capabilities. This investment highlights Goldman Sachs' engagement in the satellite communication sector. Additionally, the firm has been involved in other telecommunications-related investments, such as IHS Towers, which operates in the infrastructure space that supports communication networks. These transactions reflect Goldman Sachs' strategic interest in sectors that intersect with satellite communications, reinforcing its role as a relevant investor in this industry.
11. IFC - International Finance Corporation
- Website: ifc.org
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1956
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 107
- LinkedIn: ifclinkedin
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, dedicated to promoting private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, facilitating access to capital and expertise to foster economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Among its notable transactions in the satellite communication context, IFC led a significant investment in Planet Labs, raising $118 million in Series C funding in 2015, which supports satellite imaging and data services. Additionally, IFC has been involved in funding WIOCC, which raised $30 million in a venture round in 2022 and participated in a $200 million debt and equity capital raise to enhance connectivity across Africa, including satellite communications. These transactions highlight IFC's commitment to investing in the satellite communication sector and its broader goal of fostering infrastructure development in emerging markets.
12. Kkr
- Website: kkr.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1976
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 74
- LinkedIn: kkr
KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR provides asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes. In recent years, KKR has made significant investments in the satellite communication sector, including a post-IPO equity investment in Viasat in 2013, which is a key player in satellite broadband services. In 2023, KKR invested €340.9 million in OHB System, a German space and technology company, acquiring a roughly 30% stake, which highlights their strategic interest in satellite technology. Additionally, KKR's investment of $32.9 million in Rocket Factory Augsburg aims to support the development of micro-launchers, further emphasizing their involvement in the satellite launch sector. KKR's global reach and expertise enable them to support innovative companies in the satellite communication industry, making them a significant player in this field.
13. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- Website: energy.gov
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1977
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 597
- LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. With a workforce of over 10,000, the DOE serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In 2024, the DOE has been involved in several grant transactions that are relevant to the satellite communication sector. Notably, it provided funding to Princeton Satellite Systems, which raised $193,185, and Recon-RF, which raised $206,264, both on January 9, 2024. Additionally, the DOE supported NASA Stennis Space Center and Sequent Logic with grants of $1,950,000 and $1,150,000, respectively, indicating its commitment to advancing technologies that may intersect with satellite communications and related research.
14. Government of Canada
- Website: canada.ca
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1999
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 137
- LinkedIn: government-of-canada
The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of satellite communications, the Government of Canada has been involved in notable transactions such as a significant debt investment of approximately $1.87 billion in Telesat, which is a major player in the satellite industry. Additionally, it has provided grants to companies like Maxar Technologies, which is involved in satellite imagery and data services, and other firms like Advintive and General Dynamics Mission Systems - Canada, indicating a strategic interest in fostering the satellite communication sector. These transactions reflect the government's commitment to enhancing technological capabilities and infrastructure in Canada, particularly in satellite communications.
15. 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 based 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 and foreign governments, focusing on enhancing national security through innovative products. Notably, Lockheed Martin has made significant investments in the satellite communication sector. They acquired COMSAT Corporation in 1998 for $2.7 billion, marking a pivotal expansion into satellite communications. More recently, they announced a definitive agreement to acquire Terran Orbital for approximately $450 million, which is expected to enhance their satellite manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Lockheed Martin invested $100 million in Terran Orbital in 2022, further solidifying their role in the satellite communication industry. These transactions highlight Lockheed Martin's strategic focus on satellite technologies and their commitment to advancing capabilities in this field.
16. 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 across various sectors, including aerospace, autonomous mobility, and advanced materials. Airbus Ventures provides both capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of bringing innovative technologies to market. Notably, Airbus Ventures has made significant investments in the satellite communication sector, including a $3 million seed investment in Astrocast, a Swiss startup focused on satellite communications. They also led a $7.3 million Series A funding round for Infostellar, a Japanese space tech startup, and co-led a €40 million Series B funding round for Aerospacelab, which aims to enhance satellite production capacity. Additionally, they participated in a $60 million Series B funding round for CesiumAstro, which is developing satellite platforms. These transactions highlight Airbus Ventures' commitment to fostering growth in the satellite communication industry.
Satellite Communication Insights: Key Investors in the US
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Intel Capital | Santa Clara, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 1991 | 23 |
Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
IQT (In-Q-Tel) | Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1999 | 24 |
Space Capital | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2012 | 3 |
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1958 | 24 |
Starburst | El Segundo, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2012 | 3 |
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
Qualcomm Ventures | San Diego, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 2000 | 18 |
New Enterprise Associates (NEA) | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1977 | 57 |
Goldman Sachs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1998 | 59 |
IFC - International Finance Corporation | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1956 | 107 |
Kkr | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1976 | 74 |
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1977 | 597 |
Government of Canada | Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1999 | 137 |
Lockheed Martin | Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1912 | 19 |
Airbus Ventures | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2016 | 8 |
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