Top 16 Satellite Television Investors in the US
Top 16 Satellite Television Investors in the US
The satellite television industry in the US has evolved significantly, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences. Companies in this sector include satellite providers, technology firms, and content distributors, offering services ranging from direct-broadcast satellite (DBS) platforms like DIRECTV and DISH to innovative streaming options and internet-based solutions. Currently, the industry is shifting toward delivering content over satellite networks, enhancing user experiences with on-demand services and interactive features. With increasing competition from streaming giants, the focus is on integrating satellite services with broadband technology, paving the way for a new era of satellite communication.
The investors listed here represent a mix of venture capital, private equity, and corporate entities. Headquartered primarily in tech hubs like San Francisco and New York, these firms vary in size from boutique operations to multi-billion dollar ventures. Founded between 1976 and 2023, they collectively engaged in 1,202 deals in 2024, highlighting their robust activity in the satellite television space. Notably, companies like Y Combinator and KKR demonstrate a blend of youthful innovation and established prowess, reflecting a dynamic investment picture in this vital industry.
Top 16 Satellite Television 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 addition to providing funding, Intel Capital offers strategic support and access to Intel's extensive resources to help startups scale and innovate within the tech ecosystem. Notably, Intel Capital has made investments in companies like IndusInd Media & Communications, which raised $228,945 in a private equity round in 2000, indicating their engagement in the media and communications sector, which includes satellite television. Other investments include Entropic, a company that focuses on semiconductor technologies for broadband communications, which raised $25 million in 2006. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's involvement in sectors that intersect with satellite television, making them a relevant player in this space.
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, participating in several funding rounds: a Seed round in 2016, a Series A round in 2018, a Series B round in 2020, and a Series D round in 2024, showcasing its commitment to the satellite technology sector.
3. 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 based in New York, founded in 1998. It offers 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 their notable transactions, Goldman Sachs has invested in Zee Entertainment Enterprises, which is a key player in the satellite television industry, raising approximately $122 million in a Post-IPO Secondary round in April 2023. Additionally, their investment in Cellnex Telecom, which operates telecommunications infrastructure, further demonstrates their engagement in sectors that intersect with satellite services. Overall, Goldman Sachs' strategic investments in these companies highlight their active role in the satellite television and related industries.
4. 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 venture capital firm founded in 1977, based in Menlo Park, California. 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. Among their notable transactions, NEA invested in Philo, a streaming service that raised $6.3 million in Series A funding in 2013, which is relevant to the satellite television context. Additionally, NEA has invested in Gainspeed, a company focused on broadband technology, which may indirectly relate to satellite services. However, the majority of their investments are concentrated in technology and healthcare, indicating a broader focus beyond just satellite television.
5. 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 has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional and individual investors. Among its notable transactions in the satellite television context, KKR invested in Viasat through a post-IPO equity round in 2013, showcasing its commitment to the satellite communications sector. Furthermore, KKR acquired Serbia Broadband (SBB/Telemach) for €1 billion in 2013, further solidifying its presence in the satellite television market. KKR's strategic investments in companies like Telecom Italia and Deutsche Glasfaser also highlight its focus on telecommunications infrastructure, which is closely related to satellite television services.
6. Silicon Valley Bank
- Website: svb.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1983
- Headcount: 5001-10000
- Number of deals in 2024: 31
- LinkedIn: silicon-valley-bank
Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank founded in 1983, located in Santa Clara, California, that specializes in providing financial services to the innovation economy, particularly tech startups and venture capital firms. They offer a range of products including business banking, global payments, and asset management, helping clients navigate financial challenges and support their growth. Notably, Silicon Valley Bank has been involved in significant transactions within the satellite technology sector, such as their investments in HawkEye 360, which raised $150 million in Series D funding in November 2021 and an additional $40 million in debt financing in April 2024. These transactions highlight their active role in supporting companies that leverage satellite technology, making them a key player in the satellite television investment landscape.
7. Google
- Website: google.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 32
- LinkedIn: google
Google, based in Mountain View, California, is a corporate investor with a large workforce and a diverse investment portfolio. While primarily known for its advertising technology through Google AdMob, which focuses on mobile app monetization, Google has also made notable investments in the satellite television industry. They participated in several funding rounds for SES Networks, raising substantial amounts such as $460 million in Series H and $770 million in debt financing. These investments highlight their interest in satellite communications. Additionally, their recent investment of $110 million in AST SpaceMobile, which aims to provide satellite-based mobile services, further demonstrates their engagement in the satellite sector. Furthermore, their investment in TelevisaUnivision, a major media company with satellite television offerings, showcases their broader interest in the media landscape.
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. Qualcomm Ventures provides capital and strategic support to startups across various sectors, including automotive, digital health, and IoT. Notably, they have made significant investments in the satellite industry, including a seed investment in OneWeb, which aims to deploy a constellation of 648 satellites for global internet coverage. This project represents a substantial commitment to satellite technology, with funding close to $2 billion. Additionally, Qualcomm Ventures participated in a Series D funding round for Spire Global, a company focused on space-based data and analytics, further emphasizing their engagement in satellite technology and its applications. These transactions highlight Qualcomm Ventures' strategic interest in the satellite sector, making them a relevant player in the satellite television investment landscape.
9. 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
The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, 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 actively involved in the satellite and space sectors, with significant investments in companies such as Xplore, which focuses on space data as a service, and CesiumAstro, which raised $65 million in Series B funding to enhance its satellite communication capabilities. Additionally, the fund has participated in funding rounds for HawkEye 360, a company specializing in satellite-based data services for defense and commercial applications, raising substantial amounts in Series D funding rounds. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to advancing technologies that are crucial for the satellite television industry.
10. Cisco
- Website: cisco.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: San Jose, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1984
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: cisco
Cisco Systems, Inc. is a technology company based in San Jose, California, specializing in digital communications and cybersecurity solutions. Founded in 1984, Cisco has grown to become a leader in networking hardware, software, and security services. The company has made several notable investments in the satellite television sector, including the acquisition of NDS Group in 2012 for approximately £3 billion. NDS is a British pay TV technology company that enhances Cisco's streaming technology and expands its market opportunities, particularly in emerging markets. Additionally, Cisco has invested in Apalya Technologies, which raised funds in Series B and C rounds, focusing on mobile TV and video streaming solutions. These transactions highlight Cisco's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in the satellite television and streaming markets.
11. Comcast Ventures
- Website: comcastventures.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1999
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: comcast-ventures
Comcast Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York, New York, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups across various sectors, including Data & AI, Health Tech, and Energy & Sustainability. Comcast Ventures leverages the resources of Comcast NBCUniversal to support the growth of its portfolio companies, primarily targeting early to growth stage businesses. Notably, Comcast Ventures has been involved in several transactions relevant to the satellite television industry. For instance, their acquisition of Southern Vermont Cable in 2020 demonstrates a strategic move to enhance their cable television services, which often compete with satellite offerings. Additionally, their investment in Entropic Communications in 2003, which focuses on communications chips for broadband multimedia distribution, highlights their interest in technologies that facilitate television distribution, including satellite. Other transactions, such as their acquisition of FSN New England, further illustrate their commitment to expanding their media and television operations.
12. 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 satellite communications. Among its notable transactions, IQT has invested in Myriota, a leader in low-cost satellite connectivity for IoT, which raised a significant Series B funding round. Additionally, IQT participated in funding rounds for Pixxel, a company focused on satellite technology, and Kurs Orbital, an Italian spacetech startup. These investments highlight IQT's commitment to advancing satellite technology and connectivity, making it a relevant player in the satellite television investment landscape.
13. SV Angel
- Website: svangel.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2009
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 44
- LinkedIn: sv-angel
SV Angel is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies, providing not only financial backing but also strategic advice and access to a vast network of industry experts. Among their notable transactions, SV Angel invested in Astranis, which raised $200 million in a Series D round in July 2024, focusing on satellite technology. This investment highlights SV Angel's engagement in the satellite sector, alongside their other investments in various technology companies such as Telaria, Zencoder, and Brat TV. Their mission is to foster innovation and help startups navigate the challenges of business development, which includes supporting advancements in satellite technology.
14. Bessemer Venture Partners
- Website: bvp.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1911
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 78
- LinkedIn: bessemer-venture-partners
Bessemer Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1911, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and investment management services to startups and growth-stage companies across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Bessemer has been involved in significant transactions such as their investments in Spire Global, which raised over $40 million in funding to enhance its space-based data and analytics capabilities. This involvement highlights Bessemer's interest in the satellite and space data sectors, which can intersect with satellite television through data services and analytics that support broadcasting. Additionally, their investments in Qwilt, a company focused on video delivery solutions, further demonstrate their engagement in technology that can impact the satellite television landscape.
15. Advent
- Website: adventinternational.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1984
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 17
- LinkedIn: advent-international
Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984, based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, focusing on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Advent has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Maxar Technologies in December 2022 for $6.4 billion, a company that provides satellite imagery and geospatial data, which is crucial for satellite television services. Additionally, Advent acquired Vivacom in June 2004 for $280 million, a telecommunications provider that may offer satellite services. These investments highlight Advent's strategic interest in the telecommunications and satellite sectors, positioning them as a significant player in the satellite television landscape.
16. Tpg
- Website: tpg.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1992
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 27
- LinkedIn: tpg-capital
TPG Inc. is a leading global alternative asset manager specializing in private equity and investment management, founded in 1992 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm manages $229 billion in assets across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and consumer markets. TPG serves institutional investors by providing diversified investment opportunities and strategic insights to enhance their portfolios. Notably, TPG has made significant investments in the satellite television and telecommunications sectors, including the recent acquisition of DIRECTV for $7.6 billion on September 30, 2024. This acquisition positions TPG as a key player in the satellite television market. Additionally, TPG has previously acquired RCN Telecom Services and Grande Communications Networks, further demonstrating its commitment to the telecommunications landscape, which is closely related to satellite television services.
Satellite Television 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 |
Goldman Sachs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1998 | 59 |
New Enterprise Associates (NEA) | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1977 | 57 |
Kkr | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1976 | 74 |
Silicon Valley Bank | Santa Clara, California, United States (USA) | 5001-10000 | 1983 | 31 |
Mountain View, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 32 | ||
Qualcomm Ventures | San Diego, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 2000 | 18 |
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
Cisco | San Jose, California, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1984 | 5 |
Comcast Ventures | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 1999 | 4 |
IQT (In-Q-Tel) | Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1999 | 24 |
SV Angel | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2009 | 44 |
Bessemer Venture Partners | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 1911 | 78 |
Advent | Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 1984 | 17 |
Tpg | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1992 | 27 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the satellite television industry?
If you want to find more investors that are active in the satellite televisionindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.With Inven, you'll also get to know:
- Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
- Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
- Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
- ...and much more!
Trusted by 800+ companies

















