Orbital Matter Secures Over €1 Million in Financing to Propel In-Space Manufacturing Innovation
Orbital Matter, a Polish-German pioneer in space technology, announces the successful close of over €1 Million in its pre-seed funding round. The investment was led by deep tech VC Sunfish Partners, followed by participation from Dhyan VC, alongside angel investors including Andrea Canidio, and Aleksander Ciszek.
This significant funding marks a transformative moment for Orbital Matter as it accelerates its mission to revolutionize in-space manufacturing. Among the company’s ambitious projects, Orbital Matter is developing a spacecraft equipped with a 3D printer to manufacture ultra-light and cost-effective satellite parts and space infrastructure in-orbit.
“Manufacturing capabilities in space must expand exponentially to improve critical infrastructure for Earth and for humans to potentially become a multi-planetary species. Orbital Matter isn't just tackling a crucial challenge; the founders embody the mindset of a successful startup. With their lean, customer-focused approach, we have every confidence that they will navigate the complexities of the space industry, demonstrating both resilience and foresight.” – Dr. Marcus Erken, Founding Partner at Sunfish Partners
Orbital Matter’s in-space manufacturing odyssey.
Orbital Matter will focus on demonstrating its technology in microgravity and advancing towards an in-orbit demonstration, while partnering up with the industry leaders. This pragmatic approach ensures Orbital Matter’s technology aligns seamlessly with the expectations of future customers, marking a crucial milestone in its commitment to delivering innovative solutions in the field of in-space manufacturing.
In September 2023, Orbital Matter signed a MoU with Thales Alenia Space, a joint-venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), to join their industrial accelerator within the Space Business Catalyst, assessing in that way technical, commercial, networking and funding support, and a unique opportunity to build strategic partnerships with a legacy industry player. This agile structure, operating out of Thales Alenia Space’s facilities in Toulouse and Turin, fosters the shaping of future, disruptive markets and the development of solutions and technologies with the potential to create new business opportunities for all parties.
"Thales Alenia Space's teams are thrilled to witness the successful culmination of Orbital Matter’s financing round. We are convinced that this investment will accelerate Orbital Matter's progress and enable it to deliver cutting-edge technologies faster" said Vincent Clot, Business and Open Innovation Director at Thales Alenia Space. "Through the Space Business Catalyst, we are proud to contribute to Orbital Matter's innovative project in which 3D printing technology can revolutionize antennas and space infrastructure. Joining forces with Orbital Matter not only underlines our commitment to fostering innovation in space, but also reflects our shared vision of European independence in space. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the future of sustainable space."
Next step: A mission beyond Earth's boundaries.
Orbital Matter envisions a future where in-space manufacturing reshapes the landscape of space infrastructure. With this substantial funding injection, the company is poised to embark on a journey that goes beyond the limits of Earth's gravitational pull and to demonstrate its 3D printer in microgravity.
"This financing round is a testament to the confidence our investors have in Orbital Matter's vision. We are grateful for their support and excited to take significant strides in in-space manufacturing. With the funds raised, we are well-positioned for the next 18 months, and this runway can be further extended through strategic engagements with ESA and EC, ensuring sustained progress and innovation" said Jakub Stojek, CEO of Orbital Matter.
The company, currently incubated at the ESA BIC Poland operated by Industrial Development Agency JSC, will strategically prioritize securing ESA contracts and participating in Horizon Europe calls, fostering strategic partnerships with industry leaders. This approach ensures a scalable framework for the execution of large-scale projects in Earth orbit, aligning with the Company’s commitment to industry excellence and innovation.
“Orbital Matter’s cutting-edge technology aligns seamlessly with the vision for European independence in space, making significant contributions to the broader advancements within the space industry. We look forward to witnessing Orbital Matter's continued success and the positive impact their groundbreaking technology will have on shaping the future of space exploration." Michał Chwieduk, Head of ESA BIC Poland