Propellant Ventures is pleased to provide an engaging virtual discussion to talk about the growing momentum of investing in Space Tech. We will kick-off the event with a Breakout Room so attendees can get to know one another. Make sure to dial-in at 3pm CST. Zoom dial-in instructions below.
Agenda
3:00-3:20pm: Check-In / Breakout Room
3:20-4:00pm: Panel Discussion
4:00-4:30pm: Open Discussion
It’s been nearly half a century since humans left footprints on the moon and during that time, human space exploration has largely centered on manned low-Earth orbit missions and unmanned scientific exploration. But now, high levels of private funding, advances in technology and growing public-sector interest is renewing the call to look toward the stars.
The investment implications for a more accessible, less expensive reach into outer space could be significant, with potential opportunities in fields such as satellite technology, launch systems, space exploration, earth observation, communications, and human space travel. While the most recent space exploration efforts have been driven by handful of private companies, the establishment of a sixth branch of the U.S. military in 2019—the “Space Force”—along with growing interest from Russia and China, means public-sector investment may also increase in the coming years. VC firms are showing a growing interest in Space Tech start-ups due to the sector’s potential for disruption, innovation, and commercialization.
Near term, space as an investment theme is also likely to impact a number of industries beyond Aerospace & Defense, such as IT Hardware and Telecom sectors. Morgan Stanley estimates that the global space industry could generate revenue of more than $1 trillion or more in 2040, up from $350 billion, currently. Yet, the most significant short- and medium-term opportunities may come from satellite broadband Internet access.
Like most sectors, space tech funding rocketed to the stars in 2021, hitting an all-time high of $12.1 billion in more than 450 deals. The sector only saw about a 25% decline last year, when Space Tech startups raised $9 billion in just under 400 deals. However, this year has been a different story. With the year more than half over, the sector has witnessed only $2.4 billion of funding in just 172 deals. Space Tech — like other deep sectors — typically sees the most dramatic pullback from investors in a slowing market as they look for more “sure” bets with a much shorter time horizon to liquidity.
However, there is no denying the interest in new launch and propulsion technologies, as well as other opportunities space may hold — think manufacturing or mining. Such markets and the possible return on investment from such space opportunities are likely too much for VCs to resist.
Join us for an engaging discussion with experts, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss the growing exciting about investing in Space Tech.
Trent Blake, Co-Founder & Captain, Galactiv
David Hurst, Founder & CEO, Orbital Transports
Irina S. Litchfield, Principal, Lumeria