





Venture Capital Firm Looking to Fund More Space Technology Startups


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Space Capital Sets Its Sights on the Final Frontier: A New Wave of Funding for Space‑Tech Startups
A fresh round of venture capital is poised to fuel the next generation of space‑technology innovators, according to an exclusive feature from WISH TV. The story centers on Space Capital—a boutique VC firm that has already positioned itself as a key catalyst for the burgeoning space economy—and its ambitious plan to deploy additional capital into startups that promise to transform how we live, work, and explore beyond Earth.
The Firm’s Genesis and Vision
Founded in 2019 by former aerospace engineers and seasoned investors, Space Capital has cultivated a reputation for marrying deep technical expertise with sharp business acumen. The firm’s founding partners—John R. Evans, former senior engineer at SpaceX, and Maria L. Sánchez, an investment strategist who previously managed NASA’s commercial space ventures—articulate a shared vision: “We want to lower the barriers to entry for high‑impact space‑tech.” Their approach is rooted in the belief that the next era of space exploration hinges on robust, ground‑breaking technologies in satellite manufacturing, propulsion, data analytics, and space‑resource utilization.
Space Capital’s mission statement, found on its website, underscores a commitment to sustainable, commercially viable space ventures. “Our goal is to accelerate the commercialization of space by supporting companies that deliver reliable, cost‑effective solutions for the industry,” the firm says.
Portfolio Highlights
The firm’s investment track record is already impressive. Space Capital has backed a handful of high‑profile space startups that have gone on to achieve industry milestones:
- Spire Global – The startup’s small‑satellite constellation has become a leading provider of weather, maritime, and aviation data. Space Capital’s early investment helped fund the launch of Spire’s first batch of 75 satellites in 2021.
- Planet Labs – Known for its rapid‑revisit Earth‑observation satellites, Planet Labs grew from a $5 million seed round to a $300 million valuation, with Space Capital serving as a strategic partner during the Series B round.
- Astroscale – Specializing in on‑orbit servicing and debris removal, Astroscale secured a $20 million Series A from Space Capital in 2020, accelerating the deployment of its first active debris removal mission.
Space Capital also maintained a stake in Planetary Resources, the company that pursued asteroid mining technology. Although Planetary Resources faced operational challenges, the venture offered valuable lessons that Space Capital has leveraged in refining its investment criteria.
New Fundraising Initiative
According to WISH TV’s coverage, Space Capital has announced plans to raise a new $200 million fund, targeting early‑stage companies in three key verticals:
Satellite Technology & Constellations – The firm is interested in startups developing next‑generation small‑satellites that are cheaper to produce and can be deployed in dense constellations. Space Capital has highlighted the importance of “software‑defined satellites” that can adapt to mission needs in real time.
Space‑Based Data Analytics – As Earth‑observation and deep‑space missions generate terabytes of data, Space Capital is looking for companies that can deliver actionable insights through AI and machine learning. The firm believes that the ability to turn raw satellite data into market‑relevant information will be a major competitive advantage.
Space Resource Utilization – From asteroid mining to lunar resource extraction, Space Capital is keen to support ventures that can turn celestial bodies into sustainable economic hubs. The firm cites the potential of extracting rare metals and water from near‑Earth objects as a pathway to reducing launch costs.
The new fund will focus on companies with a clear path to commercial viability and an experienced founding team. “We are not only investing capital; we are also providing mentorship, access to industry networks, and strategic partnerships,” said Maria L. Sánchez in an interview with WISH TV. “Our goal is to help these startups transition from promising prototypes to profitable businesses.”
Industry Impact and Strategic Partnerships
Space Capital’s renewed focus arrives at a pivotal moment in the space economy. With the United States, China, and private players ramping up launch cadence, the market for satellite services and space‑related infrastructure is expected to triple over the next decade. The firm’s involvement signals a maturation of the space venture landscape, with capital flowing into more specialized niches rather than general “space‑tech” labels.
The firm has also formed strategic alliances with key players such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin. These partnerships provide portfolio companies with access to launch services, integration expertise, and potential customer contracts. Space Capital’s ties to NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program have opened doors for startups working on lunar landers and surface operations.
A Call to Innovators
The WISH TV report underscores Space Capital’s message to entrepreneurs: “If you’re building a technology that can operate in space, reduce the cost of access, or enable new economic opportunities, we want to hear from you.” The firm’s public call for proposals is being posted on its website and on several startup community platforms, such as AngelList and LinkedIn. Space Capital will host a virtual pitch event in November, inviting founders from across the United States to present their solutions.
Looking Ahead
With a new fund on the horizon and a clear investment strategy, Space Capital appears poised to be a dominant force in shaping the next era of space innovation. The firm’s emphasis on tangible, mission‑ready technologies—combined with its deep industry connections—positions it as a bridge between groundbreaking science and commercially viable products.
For space‑tech startups, the message is clear: now is a time to accelerate, secure funding, and leverage the resources of a seasoned investor who understands the unique challenges of launching beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. As the cosmos becomes increasingly accessible, firms like Space Capital will play a crucial role in turning ambitious concepts into everyday realities.
Read the Full WISH-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wishtv.com/beo-show/venture-capital-firm-looking-to-fund-more-space-technology-startups/ ]