Generation Space & Seraphim Space (UK) Accelerator announces Mission 13 cohort & launches new academy to further support SpaceTech’s brightest stars

Written by: leah_seraphim

London and San Francisco, 14th May 2024: Seraphim Space, known as Generation Space in the US, which runs the leading, dedicated accelerator for startups in the global SpaceTech industry, announces the companies participating in Mission 13. 

The accelerator’s 13th cohort aligns with the recent announcement of Seraphim’s new venture fund, Seraphim Space Ventures II (SSV II). The Fund will focus on investing at Seed and Series A stages in the next generation of visionary entrepreneurs looking to transform science fiction into science fact. The fund is backed by corporate’s including major players from the space sector such as Airbus, SES, Teledyne, Telespazio, Inmarsat and MDA, and new global heavyweights such as Eutelsat, NEC and SKY Perfect JSAT. Already with 9 companies in this portfolio, including accelerator alumni Auriga, Constellr and Ubotica, Seraphim has a greater ability to support SpaceTech’s brightest stars through every step of their journey.

The new cohort focuses on areas including propulsion, cybersecurity, space situational awareness, geospatial insights and in-orbit biotechnology manufacturing. Areas that allow us to map, model and collect data driven insights from Space to help support a better future on Earth.

  • AADYAH Aerospace: (India)
    • AADYAH Aerospace is enabling the next generation of in-orbit missions through the creation of bespoke satellite and space-based solutions.
  • Arkysis: (US)
    • Arkysis is driving evolution from throwaway to renewable space systems, empowering customers exponential growth through commercial Ports in any orbit around Earth, the moon and beyond.
  • CarbonLaces: (UK)
    • CarbonLaces has developed a highly accurate platform providing granular energy and carbon insights to the Built Environment marketplace at scale.
  • Four Resolutions: (US)
    • Four Resolutions provides a sophisticated 3rd party space-data calibration services to assess and improve the accuracy of geospatial data.
  • Frontier Space: (UK)
    •  Frontier Space has developed a scalable, modular, autonomous SpaceLab capable of industrialising in-orbit manufacturing of high-value bioproducts and hosting biopharma R&D.”
  • SaferPlaces: (Italy)
    • SaferPlaces is revolutionising flood risk assessment with its cloud digital twin platform, providing actionable insights for resilient cities worldwide.
  • Spaceflux: (UK)
    • Spaceflux provides space traffic management solutions, utilising proprietary sensor technology to safeguard orbital environments against collision risks.
  • Company in stealth mode: US
    • US-Based company, currently in stealth mode, focused on delivering unique cybersecurity solutions across satellite networks.
  • Viridian Space: (US)
    • Viridian is developing a novel propulsion technology that allows satellites to sustain Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) without running out of propellant.

Seraphim continues to be the most prolific SpaceTech Investor globally. Since 2018 the Seraphim’s accelerator programmes have helped over 95 startups collectively raise over $345m+ in fundraising. To-date companies representing 27 different nations have come through the accelerator, showcasing the top 2% of early-stage SpaceTech capabilities globally. 85% of companies that complete the accelerator, raise investment within 12 months and 93% of companies have been successfully funded, with the average post-programme raise being $4m. 

There have been numerous success stories among the programme’s alumni, most recently Xona Systems announced the closing of their $16.5m Series B round. With this funding Xona systems will be looking to deploy and scale their Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) capabilities to the next level.

The accelerator continues its commitment to nurturing SpaceTech entrepreneurship, now extending its support through the newly launched Academy programme for UK alumni. Supported by UK Space Agency, this initiative provides ongoing resources for accelerator alumni, fostering their continued growth and scalability beyond the initial programme and highlighting the UK as one of the leading Spacetech economies in the world.

Our first academy cohort consists of leading UK-based SpaceTech talent, comprised of the following teams:

  • Aquark Technologies:
    • Aquark Technologies are building the world’s smallest cold atom solution, providing portability and miniaturisation across multiple quantum technology applications.  
  • ODIN Space:
    • As of last year, ODIN Space have successfully launched the first of their state-of-the-art impact sensors. Through this solution, ODIN Space will look to catalogue the most accurate and reliable data on invisible, yet lethal space debris.
  • SatVu:
    • Having launched their first satellite earlier this year, SatVu have demonstrated how their unique thermal imaging capabilities can monitor in near real time the temperature of every building on the planet to determine valuable economic, energy and climate insights.  

Rob Desborough, Managing Partner at Seraphim Space/Generation Space and Chair of the Accelerator said: “Mission 13 exemplifies our commitment to fostering SpaceTech innovation on a global scale. As we enter this new phase, our expanded reach underscores the burgeoning opportunities in the sector. Additionally, we are thrilled to introduce the new academy programme, which marks an exciting opportunity for Seraphim to continue supporting and nurturing SpaceTech talent beyond the accelerator, amplifying the impact of our initiatives in the space ecosystem.”

The accelerator proudly continues its relationship with key corporate parties and industry bodies, including ESA – as part of a multi-year partnership alongside ESA’s ScaleUp programme to help uncover the most exciting early-stage companies in Europe. Other key partnerships include the UK’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), UKSA, Dentons & Department for Business & Trade, enabling the participating startups to engage with industry leaders and forge partnerships and contacts that impact their growth.

ENDS 

Media enquiries

For further information, or to arrange to speak to Seraphim Space Accelerator (UK) or Generation Space Accelerator (U.S) for other enquiries please contact:

Seraphim Space

E: sam@seraphim.vc

About Seraphim Space Accelerator and Generation Space Accelerator:

The Seraphim Space Accelerator (UK) and Generation Space Accelerator (USA) is the world’s leading accelerator focused on space technology, providing support, networks, resources to scale up and become investment-ready. Working with 230 corporates, government agencies and over 500 investors worldwide. Since the conclusion of the previous 12 Missions, 95+ alumni have raised $345 million in investment.

About Seraphim Space Investment Trust plc

Seraphim Space Investment Trust plc (“SSIT” or the “Company”) is the world’s first listed fund focused on SpaceTech. The Company seeks exposure predominantly to growth stage private financed SpaceTech businesses that have the potential to dominate globally and that are sector leaders with first mover advantages in areas such as climate, communications, mobility and cyber security.

The Company is listed on the Premium Segment of the London Stock Exchange.

Further information is available at: https://investors.seraphim.vc.

About Seraphim Space Manager LLP

Seraphim Space Manager LLP (“Seraphim Space” or the “Manager”) is based in the UK and manages Seraphim Space Investment Trust plc.

Further information is available at www.seraphim.vc.

About Generation Space

Generation Space LLC is the U.S. subsidiary of Seraphim Space Manager, LLP and is responsible for its U.S. activities. Further information is available at: www.generation.space.