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Skynopy Secures USD3.1 Million to Develop LEO Satellite Connectivity

Our Bureau - : Jun 24, 2024 - : 8:57 pm

Paris-based satellite connectivity start-up Skynopy has announced the successful raising of USD3.1 million in just three weeks. This funding round, supported by investors including Heartcore Capital, Kima Ventures, Better Angle, and BPI France, along with entrepreneurs Thibaud Elziere and Yohann Leroy, will enable the company to advance its connectivity service for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operators.

“The ground segment, and specifically ground stations, is the third pillar of any space infrastructure, alongside the launch vehicle and the satellites. Today, industrial players and public policies have tended to underestimate this essential pillar, which is crucial for data creation and retrieval, representing up to 20% of a mission’s cost,” said Pierre Bertrand, CEO of Skynopy.

“In this context, this funding round marks a major milestone for Skynopy and the development of the first seamless satellite connectivity service, meeting the growing needs of the space industry,” he added.

Yohan Pereira, Representative of Heartcore Capital: “Skynopy offers an innovative solution to a major challenge in the space industry. Pierre and Antonin’s profound market knowledge, coupled with their ambitious international vision— made obvious through their significant contributions to Loft’s success in Europe —strengthens our belief in their ability to revolutionise the satellite connectivity sector. We are fully convinced of their transformative potential and are thrilled to be part of the Skynopy journey.”

“Skynopy’s ground station service addresses a well-identified commercial need within the satellite ecosystem, thus filling a commercial and industrial gap. Such a player, with sufficient commercial traction, can leverage major advantages, whether geographical, industrial, or institutional,” said Lionel Suchet, Director of Innovation, Applications, and Science at CNES.

Founded in October 2023 by Pierre Bertrand and Antonin Hirsch, both former directors at Loft Orbital, Skynopy aims to simplify connectivity for LEO satellites, akin to mobile phone connectivity, through a distinctive business model and innovative interface technologies.

Skynopy provides a seamless global service for satellite operators to command and receive data from their satellites via a hybrid network of ground antennas. This “as-a-service” model allows operators to focus on their missions without dealing with the complexities of connectivity or the expense of maintaining ground antenna infrastructure. The company is developing universal connectors to interface with existing ground station networks, facilitating rapid scalability and high-bandwidth connectivity while reducing capital expenditure.

Skynopy’s approach has already led to several contracts with key French space industry players, including HEMERIA and CNES, within six months of its founding.

The newly secured funds will accelerate the commercial deployment of Skynopy’s ground station service. The start-up has signed industrial partnerships to integrate initial ground station networks and plans to expand its team through recruitment.

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