Airbus Ventures, a prominent investor in space startups, has announced the launch of a $155 million fund called “Fund-Y” to support early-stage deep tech startups in the space sector and beyond. The fund aims to unlock new possibilities in industries that face significant scientific or engineering obstacles.
Thomas d’Halluin, managing partner of Airbus Ventures, explained that deep tech startups are those that are not afraid to tackle difficult challenges and are grounded in the laws of physics. This approach aligns with the firm’s focus on funding founders with exceptional execution skills. One example is Impulse, a propulsion startup founded by Tom Mueller, who played a key role in developing SpaceX’s rocket engines. Impulse’s successful first mission can be attributed to Mueller’s 17 years of experience at SpaceX.
Airbus Ventures has a unique approach compared to traditional corporate venture capital arms. The firm maintains a distance from its parent company, Airbus, and more than half of Fund-Y’s capital comes from external sources such as institutional investors, private equity firms, and family offices. This strategy allows Airbus Ventures to have more flexibility in its investments and enables it to support a diverse range of startups.
While Airbus Ventures has historically focused on the U.S. market, d’Halluin emphasized that Fund-Y will have a global reach. He sees significant momentum for space startups in Europe and Japan and believes there are exciting opportunities in these regions.
Investment in the space industry has been rebounding in recent years, with venture capital playing a crucial role. This trend aligns with the growing interest in commercial space exploration and the potential for technological advancements in areas such as satellite technology, propulsion systems, and lunar missions. Airbus Ventures’ commitment to funding deep tech startups demonstrates its belief in the long-term potential of the space sector and its dedication to supporting innovative companies that are willing to tackle complex challenges.
In conclusion, Airbus Ventures’ new $155 million fund, Fund-Y, signifies its commitment to supporting early-stage deep tech startups in the space sector and beyond. By focusing on founders with exceptional execution skills and investing in companies that are not afraid to tackle difficult challenges, Airbus Ventures aims to unlock new possibilities in industries that face significant scientific or engineering obstacles. With a global outlook, the firm sees promising opportunities for space startups in Europe and Japan. This investment in the space industry reflects the growing interest and potential for technological advancements in commercial space exploration.
