SpaceTech: What does the future hold?
Summary
This month our blog, alongside NatWest, explores the emergence of key SpaceTech players, important developments in the sector, and the future of space technology.Space is a multi-billion dollar industry and one of the fastest growing areas of tech investment with over $3bn being invested annually.The sectors profile has never been higher, thanks in no small part to Elon Musk reaching for Mars.However, what really impacts those of us here on the ground is the largely hidden way in which data from satellites is really driving the lifeblood of the digital economy. To achieve this, companies must be able to pursue new commercial opportunities from the UK, which offers an excellent location for space launch, with a world-leading small satellite industry, access to in-demand orbits, and reputation for regulatory excellence.As the worlds only SpaceTech focused venture fund, we at Seraphim are fortunate to get to engage with some of the leading entrepreneurs from around the world to help disrupt the SpaceTech market.The fundamental judgements for a space VC on whether a satellite or drone enabled business is interesting to them or not, are the very same as any other tech sector put simply, is this product/service solving a significant problem for potential customers? Selling precision farming-as-a-service, Earth Rovers initial target market is the \xa31.7bn labour-intensive organic vegetable production market in Europe where it hopes to save farmers \xa31,500 per hectare p.a.Global Surface Intelligence (GSI) is one of a handful of companies around the world with access to a satellite database that effectively maps the changing behaviour of the worlds resources. Rapid time-series analysis on these image and video sequences automatically detects & identifies environmental and man-made changes to the Earths surface.Blue Skies Space Ltd aim to break the current bespoke, publicly-funded model for astronomy and astrophysics missions and employ a commercial approach to create new opportunities for cutting-edge science. It also looks at Capital Enterprises partner Seraphim Capitals SpaceTech accelerator.A look at other space tech startups transforming the field.The forum, on 15th November from 9:30am 12:30pm, will be held at techUK and is aimed to help companies with an interest in space products and services improve export performance.This industry-standard course programme presents a comprehensive overview of satellite communication technology and applications.
