Skynopy, a Paris-based start-up specialising in satellite connectivity, has announced a successful fundraising of $3.1 million, secured in just three weeks shortly after its inception.
This funding round was backed by a group of investors, including the pan-European fund Heartcore Capital, Kima Ventures, Better Angle, and BPI France, as well as prominent entrepreneurs such as Thibaud Elziere (e-founders, Hexa) and Yohann Leroy (CEO of Maia Space). This initial capital will enable Skynopy to develop its turnkey connectivity service for LEO satellite operators, addressing the growing demands of the rapidly expanding space industry.
Imagine having to locate the nearest antenna, orient your device, configure radio settings, and then be charged per minute of use when sending a video from your phone. This mirrors the complexity satellite operators face when downloading imagery or video from satellites. Skynopy aims to eliminate this complexity.
Founded in October 2023 by Pierre Bertrand and Antonin Hirsch, former directors at Loft Orbital, Skynopy seeks to simplify connectivity for low-orbit satellites and the constellation sector. This is achieved through a unique business model and key interface technologies.
Skynopy offers a streamlined, global service enabling satellite operators to connect their satellites—sending commands and receiving data—via a hybrid network of ground antennas. This “as-a-service” model allows operators to focus on their missions without the technical challenges or high costs associated with ground antenna infrastructure, providing smooth communication akin to mobile phone connectivity. Skynopy is developing universal connectors that interface with existing ground station networks, facilitating rapid scaling and positioning Skynopy as the Airbnb of ground antennas.
By managing the entire value chain of satellite mission connectivity, Skynopy aims to lead the ground segment market. This distinctive positioning has already led to contracts with significant players in the French space ecosystem, including HEMERIA and CNES, within just six months of its founding.
The raised funds will accelerate the commercial deployment of Skynopy’s “as-a-service” ground station offering. The start-up has already secured industrial partnerships to integrate initial ground station networks and realise its vision of turnkey connectivity. Additionally, this funding will support team expansion through new recruitment.
Pierre Bertrand, CEO of Skynopy, commented: “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. Skynopy aims to solve this deadlock and offer a true innovation in the business model. 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.
Yohan Pereira, Representative of Heartcore Capital added: “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 revolutionize the satellite connectivity sector. We are fully convinced of their transformative potential and are thrilled to be part of the Skynopy journey.”
Lionel Suchet, Director of Innovation, Applications, and Science at CNES concluded: “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.”
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by commenting below or visiting our LinkedIn page.
