CesiumAstro Inc., a trailblazer in space communications technology, has secured a significant milestone in its journey with the closing of a Series B+ funding round, amassing a formidable $65 million. Led by Trousdale Ventures and bolstered by strategic investments from Development Bank of Japan Inc. and Quanta Computer, Inc., among others, this funding round marks a pivotal moment for the company as it accelerates its mission to redefine connectivity solutions in the aerospace sector.
Founded on a vision to revolutionize space communications, CesiumAstro has garnered attention for its innovative technologies, including the Vireo multi-beam Ka-band active phased array payload and the versatile Skylark SATCOM terminal. These advancements are set to disrupt the industry by enhancing connectivity capabilities across a spectrum of applications.
“This raise fuels our commitment to expanding our software-defined communication solutions for the next era of connectivity,” remarked Shey Sabripour, Founder and CEO of CesiumAstro. “We extend our deepest gratitude to our investors for their support in solidifying CesiumAstro’s leadership within the space and defense industries.”
The Series B+ round was spearheaded by Trousdale Ventures, whose Founding Partner and CEO, Phillip Sarofim, expressed unwavering confidence in CesiumAstro’s potential. “Their innovative technologies are game changers,” Sarofim noted. “We believe this investment will propel their mission to deliver scalable space tech for a range of applications.”
With a total of $156 million raised in equity capital since its inception in 2017, CesiumAstro is poised to accelerate core research and development initiatives, expand manufacturing capabilities, and bolster its global footprint. This strategic expansion aims to solidify the company’s position as a global leader in high-throughput, software-defined phased array communication systems.
Masao Masuda, Managing Executive Officer at Development Bank of Japan, emphasized the transformative impact of CesiumAstro’s technology on global connectivity solutions. “CesiumAstro’s full-mission payloads have immense potential to drive the next generation of connectivity solutions,” Masuda remarked. “We are excited to support their efforts in advancing aerospace technologies worldwide.”
CesiumAstro’s success is underpinned by a dedicated team of over 200 engineers, scientists, and business professionals, leveraging in-house rapid prototyping and testing capabilities. This collaborative approach ensures the development, production, and deployment of high-reliability space communication systems that meet stringent industry standards.
Thomas d’Halluin, CesiumAstro Board Member and Airbus Ventures Managing Partner, highlighted the strategic importance of secure, high-powered connectivity in today’s global landscape. “In a world where connectivity and national security are increasingly intertwined, CesiumAstro stands out with its dual-use frontier technologies,” d’Halluin commented. “This latest investment signifies the collective force driving an impressive roadmap.”
In addition to its technological advancements, CesiumAstro has forged strategic partnerships and secured legal counsel from Optimal Counsel LLP, further enhancing its operational excellence and reliability in the aerospace sector.
