EIB Backs Belgian Satellite Maker Aerospacelab with €37.5 Million
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is backing Belgian satellite manufacturer Aerospacelab with €37.5 million. This investment, supported by InvestEU, will help Aerospacelab develop cutting-edge satellites and expand its maps portfolio. This is the EIB's first investment in a Belgian space company and in micro-satellite manufacturing.
The EIB's investment takes the form of venture debt, enabling Aerospacelab to grow and diversify its satellite offerings. Aerospacelab is pioneering advanced software and hardware infrastructure for mass manufacturing of large constellations of small satellites in short lead times. This operation aims to reinforce European security and homegrown satellite maps innovation, bolstering telecom and earth observation capabilities.
The EIB's TechEU Programme aims to support an additional 1,000 European tech champions with venture capital products annually. This substantial support will reduce funding constraints for scaleups like Aerospacelab. Over the 2025-2027 period, the EIB Group will commit €70 billion to support high-risk projects and innovative companies throughout their investment journey.
This financing is part of Aerospacelab's Series B funding round and backed by InvestEU, the EU's flagship programme to mobilise over €372 billion in additional investment from 2021 to 2027. Aerospacelab joins other innovative companies such as Spire Global, ICEYE, and Planet Labs in receiving financial support from the EIB for microsatellite manufacturing. The EIB's investment aligns with its strategy to raise financing for projects that reinforce European security, particularly in the space technologies sector with defence applications.
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