What is Clearspace?
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Renens, Switzerland, Clearspace is at the forefront of developing technologies for On-Orbit Servicing and the critical task of Space Debris Removal. The company's mission is to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities by actively managing and mitigating the risks posed by orbital debris. Clearspace's expertise encompasses the design, development, and operation of advanced systems capable of capturing and de-orbiting defunct satellites and other space junk, thereby safeguarding valuable orbital assets and preventing catastrophic collisions.
The company's technological advancements are crucial for maintaining the safety and accessibility of space for future scientific, commercial, and governmental endeavors. Clearspace's strategic positioning in the burgeoning space services market is further solidified by its recent major funding initiatives.
How much funding has Clearspace raised?
Clearspace has raised a total of $33.2M across 2 funding rounds:
Unspecified
$4.4M
Series A
$28.8M
Unspecified (2021): $4.4M with participation from The Flying Object Fund, Swisscom, and Dedicated
Series A (2023): $28.8M led by 600 T Space Investments, Swisscom Ventures, Luxembourg Future Fund, In-Q-Tel, Happiness Capital, Lakestar, and OTB Ventures
Key Investors in Clearspace
In-Q-Tel
In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a notforprofit strategic investment firm that acts as the U.S. national security communitys venture arm, identifying and investing in earlystage commercial technology companies worldwide to deliver capabilities in areas like space, biotech, microelectronics, AI, and energy for the CIA, broader Intelligence Community, DoD, and allied agencies.
Lakestar
Lakestar is a venture capital firm dedicated to partnering with visionary tech entrepreneurs to fund innovative ideas and companies that shape modern life. They focus on sectors such as Deep Tech, Healthcare, Fintech, and Digitalisation, investing with a long-term perspective from Seed to Growth stages. Lakestar is embedded in the European technology ecosystem, leveraging their extensive connections and expertise to support ambitious founders. Their portfolio includes notable companies like Auterion, Blockchain.com, and Revolut.
OTB Ventures
OTB Ventures is a venture capital fund focused on elevating European deep-tech startups, particularly in the areas of Enterprise AI & Data, SpaceTech, and Novel Computing. They support founders in the late Seed and Series A stages, helping them scale their innovative technologies into impactful global companies. OTB Ventures emphasizes collaboration with talented professionals and offers extensive business expertise and insights into deep tech to foster growth. Their commitment to European innovation positions them as a leading investor in the global tech landscape.
What's next for Clearspace?
With the recent infusion of $28.8M in a major strategic investment, Clearspace is poised for accelerated growth and the expansion of its operational capabilities. This capital injection is expected to fuel the development and deployment of its debris removal missions, further solidifying its leadership in the on-orbit servicing sector. The company's focus will likely be on scaling its technology, securing new contracts, and potentially forging strategic partnerships to enhance its market reach.
The substantial backing from prominent investors signals a strong belief in Clearspace's business model and its capacity to address a critical global challenge. This strategic financing will enable Clearspace to advance its mission of creating a safer and more sustainable space environment, paving the way for continued innovation and expansion in the years to come.
