What is Orbex?
Founded in 2015, Orbex is dedicated to serving the small satellite industry by developing advanced, low-carbon micro-launch vehicles. Their unique launch site in Europe offers logistical advantages, including shorter supply lines and reduced operational costs. Orbex provides a flexible core launch service complemented by a suite of supporting services designed to streamline operations for their clientele. The company's focus on high performance and reliability, coupled with a scheduled launch service, positions it as a key player in enabling access to polar and sun-synchronous low Earth orbits.
How much funding has Orbex raised?
Orbex has raised a total of $142.6M across 5 funding rounds:
Other Financing Round
$21.1M
Grant
$3M
Other Financing Round
$24M
Series C
$66M
Series D
$28.4M
Other Financing Round (2018): $21.1M, investors not publicly disclosed
Grant (2020): $3M led by The European Horizon 2020 SME Instrument Program
Other Financing Round (2020): $24M supported by Heartcore Capital, Elecnor, BGF, Octopus Ventures, and High-Tech Gründerfonds
Series C (2024): $66M featuring Octopus Ventures, Verve Ventures, Scottish National Investment Bank, Eifo, BGF, and Jacobs
Series D (2025): $28.4M backed by Octopus Ventures, UK Government, and Eifo
Key Investors in Orbex
Octopus Ventures
Octopus Ventures is a founder focused venture capital firm backing people and ideas that aim to change the world, investing in mission driven companies across software, climate, health, consumer and financial technology, offering long term capital, guidance and community.
Verve Ventures
Verve Ventures is a network and technology-driven venture capital firm headquartered in Switzerland. Founded in 2010, Verve Ventures has grown to more than 45 team members and has become one of the most active venture investors in Europe with over 140 technology and science-driven startups in its portfolio. A dozen investment professionals identify the most promising digital, tangible, and health & bio startups. Verve Ventures provides its pan-European network of selected private and institutional investors access to those top-tier investment opportunities. The company invests from EUR 500k to several million from Seed to Series B and beyond across Europe. Verve Ventures’ dedicated team helps startups with their most pressing needs such as hiring, client introductions and access to an expert network of high-profile individuals. To become part of Verve Ventures’ growing network of entrepreneurs and investors, visit verve.vc.
Scottish National Investment Bank
The Scottish National Investment Bank is a development investment bank established to provide long-term, patient capital investments for businesses, projects, and communities across Scotland. Its mission is to support the development of a fairer and more sustainable economy by encouraging both public and private capital investments. The Bank focuses on addressing climate change, transforming communities, and scaling up innovation and technology. Launched in November 2020, it aims to deliver impactful investments that contribute to the Scottish economy.
What's next for Orbex?
The substantial enterprise-level funding, including the recent major strategic investment, indicates Orbex is poised for significant scaling and technological advancement. This capital will likely fuel further development of their launch vehicle, expansion of operational capabilities, and strengthening of their market presence. As Orbex continues to innovate in the low-carbon launch sector, this financial backing is expected to accelerate their mission to provide reliable and sustainable access to space for the burgeoning small satellite industry.
See full Orbex company page
