The Exploration Company Raises $160M to Propel European Space Tech

Deal News | Nov 18, 2024 | Omnes Capital SAS

The Exploration Company (TEC), a prominent European space technology firm, has announced a successful Series B funding round, raising $160 million to advance its space exploration objectives. This funding round was co-led by Balderton Capital and Plural, with contributions from various other investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners and multiple sovereign funds such as French Tech Souverainet. The capital injection will support the development of Nyx, a reusable and in-orbit refillable spacecraft engineered to fulfill Europe's growing demand for space logistics amidst an intensifying global space race. This financing effort signifies robust European support for ventures that are committed to making space travel more accessible and sustainable. With a largely European shareholder base, TEC is working to enhance continent-wide space capabilities, particularly in light of mounting demand for cargo launches and the intensification of geopolitical investment in space exploration. The company is on track to achieve significant milestones with future mission launches planned, including Nyx Earth’s maiden flight in 2028. This development aims to reinforce European sovereignty in space and underscore TEC’s mission to foster collaboration and sustainability in space ventures.

Sectors

  • Space Technology
  • Venture Capital

Geography

  • Europe – Much of the investment comes from European firms and sovereign funds, and the company aims to empower European space technology.
  • USA – Some investors like Bessemer Venture Partners have a presence in the USA, and the space technology industry is notably global, involving US-based space agencies and firms.

Industry

  • Space Technology – The article centers on The Exploration Company, a firm developing reusable and refillable spacecraft aimed at supporting space logistics and exploration.
  • Venture Capital – Significant venture capital funding has been secured from notable investors to finance the company's space technology ambitions.

Financials

  • $160 million – The total amount raised in the Series B funding round.
  • $230 million – The total amount of capital raised by The Exploration Company to date.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
The Exploration CompanyTarget CompanyCompanyA European space tech company focused on developing reusable spacecraft.
Omnes Capital SASInvestorCompanyA private equity firm that contributed through its Omnes Real Tech Fund.
Balderton CapitalCo-lead InvestorCompanyA venture capital firm with extensive investment in European tech businesses.
PluralCo-lead InvestorCompanyAn early-stage investment fund investing in transformative technology companies.
Bessemer Venture PartnersInvestorCompanyA global venture capital firm that participated in the funding round.
French Tech SouverainetInvestorCompanyA sovereign fund supporting European tech.
DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF)InvestorCompanyA sovereign fund investing in deep technology sectors.
Bayern KapitalInvestorCompanyA venture capital company based in Germany supporting technology investments.
EQT VenturesHistorical InvestorCompanyA venture capital firm that made follow-on investments in TEC.
Red River WestHistorical InvestorCompanyA growth capital fund investing in technology sectors globally.