Rick DeVos

The Seraphim Space Accelerator Investor Showcase platform is live! ⚡ 📺 Don’t miss the opportunity to view pitches from the Mission 14 cohort companies, access direct introductions to their teams, explore the new Insights Service, and learn more about applications for Mission 15. → Register here: https://lnkd.in/enXc27Py 💧 Acquora: Tackling the $1 trillion water management market with sustainable solutions for global access. 🌱 Artemis Earth: Scaling biodiversity monitoring with satellites to support ESG goals and sustainable decisions. 📡 Constellation Technologies & Operations: Revolutionising telecom with a satellite broadband constellation for affordable, sustainable internet. 🤖 ROVIAL Space: Advancing orbital assembly and repair with AI-driven robotics. 🌍 FlyPix.AI: Providing Earth insights through satellite and drone imagery via an AI-powered SaaS platform. 🛰️ Planetary Systems AI: Using AI, digital twins, and machine learning to optimise decision-making in planetary operations. 🌐 SARsatX: Delivering customisable, near-real-time Earth observation insights through an integrated SAR-optical satellite network. 🔧 FORG3D: Transforming metal manufacturing with 3D printed forgings for Earth and space applications. 🔋 SPACELIS (NATO DIANA): Innovating ultra-light flexible solar cells for sustainable energy in space exploration. 📶 Tiami Networks: Creating secure, 5G-enabled systems with ISAC capabilities for critical data and communications. Huge thank you to our Accelerator partners for their continuous support throughout the program: European Space Agency - ESA, UK Space Agency, Dentons, Airbus, JSAT INTERNATIONAL, INC., Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space, Leidos, NEC Corporation, Department for Business and Trade Rob Desborough, Alexander Holt, Ellie Gyaurova, Alessandro Braglia, Aida Khalil #SeraphimSpace #SSA #SpaceEconomy #SpaceTech #SSAM14 #InvestInSpace #InvestorShowcase

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Who doesn't love chatting about the frontier of Space?! Loved getting this insiders look from Epsilon3 CEO Laura Crabtree (ex-SpaceX, Northrop Grumman) as the industry reshapes into a lightening fast startup ecosystem for us to marvel. Small teams are lowering the cost to access space. Homegrown automation software is dramatically reducing team size -- as Laura puts it: "You won’t see 50 people in a control room for launch…you’ll see 5 controlling 50 different assets and a couple of 100 assets that are mostly operating on their own." Personally i'm keeping a close eye on the new interconnectedness between space and the broader economy will spark a flywheel of innovation. 🎙️ Listen in to our discussion (link in comments) as we release today -- 5YF#16: Space command reimagined, automating mission control, new deep tech hubs, interstellar missions, and the future of space operations w/ Epsilon3 CEO Laura Crabtree To infinity!

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AST SpaceMobile Stock Surges, Hits $5.6B Market Cap 🛰 Huge news from AST SpaceMobile as share price jumped another 18% yesterday, bringing its year-to-date market gains to a staggering 326%. The company’s market cap now sits at $5.6B, ranking it among the highest-valued space businesses in the world after SpaceX. AST SpaceMobile Stock Surges, Hits $5.6B Market Cap - Payload (payloadspace.com)

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Your last weekly space news round-up of 2024 🚀 Featuring stories: 💰 ICEYE closed a $65M extension to the existing growth funding round for a total of $158M raised in 2024 - the funding round extension included participation from funds managed by Solidium Oy, BlackRock, Seraphim, Plio Limited, and Christo Georgiev. 🌡️ SatVu, a global leader in climate technology, has secured £20 million in strategic funding, to expand high-resolution thermal imaging. 🛰️ SpaceX’s satellite internet service Starlink is projected to reach $11.8 billion in revenue next year, driven by strong consumer demand and growing U.S. military contracts. 📈 Space Markets: The Year in Review from Payload 👉 Of the 15 largest space startup funding deals this year, five came from US startups, five were Chinese companies, four were European firms, and one was from an Australian business. 🌌 Commercial space station developer Vast has signed a deal with SpaceX for two private astronaut missions to the International Space Station, pending NASA approval. https://lnkd.in/evUcpr92

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In the earliest stages, startups have to balance two needs: capital to build now, and the focus to create the product that will bring their vision to life. We experienced this journey at Prewitt Ridge, and I had the opportunity to share parts of our story last week at AIAA ASCEND, and I wanted to share some of the highlights here, as well as the video clip captured by my teammate York Zhang! Steve Massey and I incorporated Prewitt Ridge in Dec 2019 and hit the ground running in 2020. Building on our experience as engineers working at SpaceX and Slingshot Aerospace, we set out to take a picks-and-shovels approach to build digital engineering software tooling for engineers like us, who are working at the companies out there using the picks and shovels, here on Earth and soon in space. We quickly found that there were a host of resources available to us. We received initial funding through the SBIR/STTR program, an initiative from the US government to provide early-stage technology funding for small businesses. With two STTR awards and a great university partner at UNM, we began to execute on our product vision. Simultaneously, we received phenomenal support from the Techstars Space Accelerator program. This accelerator helped us focus on the tradeoffs of bootstrapped growth through SBIR/STTR vs traditional fundraising. SBIR/STTR are fantastic sources of capital, providing a partnership that helps small businesses build through non-dilutive funding. But it’s important to remember that these opportunities are focused on specific topics and non-recurring. As a business, it's important to be disciplined on aligning the SBIR/STTR opportunities with your core product features and strategies to ensure they don't impede your teams execution. We made the decision to balance both SBIR/STTR with growth via venture capital. We successfully raised a round of funding, led by Squadra Ventures with participation from Stage Venture Partners, Aurelia Foundry, Wonder Ventures, Haystack, Acequia Capital, Techstars and GC&H We’ve had a wonderful experience working with the VC community, highlighted by the hands-on approach and national security expertise of Squadra Ventures. Going forward, we’ll continue to consider both types of funding. These resources have provided numerous connections to government and industry leaders, and in turn they have helped to focus our tool offering and capabilities. Our journey shows the importance of another balance that startups must strike: reducing risk and optimizing opportunities. Thanks to Techstars, AIAA ASCEND and all of the panelists for a great conversation! If you’re interested in discussing solutions for digital engineering, get in touch! #startups #aerospace #AIAAASCEND

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DUAL USE That's what I've been up to at Tesseract Ventures for our brave men and women in the #AirForce! READ THIS. WATCH THIS. Maximizing Airbase Efficiency with Real-Time Asset Tracking Military Airbase operations demand precision and responsiveness. Tesseract’s PRISM and ECHO systems bring unparalleled accuracy and efficiency to asset management, allowing seamless equipment tracking, maintenance monitoring, and personnel coordination. Our advanced digital twin technology provides real-time situational awareness across the entire base, ensuring mission-critical resources are always at the ready. Outcomes and Benefits: - Real-Time Tracking: Instantly locate essential equipment to expedite resource deployment and reduce downtime. - Maintenance Monitoring: Ensure operational readiness by tracking equipment conditions and maintenance needs to prevent delays. - Personnel Coordination: Improve personnel management by tracking locations and offering remote access to vital equipment. - Direct Communication: Issue real-time task orders and updates directly to troops for enhanced responsiveness. - Enhanced Situational Awareness: Our digital twin provides comprehensive, on-demand visibility of base operations from any location. Tesseract empowers airbases to achieve unmatched safety, readiness, and operational efficiency. #AirbaseManagement #RealTimeTracking #TesseractVentures #MissionReady #Airforce #Military #USSOCOM #Veterans #SBIR #DigitalTwin #Inventors #AmericanIngenuity Kansas Department of Commerce

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SpaceTech, Disrupting Every Industry on the Planet: ICEYE with Steve Young and Stephen Lathrope 🛰 In this episode, we are thrilled to host two esteemed guests from ICEYE. Joining the podcast is Steve Young, President of Satellite Missions, and Steve Lathrope, Senior Vice President of Solutions. ICEYE operates the world's largest constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of SAR data and its transformative real-world applications. 🌎 Our conversation explores how SAR technology is disrupting various industries and addressing some of humanity's most pressing challenges. We examine how ICEYE's technology is not only crucial for defence and security but also revolutionises industries like insurance with its capabilities in risk assessment, claims processing, underwriting, and fraud detection. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on how cutting-edge SAR technology paves the way for a more resilient and informed world 👉 https://lnkd.in/eabNC8WB

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We’re excited to announce that Pyka has raised $40M in Series B funding to accelerate the commercialization of their autonomous electric aircraft! Led by Obvious Ventures, with support from Piva Capital, Prelude Ventures, Metaplanet, and Y Combinator, this investment will expand Pyka’s impact in sectors like agriculture, cargo transport, and defense logistics. With commercial operations already underway across multiple continents and partners like Dole and Embraer, Pyka is transforming aviation while driving sustainability and decarbonization. ⚡✈️ More here from TechCrunch: https://lnkd.in/gGYfc824

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The 'picks and shovels' era of aerospace, defense, and space tech is upon us. Both private equity and venture capital are taking notice per PitchBook. It's not just about rockets and jet fighters - it is about materials, technology, supply chain, components. Historically, private market investors have been challenged by the high upfront capital expenses, long sales cycles, and customer concentration that tend to come with companies in these sectors. However, supply chain, components, materials - those are areas that private market investors know well, and are comfortable underwriting. These business model patterns are easier to recognize and replicate. Endeavor Colorado Zeb King Tegan Stanbach Kathryn Dickson #privateequity #venturecapital #innovation #entrepreneurship #founders #startups #investing https://lnkd.in/gURZ_i7B

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Don't let the spaceship launch without you! 🚀 Whether it's through investment opportunities, utilizing space tech in key sectors like agriculture and mining, or forging partnerships with innovative space companies, there's a universe of possibilities when it comes to the space race. And remember, it's not just about reaching for the stars. It's about the tangible impacts on Earth. What area of the space economy excites you the most: satellite technology, space tourism, or perhaps something else? 🤔 Let me know in the comments 👇 #Technology #Innovation #SpaceEconomy #Investment

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The Assembly Summit is back in the City of Detroit! Last year's event in Landeshauptstadt München at IAA was outstanding... but I have a funny feeling 2024 is going to be even better. : ) The theme of this year's summit is 'The Geopolitics of Movement'. For those of you who know me well you know how important this topic is both personally and professionally. The continued bifurcation of West and East is driving unique and massive opportunities and threats throughout the mobility sector. It is critical that we define the strategies, partnerships, and technologies that will ensure the continued dominance of the Western world for the next century. This is exactly our aim. With all of our partners and portfolio companies (Apptronik, CesiumAstro, Metropolis Technologies, NAVIT , Our Next Energy (ONE), Sortera Technologies, Inc., Two Boxes and more) in attendance this year's Assembly Summit will be one of the most important events of the 2024 mobility conference calendar. Expect the usual level of deep in-person conversations with the Assembly Ventures' team (Jessica Robinson, Felix Scheuffelen, Sujoy Sarkar, John Cullen, Christian Saur, Genevieve Hummer, Christine Tash, Aleksandra (Aleks) Miziolek, Boaz Mamo, Brett Harwood, David Brophy, Dhani Jones, Fritz Demopoulos, John Moavenzadeh, Jody Kelman, Kathleen Ligocki, Kirk Steudle, Michael Dunne, Philipp von Hagen, Reuben Sarkar, Susan Heystee, Tony Posawatz, P. E., Wolfgang Bernhart and more), global opinion leaders from across the mobility sector, and perhaps a humanoid robot or two. 🤖 🚀 See you in Detroit. Move to win. Move the world. #movetowin #movetheworld #assemblyventures #assemblysummit #mobility #detroit #berlin #siliconvalley

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If you want to dive deeper into leadership and problem-solving, click here https://lnkd.in/gddJcghQ, and I'll send you an exclusive interview where we talk about how fighter pilot strategies apply to leadership. It’s full of insights and real stories that could make a big difference in how you lead under pressure! - When you're facing a potential aircraft mishap, the decision to eject or stay with the plane is intense. It's in moments like these that you have to rely completely on your training and instincts. Staying calm under pressure is crucial, and leadership plays a huge role in making those quick, life-or-death decisions. Sometimes continuing to fly the plane, if you're still able, can actually prevent the situation from getting worse. It’s a lesson in persistence and keeping your cool when everything seems like it’s falling apart. Leadership in high-pressure situations is about using what you’ve learned, trusting your gut, and making the best call in the moment. #misshap #aviation #fighterjet #fighterpilot #aviationvideos #viral

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🛰️ Extending the lives of satellites in geostationary orbit and disposing of end-of-life satellites and space debris in low-Earth orbit are reaching the commercial phase with three news items this week: two from the US and one from France. With SpaceX set to build the deorbit vehicle for International Space Station, this is the big one. It will be interesting to see how this segment will evolve. Mission success will guarantee a significant advance for the first one. It will probably become a winner-takes-all scenario, with the lion's share of the market going to the leader.

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🚨 🚀 8090 Industries is incredibly excited to unveil our latest investment last year, in Atomic Alchemy Inc. led by Thomas Eiden whose building the 'SpaceX for the radioisotopes manufacturing' - reinforcing our commitment to revitalizing the capabilities America lost after the Manhattan Project, decoupling our dependency on Russian and foreign interests and unleashing energy and industrial abundance. Read more : https://lnkd.in/gD2xTatB There's a supply crisis today in radioisotope manufacturing. With hundreds of millions of commitments from the nuclear medicine market from cancer therapies to X-rays, Atomic Alchemy Inc. is positioned to not only win today but also ramp up to address the massive scarcity bottlenecking nuclear fusion: nuclear fuels -- namely deuterium and tritium. Atomic Alchemy Inc. is on its way to be the 'Aramco' for fusion fuels. Stay tuned! More coming soon! 👀 This partnership is just the beginning of an industrial effort for all involved to vertically integrate US domestic isotope manufacturing and represents a cornerstone of the new American industrial revolution, fueling innovations from healthcare to energy. Chairman of Oklo Inc, Sam Altman added, "This partnership is an example of some of the promising aspects of Oklo's recycling plans, with large potential benefits to a number of industries." "Industrial and medical isotopes are indispensable to many sectors of the economy, from treating diseases like cancer to fueling clean energy technologies like radioisotope thermoelectric generators, fission power plants, and even fusion research. The domestic and global demands for these crucial elements are growing at an accelerated pace," said Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo Inc. cc Kerem Ozmen Charles Oppenheimer Wes Mendenhall Filip Vurdelja Haluk Sabanci Dincer Grant Brown Ishan Meswani Garuth A. Andrew Irwin

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I want to take a moment to congratulate John Baum, one of our esteemed advisors at Fortify Ventures, who is on the mission team for Polaris Dawn — the latest groundbreaking SpaceX operation. Early this morning, four astronauts embarked on a mission that will include the first-ever commercial spacewalk and take them farther than anyone has been since the Apollo missions. This isn’t just a win for John and the incredible Polaris Dawn team—it’s a testament to the limitless potential of the aerospace industry and the bold visionaries behind it. Space isn’t just the final frontier; it’s a new frontier for innovation, defense, and economic growth. At Fortify Ventures, we believe that space exploration holds the key to solving some of the greatest challenges of our time, from resource scarcity to technological advancement. Congrats again to John Baum and the entire SpaceX team for pushing the boundaries of human achievement. Your courage and ingenuity inspire us all. #SpaceX #PolarisDawn #Innovation #Aerospace #FortifyVentures #NewFrontiers #SpaceExploration #NationalSecurity

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Two months ago, I shared my excitement about starting Celerity (buff.ly/4e9hjZb), a company focused on transforming how we move across water and land. Today, I’m proud to announce that I’ve officially stepped into the role of CEO. We’ve been developing something special—technology that allows vessels to glide over water, cutting drag and fuel use while improving speed. It’s a step forward for marine transportation, but what really drives me is the impact this could have on reducing environmental harm. Being based in Squamish, BC, we’re surrounded by nature that constantly reminds us why sustainability matters. Our goal isn’t just to build faster vessels, but to create solutions that tread lightly on the environment. I’d love to connect with others who share a passion for shaping the future of transportation. Let’s share ideas and learn from each other. Yahoo Finance - https://buff.ly/3MY7uRW #MarineInnovation #SustainableTransport #CelerityCraft #DynamicAirCushion

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🌌 **Why Interlune Stands Out in Space Resource Harvesting** 🌌 In an era where the quest for clean and sustainable energy is at its peak, multiple companies are trying their hand at harvesting natural resources from space. But as we know, not all companies are created equal. At Interlune, their mission is crystal clear: harvesting natural resources from space to power a clean and sustainable economy. Unlike others, their focus isn’t just on extraction but on ensuring these resources are harnessed with the highest efficiency and minimal environmental impact. The intersection of SpaceTech & ClimateTech is a fascinating one. As our galaxy becomes smaller and more accessible each day with technological advancements, so does the opportunity to maintain a healthy, thriving planet! 🚀🌱🌏🌙

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📣  The deadline to share insights from your experience in venture with All Raise is near. Capturing & sharing data about the industry is critical for progress - have your say. 🗣️ Complete the survey by May 8! https://bit.ly/3Uo4ku6

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I am pleased to share the Seraphim Space Q3 2024 Index. Our quarterly review of global private SpaceTech investment. Great work from the team at Seraphim Space! 🛰️ Space startups raised $1.9 billion in the third quarter, up nearly a fifth from a year earlier, fueled by strong investor interest in rocket launchers and satellite manufacturers 💰 Nine of the top ten space sector deals in the third quarter were for capital-intensive businesses. As the activity and investment opportunities in space continue to grow, the industry now needs businesses capable of meeting demand for satellite launches 💹 Funding in the third quarter was up 18% from a year earlier at $1.9 billion, with an average deal size of $18 million 🌍 The largest transaction of the three-month period to Sept. 30 was for World Labs, a geospatial intelligence firm, which raised $230 million 🏈 The United States again overtook China in space startups funding so far this year. Find out more in the full report ⬇️ chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://lnkd.in/euyW64dc

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