Michael Simmons’ Post

Over the weekend, I sat on a Space Policy panel with Austin Baker, Brooke Stokes, and Matt Holston at the Harvard Business School - MIT Sloan School of Management Technology & National Security Conference and discussed spectrum, launch, and commercial integration. Here are some highlights from the discussion: - As space technologies and use cases evolve at a rapid pace, we require regulatory policies and frameworks that are flexible and dynamic enough to adapt to these changes. - Spectrum is a precious resource and must not be wasted. We must build processes that ensure spectrum can be shared is used efficiently - In orbit, the lines between commercial and government blur, so both sectors must work together. - Space policy is a critical concern not just for space companies, but for all industries, given the foundational role of space technologies in enabling terrestrial advancements. I want to thank Louis McCullagh, Dansil Green, Elizabeth (Liz) Lippie Rimmer, and the entire team for putting together an amazing event! #venturecapital #defensetech #startups #spectrum #space #spaceindustry #innovation

📢 We're delighted to share that Unseenlabs has successfully raised an €85M funding round to further our mission in transforming maritime surveillance from space! 🛰️✅ This round, led by Supernova Invest, with significant contributions from ISALT via its Strategic Transition Fund and UNEXO, alongside our historic partners, Bpifrance, 360 Capital, Omnes, S2G Ventures & UI Investissement, marks a pivotal step in expanding our capabilities and reinforcing our leadership in space-based RF detection. This investment will empower us to launch additional satellites, enhancing our constellation and ensuring Unseenlabs remains at the cutting edge of Maritime Domain Awareness. Since our inception, Unseenlabs has become a crucial player in maritime surveillance, supporting clients globally with our innovative RF detection technology. Our constellation has already made significant strides in improving the safety and transparency of maritime activities. 🌍 With this funding, we're set to accelerate our impact, reaching further into international markets and developing new solutions that address the evolving needs of the maritime sector. 🤝 We're profoundly thankful for the support from our investors and partners. Your trust fuels our commitment to innovate and lead in safeguarding our oceans. Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting phase of growth, driven by our vision to create a safer and more transparent maritime environment for all! Read our press release here: https://lnkd.in/eQ2drb4n Barclays | Agence de l'innovation de défense #NewDimension #Fundraising #FundingRound #MaritimeSurveillance #Space

Each year economic losses tied to illegal fishing, piracy and other nefarious activity at sea amount to tens of billions of dollars. Staggering figures, but how can the undetectable be prevented? Enter Unseenlabs, a global leader in maritime surveillance through detection and geolocation of RF signals from space. Through its satellite constellation, Unseenlabs enables public and private stakeholders across the world to foster a safer, more secure and more transparent maritime domain. Hats off to Clément Galic, Jonathan Galic, Marc Pilorget and the Unseenlabs team on a monumental €85 million fundraising round. 🚀 Learn more about Unseenlabs and its fundraising round here: https://lnkd.in/gwqBB7Tp S2G Ventures is thrilled to embark on the next phase of growth alongside new supporters Supernova Invest, ISALT and UNEXO and to continue the orbit with existing supporters 360 Capital, Bpifrance, Omnes and Breizh Up / UI Investissement. Stay tuned as Unseenlabs augments its constellation with two new satellites (BRO-12 and BRO-13) later this month, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base. Kate Danaher Larsen Mettler Maggie Fried Jake Reznick Olivia Gomez #NewDimension #MaritimeDomainAwareness #Space #Oceans #BlueEconomy #OceanIntelligence #ClimateTech

Congrats team Lodestar Space to closing this £2.5M pre seed round! Off to the (new space) races. At Inflection.xyz we are committed to pioneer sovereign computation as the biggest leverage for human progress. The space economy will help us provide valuable services from imagery and connectivity on earth all the way to in space semiconductor production, energy harnessing, regulating the earths climate and becoming an interplanetary species in the long run. Object manipulation is a very present bottleneck for repair, refuelling and other services. As opposed to tele operated robots that come with high latency, connectivity issues, human failure and high costs Lodestar Space is taking a different approach. By leveraging new materials, additive manufacturing and advancements in AI and in-space „edge“ compute capabilities (see our portfolio Cryptosat) they enable autonomous robotics operating in real time and far beyond human precision. Based on their space specific data set - robots and objects behave very differently at 0 gravity, extreme light conditions and temperatures - new applications and interfaces become possible. Data network effects are expected to accelerate development across verticals. Read more about the company’s value propositions, team and vision on https://www.lodestar.space Reach out if you see room for collaboration!

🚀 Forging Alliances for Space Security: SpaceFounders and Dragonfly Partners Empower Startups in Defense Innovation 🌌 As a founding partner of SpaceFounders, the Bundeswehr University Munich has long fostered dual-use innovation. That’s why SpaceFounders is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Dragonfly Partners, represented by Général André LANATA, co-founder of Dragonfly Partners. As a leader in space defense, Dragonfly Partners brings unmatched expertise to the table. This partnership, has been launched during Dragonfly’s 2nd anniversary celebration on November 28 and signed by SpaceFounders France CEO Lucie Campagnolo, aims to empower startups in navigating the defense landscape. 🎯 What’s next? We’re co-creating an ecosystem map of defense stakeholders with Dragonfly. This practical guide will help young space companies unlock business opportunities, build relationships with key defense players, and contribute to a more secure space environment. 📢 Join us on this mission. Let’s shape the future of space and protect our democracy together. 🙏 Thanks to Juliette Mallez, head of operations of Dragonfly Partners 📸 Picture credits: Arnaud Mallez #SpaceDefense #Innovation #DualUseTechnology #DragonflyPartners #SpaceFounders #ResilientSpace #newspace

What drives the expansion strategy of an established company like Lockheed Martin?   Its partnership with Helicity Space gives insight, with a focus on deep-space missions, cited as one of the “strategic partners that will matter over the next 10 years".    As NASA, US government, and #Artemis missions are setting site on lunar human exploration, the development of infrastructure and deep-space science missions will play a significant role in supporting the lunar economy.    In essence, Lockheed Martin, and prime companies like it, are able to take chances and support "far out" opportunities, to position themselves so that they will be ready when the rest of the market catches up.    Bottom line 💡 Prime companies, like Lockheed Martin, need to look at market trends and adopt their offerings accordingly to remain ahead of competition. #NSRinsights NSR, an Analysys Mason company Analysys Mason #satellite #manufacturing

When asked “What is C-PACE?” there is no one better to explain the unique, cost effective #CRE financing mechanism than our firm’s Co-Founders and the #CPACE industry standard-setters, Jessica Bailey, President and CEO and Alexandra Cooley, Chief Investment Officer.   Watch our latest video on C-PACE, and learn how it is revolutionizing commercial real estate finance, here!

🚀 Big news from Impulse Space! 🚀 Impulse Space has successfully secured a whopping $150 million in Series B funding, led by Founders Fund. This exciting milestone was made possible with the participation of both returning investors, such as Lux Capital and Spring Tide, and new investors like DCVC. A big thanks to additional supporters, including Airbus Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and RTX Ventures, among others. This injection of capital boosts Impulse's total funding to an impressive $225 million. The funds will play a critical role in expanding the Impulse team and accelerating the production of their Helios and Mira vehicles. This year alone, Impulse has achieved remarkable milestones: a STRATFI award from SpaceWERX, two SBIR awards, the launch of a new GEO Rideshare Program, and the successful completion of the LEO Express-1 mission. As we speak, preparations are underway for the LEO Express-2 mission, featuring the Mira vehicle for deployment services. Impulse Space continues to innovate with in-house components and high delta-v capabilities, ensuring reliability and efficiency. This new funding solidifies our mission to lead the in-space transportation industry with groundbreaking technologies. A huge shoutout to our dedicated team and supportive investors for believing in our vision to revolutionise space travel. 🌌🚀 #SpaceInnovation #TechFunding #ImpulseSpace

Last week’s TechCrunch Disrupt featured some interesting discussions on Space and Defense innovations, are a few highlights: - Bridgit Mendler shared Northwood’s mission to mass-produce ground stations to address a critical bottleneck in satellite connectivity and communications. - Katelin Holloway (Seven Seven Six 7️⃣7️⃣6️⃣), Lewis Alun Jones (Seraphim Space), and Jordan Noone (Embedded Ventures) explored the triumphs and challenges of investing in the space industry. - A roundtable between Even Rogers (True Anomaly), Debra Emmons (The Aerospace Corporation), and Tim Solms (Slingshot Aerospace) delving into the complexities of building dual-use Defense and Space companies - linked below #Space #Defense #DefenseTech #TechCrunch

Well, check this out..... For the past couple months, I've recently taken on a new adventure & challenge. I've put together a strong team of individuals who have great networks, experience, and structure within Aerospace & Defense markets and we've created something entirely new!! As of October 2024, we have signed a Multi-Year contractual Agreement with OrbitsEdge, Inc to lead their New Growth & Strategy Division. OrbitsEdge, Inc is commercializing space through the use of AI-driven, in-orbit data infrastructure. Their technology is designed to handle the huge amounts of space-born data in an agile and adaptive manner. OrbitsEdge, Inc is taking ever-changing data and transitioning these challenges into actionable insights for their clients. Myself and my team at Doebel Development Group, LLC will be focusing on developing their current relationships into long-lasting partnerships as well as creating new opportunities through networking connections within Commercial & Federal channels. Richard Ward and his team at OrbitsEdge, Inc have a huge market opportunity in front of them; They will be leading the way with their technology and taking on many challenges in 2025. Myself and my Team are eternally grateful for the opportunity to take lead on this challenge. The future is bright not only for my team but also for the health of the AeroSpace & Defense industries. This is only the beginning..... . . . . . . #OrbitsEdge #aerospace #defense #nasa #space #consulting #partnership #contracts #justindoebel #rickward #AI #orbit