Skynopy, a Paris-based space startup specializing in satellite connectivity, has announced a $3.1 million fundraising, completed in just three weeks, a few months after its creation. This funding round will allow Skynopy to develop its turnkey connectivity service for low orbit (LEO) satellite operators, addressing the growing needs of the rapidly expanding space industry.
The operation was supported by a group of investors, including the pan-European fund Heartcore Capital, Kima Ventures, Better Angle and BPI France, together with well-known entrepreneurs such as Thibaud Elziere (e-founders, Hexa) and Yohann Leroy (CEO of Maia Space). Founded in October 2023 by Pierre Bertrand and Antonin Hirsch, former directors of Loft Orbital, Skynopy aims to bring the simplicity of mobile phone connectivity to low-orbit satellites and the constellation sector, thanks to a business model unique and key interface technologies.
Skynopy offers a seamless, simplified, global service for satellite operators to connect their satellites (send commands and receive data) using its hybrid network of terrestrial antennas. This “as a service” approach allows operators to focus on their missions without worrying about the technical details of connectivity or expensive internal ground antenna infrastructure, providing seamless communication with their satellites, similar to the experience of a mobile phone. Skynopy is developing universal connectors capable of interfacing with existing ground station networks, allowing the company to scale much faster than a more traditional approach. This strategy allows Skynopy to offer high-capacity connectivity while limiting its CAPEX needs, thus positioning itself as the Airbnb of terrestrial antennas.
By managing the entire satellite mission connectivity value chain, Skynopy aims to become a market leader in the rapidly expanding ground segment. This position has already allowed Skynopy to sign and deliver several contracts with key players in the French space ecosystem, including HEMERIA and CNES, just six months after joining.
The funds raised will allow Skynopy to accelerate the commercial deployment of its ground station offering “as a service.” The start-up has already signed industry partnerships to integrate initial ground station networks and implement its turnkey connectivity vision. Finally, this money will allow Skynopy to structure its teams through new hires.
Pierre Bertrand, CEO of Skynopy, commented that “the ground segment, and specifically the ground stations, is the third pillar of any space infrastructure, along with the launch vehicle and satellites. Today, industrial actors and public policies have tended to underestimate this essential pillar, which is crucial for the creation and recovery of data, representing up to 20% of the cost of a mission. Skynopy aims to resolve this stagnation and deliver true business model innovation. In this context, This funding round marks an important milestone for Skynopy and the development of the first seamless satellite connectivity service, which meets the growing needs of the space industry.
Yohan Pereira, representative of Heartcore Capital, said that “Skynopy offers an innovative solution to a major challenge in the space industry. Pierre and Antonin’s deep market knowledge, coupled with their ambitious international vision—evident through their significant contributions to Loft’s success in Europe—strengthens our belief in their ability to revolutionize the satellite connectivity sector. “We are completely convinced of its transformative potential and are delighted to be part of Skynopy’s journey.”
Lionel Suchet, Director of Innovation, Applications and Science at CNES, added that “Skynopy’s ground station service addresses a well-identified business need within the satellite ecosystem, thus filling a commercial and industrial gap. “A player like this, with sufficient commercial traction, can take advantage of important advantages, whether geographical, industrial or institutional.”
With this strong foundation of support and funding, Skynopy is positioned to transform satellite connectivity and meet the growing demands of the global space industry.
