Alpine Space Ventures Raises $155M for Space-Focused VC Fund

Insider Brief:

• Alpine Space Ventures has secured $155 million (€144.6 million) to invest in space technology startups.
• The fund expects to grow to $160 million by the end of June, bolstered by significant contributions, including €60 million from the European Investment Fund and €10 million from NATO’s Innovation Fund.
• Notable investments by the fund include K2 Space, Morpheus Space, Blackwave, and Source Energy.

Alpine Space Ventures, a Munich-based venture capital firm, has secured $155 million (€144.6 million) to invest in space technology startups. Co-founder Joram Voelklein reportedly announced the successful fundraising at the Space Tech Expo, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to bolstering the emerging space economy.

The fund expects to grow to $160 million by the end of June, bolstered by significant contributions, including €60 million from the European Investment Fund and €10 million from NATO’s Innovation Fund. Voelklein noted increasing governmental interest in space investments, highlighting Alpine’s proactive role in the sector.

One notable investment is in K2 Space, which is developing a 10,000-kilogram “Giga” satellite. This satellite is designed to be nearly double the size and weight of the current largest satellites. Its successful launch, however, hinges on SpaceX’s Starship rocket, which is set to play a crucial role in deploying such massive payloads.

Alpine Space Ventures also invested in several other innovative companies. Morpheus Space is pioneering electric propulsion systems, Blackwave is advancing composite materials for space applications, and Source Energy is working on solar power solutions for space.

Voelklein acknowledged the crucial role of former SpaceX employees who are now part of Alpine’s team, indicating their trust in SpaceX’s capabilities and future contributions to the space industry. He expressed optimism about SpaceX’s Starship, predicting it will be integral to the space economy’s growth. Voelklein believes K2 Space’s satellite will capitalize on the limitless payload capacity and power supply that Starship promises.

Alpine Space Ventures’ investments reflect a strategic approach to support the technologies and companies that will shape the future of space exploration and industry. As governmental interest grows, Alpine aims to remain at the forefront of space venture capital, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space technology.