Sateliot raises $100m to launch 5g satellite constellation – spain bets big on space
Barcelona-based Sateliot has secured a €100 million Series C funding round, signaling a significant escalation in Spain’s ambitions to dominate the burgeoning low-orbit satellite connectivity market. The injection of capital, spearheaded by a consortium of European investors, will fuel the deployment of a 16-satellite constellation designed to deliver 5G-capable IoT services.
A bold move in the satellite race
The funding round, primarily equity-based with a potential supplementary debt component, closes this summer. This substantial investment follows an earlier $100 million raise, demonstrating a clear belief in Sateliot’s disruptive potential and its ability to carve out a critical piece of the global connectivity landscape. Unlike many of its competitors, Sateliot boasts a fully integrated operational model – from design and assembly to control – a key differentiator championed by the Spanish government.
“Sateliot is a shining example of Spain’s digital sovereignty,” declared Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Function, Óscar López, during the funding announcement at Sateliot’s headquarters. “The Spanish government is proud to support this Catalan project that encompasses the entire satellite lifecycle, proudly ‘Made in Spain.’”
Strategic partnerships and expanding reach
Sateliot’s pre-contracted deals now total €270 million, underpinned by a growing roster of over 400 clients spanning 60 countries. Key partnerships with telecom giants like Telefónica and Deutsche Telekom underscore the company’s commitment to delivering a truly global service. Despite this momentum, Sateliot maintains an open approach to further investment, anticipating up to 50% co-financing from public sources.
Looking ahead: orbital expansion
Currently, six Sateliot satellites are already in orbit, with another five slated for launch in 2026. This phased deployment strategy, combined with the new funding, positions the company to establish a robust 5G New Radio infrastructure, incorporating voice, video, and data capabilities – a critical component for the expanding Internet of Things.
Spanish space industry gains traction
The success of Sateliot reflects the growing prominence of the Spanish space industry. Its involvement in the NASA Artemis II mission highlights Spain’s increasing contributions to international space exploration. Furthermore, the company’s backing includes prominent industrial, institutional, and financial investors, including Indra, Cellnex, Sepides (SEPI), Banco Santander, SETT, Hyperion, and Global Portfolio Investments, alongside support from the European Investment Bank – a testament to the project’s strategic importance.
A european infrastructure takes shape
“This Series C reflects the scale and timing of the company,” stated CEO Jaume Sanpera. “It will accelerate the deployment of our constellation and the execution of commercial operations on a global scale. We’re confident that this backing from industrial, financial, and institutional investors will solidify a European satellite connectivity infrastructure 5G.”