Bulent Altan, a former SpaceX Engineer, and Joran Voelklein, a long-time investor, started Alpine Space Ventures. Their most recent accomplishment is raising money for their first fund, which totals €170 million. The fund’s portfolio comprises five companies, including K2 Space, a Los Angeles-based startup that wants to construct large satellites to fit into a Starship architecture, and Reflex Aerospace, a German company that constructs satellites.
Alpine Space Ventures
In the survey study that Altan and Voelklein conducted among the European space sector, they observed characteristics similar to the early American NewSpace phase. They followed in SpaceX’s footsteps and founded Alpine Space Ventures in Munich, Germany, in 2020. This is their mandate, and they are supposed to promote growth in both the US and European space industries.
Record-Breaking Fund and Transatlantic Interest
Alpine Space Ventures of Luxembourg closed a €170 million fund, the first-ever VC fund dedicated to space globally. More than 20 initial SpaceX staff members and companies like the European Investment Fund and the NATO Innovation Fund are among their LPs. The startup fund focuses on companies operating within or providing services to the space industry worldwide.
It seeks to back high-growth companies for Series A funding. Here, it is crucial to note that around 70% of the fund will be invested in European businesses, although Alpine Space Ventures remains actively interested in both continents. Consequently, their philosophy matches SpaceX’s vision, focusing on the satellite industry and supply chain expansion.
Strategic Investment
The capital will be deployed into 10-15 startups, and five startups have been identified, with checks of up to €5m ($5.4 million). European firms are to receive about 70% of the fund, but the firm is equally interested in both European and American markets. Their philosophy corresponds with SpaceX’s effect on the satellite industry and concerns component builders and satellites that use SpaceX advancements.
Supply Chain Vision
The management of Alpine Space Ventures is convinced that the space industry will grow, and, therefore, there will be more suppliers in this sector, just like in the car manufacturing industry. Telecommunication and earth observation are telecommunication sub-markets that create demand for satellite buses and their parts.
Alpine Space Ventures plan to support startups
Alpine Space Ventures, owned by the Free University of Bolzano, will engage in strategic investments in space startups. Alpine Space Ventures will fund startups with up to €5 million ($5.4 million). This funding can be a critical resource for product development, growth, and initial market penetration. Alpine Space Ventures has a team, all of whom are from SpaceX. They provide their portfolio companies guidance, consult with, and industry expertise.
Alpine helps startups connect with industry players, potential customers, and partners within the ecosystem. It can promote partnerships, commercialization, and expansion. Alpine Space Ventures keeps abreast of trends and activities in the marketplace. They help startup companies understand how to overcome problems and leverage opportunities. When several startups are financed, Alpine plays a key role in forming an effective space economy. This also involves enhancing cooperation among the portfolio companies. Alpine Space Ventures offers funding and mentorship to ensure such concerns can compete in the highly saturated space industry.
Conclusion
Alpine Space Ventures’ core team comprises experienced professionals with deep technical knowledge and well-connected entrepreneurs capable of creating a profound shift in the European space tech market. While they persist in their efforts to invest strategically, we are on the edge of our seats awaiting further developments in space technology.
