French spacetech startup Kinéis backed by Bpifrance, CNES and CLS gets €100M funding

The spacetech industry is still in the nascent stages of development, but there are many companies that operate in this sector. Occitanie-based Kinéis is one such spacetech startup that debuted in 2018 as a CLS Group spin-off and a private, independent satellite operator.

Being an emerging player in the spacetech sector, Kinéis intends to lead innovation in global connectivity for IoT. With its technologies, this startup works in close collaboration with terrestrial IoT operators, connected object manufacturers, and current satellite operators. This way, it intends to locate and collect data in all conditions from across the world.

Secures €100M capital

This French spacetech startup Kinéis has raised €100 million from industrial space experts and financial partners. And, it works together with CLS and backed by strategic players CNES and Bpifrance via the Industrial Project Companies (SPI) fund.

Besides them, Kinéis is also financed by the ‘Investments for the Future’ Programme and the European Investment Bank and entities such as Ifremer, CELAD, Thales, Hermreia, BNP Paribas Développement and other financial partners that have invested in and backed by the company’s goals.

To launch nanostellites by 2022

With this investment, the company has achieved its target to finance the launch of a constellation of nanosatellites dedicated to the IoT domain. Kinéis will also be able to add 25 nanosatellites and place them in the orbit by 2022. The Kinéis constellation aims to connect several million objects wherever they are on the globe by 2030. Notably, the first components of the constellation launched in December 2019 include the Argos operational payloads on seven satellites and ANGELS, a prototype nanosatellite.

Complies with France’s Space Operations Act

The ambitions space project of Kinéis will comply with France’s Space Operations Act and eliminate space debris. Its satellites weigh in less than 30kg and will be fitted with an electric propulsion system to secure end-of-life de-orbiting and include collision-avoidance capabilities.

Appoints new President

Besides raising its capital-raising target, Kinéis also appoints a new President. Alexandre Tisserant, the President of Kinéis said, “We are very proud to have reached this major milestone. With the funds needed to launch our constellation, we are now free to focus entirely on satellite manufacturing and commercial deployment.”

Main image picture credits: Kinéis

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