German satellite launch service company Isar Aerospace extends Series C by €65M+

Munich-based Isar Aerospace, a space technology company that offers launch solutions for satellite constellations, announced that it has expanded its Series C funding round by more than €65M, reaching a total of more than €220M.

The Series C extension round brings the company’s total funding to over €400M. This extension includes investment from the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), a VC fund backed by 24 NATO Allies. With over €1B at its disposal, the NIF supports deep tech companies focused on addressing challenges in defence, security, and resilience. This is NIF’s first direct investment in a satellite launch provider.

Andrea Traversone, Managing Partner of the NATO Innovation Fund, says, “Access to space is critical to the technological sovereignty of Europe and the UK. Space technologies like Isar’s hold immense promise and will enable us to build a secure and prosperous future for generations to come. We will support Isar with adoption pathways across government and commercial opportunities.”

The round also saw participation from several new investors, including the European family office G3T and 10x Group, Besant Capital, Finadvice Med HOLDINGS, and LP&E. 

Existing investors such as Lakestar, Earlybird, Airbus Ventures, Bayern Kapital, and UVC Partners also contributed to the extension round.

Developing next-gen rockets for sustainable access to space

Isar Aerospace specialises in developing and manufacturing launch vehicles tailored for small to medium-sized satellites and satellite constellations destined for Earth’s orbit.

Founded in 2018, the company has expanded to over 400 employees, bringing decades of rocket expertise and experience from various high-tech industries. 

Their flagship two-stage orbital launch vehicle, “Spectrum”, is optimised for deploying satellite constellations, playing a critical role in advancing space technology platforms.

Capital utilisation

In May 2024, Isar Aerospace revealed plans to establish a commercial launch vehicle production facility near Munich, Germany, in collaboration with VGP Group. 

This facility, supported by their latest funding round, will enable Isar Aerospace to manufacture up to 40 Spectrum launch vehicles annually. 

With a focus on automation and scalability, Isar Aerospace aims to meet rising demand from both private and public sectors for launching small and medium-sized satellites and satellite constellations into orbit.

Daniel Metzler, co-founder & CEO of Isar Aerospace, adds, “The investment by the NATO Innovation Fund in Isar Aerospace is a strong sign of confidence in our approach and underlines the fundamental role of space technologies for our economies and societies.” 

“Even more, it shows that European governments need to promote and leverage private innovation and products to keep up globally.”