Skynopy, a Paris-based space startup specializing in satellite connectivity, announced that its fundraising of $3.1 million closed in only three weeks, just months after its creation. 

Founded in October 2023 by Pierre Bertrand and Antonin Hirsch, former directors of Loft Orbital, Skynopy aims to bring the simplicity of mobile phone connectivity to low-orbit satellites and constellation sector, thanks to a unique business model and key interface technologies. 

Imagine having to locate the nearest antenna when sending a video with your phone, orient your smartphone towards the antenna, define and adjust the radio settings, including modulations and protocols, and then being charged per minute of antenna use for this service. 

This is the technical and commercial complexity that all satellite operators currently face when downloading a picture or video taken by a satellite. Skynopy aims to solve this complexity.

Skynopy offers a seamless, simplified, worldwide service for satellite operators to connect their satellites (send commands and receive data) using its hybrid network of ground antennas.  

This “as-a-service” approach allows operators to focus on their missions without worrying about the technical details of connectivity or the costly internal infrastructure of ground antennas, providing smooth communication with their satellites, similar to a mobile phone experience. 

The company is developing universal connectors capable of interfacing with existing ground station networks, enabling Skynopy to scale much faster than a more traditional approach. Skynopy will be able to offer high-bandwidth connectivity while limiting its CAPEX needs, thus positioning itself as the Airbnb of ground antennas. 

In just six months of founding, Skynopy has signed and delivered several contracts with key players in the French space ecosystem, including HEMERA and CNES. 

Pierre Bertrand, CEO of Skynopy, commented: 

“The ground segment, specifically ground stations, is the third pillar of any space infrastructure, alongside the launch vehicle and the satellites.

Today, industrial players and public policies have tended to underestimate this essential pillar, which is crucial for data creation and retrieval, representing up to 20 per cent of a mission’s cost.

Skynopy aims to solve this deadlock and offer a true innovation in the business model.”

Investors in this round include Heartcore Capital, Kima Ventures, Better Angle, and BPI France, alongside well-known entrepreneurs like Thibaud Elziere (e-founders, Hexa) and Yohann Leroy (CEO of Maia Space). 

Yohan Pereira, Representative of Heartcore Capital, shared: 

“Skynopy offers an innovative solution to a significant challenge in the space industry.

Pierre and Antonin’s profound market knowledge, coupled with their ambitious international vision — made evident through their significant contributions to Loft’s success in Europe — strengthens our belief in their ability to revolutionize the satellite connectivity sector.

The funds raised will enable Skynopy to accelerate the commercial deployment of its “as-a-service” ground station offering and allow Skynopy to structure its teams through new recruitment.

Lead image: Skynopy. Photo: uncredited.