Space BD Secures ¥3.5 Billion in Series C Funding Led by Aozora Corporate Investment

Space BD Secures ¥3.5 Billion in Series C Funding

Space BD, a company that develops businesses in the space industry, has successfully completed its Series C funding round, raising ¥3.5 billion. The round was led by Aozora Corporate Investment, with participation from a host of other investors including ON, BOARD, Kanpo NEXT Partners, XTech Ventures, Shin Nippon Air Technologies, Japan Investment Advisor, Spiral Innovation Partners (Mori Building Innovation Fund Investment Business Limited Partnership), and Japan Venture Capital.

Expanding Space Operations

Space BD, founded in September 2017, acts as a "space trading company," offering a comprehensive range of services related to satellite launches and on-orbit experimentation. The company facilitates the launch of satellites and provides opportunities for experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). It also manages the export and import of space equipment and technology project management.

The company has established itself as a central hub in the space sector, having handled over 100 satellites and facilitated more than 670 in-orbit sample experiments. Additionally, Space BD has conducted over 40 demonstration experiments and supported payload integration for rocket missions. Its clientele spans municipalities, universities, research institutions, and private companies.

Leadership and Vision

Masatoshi Nagasaki, Co-Founder and CEO of Space BD, has been instrumental in steering the company towards capturing global space demand. The company’s distinctive service is its one-stop technology and operation interface, which spans from launch to on-orbit experimentation. This includes operational support for life science experiments utilizing the ISS.

Strategic Use of Funds

The newly secured funds will be directed towards several key areas to bolster Space BD's operations. The company plans to strengthen its organizational capabilities by recruiting and developing human resources. Additionally, it aims to expand its launch services, particularly by securing rocket launch slots. Space BD is also focused on enhancing its fabless manufacturing functions, which involves improving planning, design, and quality control, and collaborating with external manufacturing partners.

These strategic investments are part of Space BD's broader goal to stabilize its launch supply system and meet the growing demands of the global space industry.

Looking Ahead

With this substantial funding injection, Space BD is well-positioned to enhance its service offerings and expand its footprint in the burgeoning space sector. The company continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating access to space for various institutions and companies, thus contributing to the advancement of space technology and exploration.