TLDR:
- Airbus Ventures launches a $155 million fund to invest in deep tech and space startups.
- The fund, Fund-Y, aims to support early-stage companies facing scientific or engineering challenges.
Airbus Ventures has raised a $155 million fund to invest in deep tech and space startups, with the goal of unlocking new possibilities in the space sector and broader deep tech ecosystem. The firm, led by managing partner Thomas d’Halluin, currently manages $465 million, and Fund-Y marks its fourth fund to date. The fund is targeting long-term opportunities in early-stage deep tech startups, particularly those working on technologies facing steep scientific or engineering obstacles.
The fund signals a rebound in investment in the space industry, with Airbus Ventures focusing on patience and supporting founders with a strong execution track record. Notable investments from Airbus Ventures include propulsion startup Impulse and lunar cargo company ispace. The firm emphasizes the importance of human capital and experience in deep tech diligence, pointing to the success of Impulse, founded by Tom Mueller with 17 years of experience at SpaceX.
While Airbus Ventures has traditionally invested in the U.S., Fund-Y is intended to be a global fund, with d’Halluin seeing strong momentum for space startups in Europe and Japan. The firm’s approach differs from traditional corporate venture capital arms, maintaining a gap from its parent company, Airbus, and securing capital from outside sources like institutional investors and private equity.
