Revolv Space secures 2.6 million euros to boost smallsat performance

by | May 28, 2024 | ESA BIC, Investment, Press Release

Revolv Space, a space tech startup based in Italy and the Netherlands, has raised an investment of 2.6 million euros to revolutionise small satellite capabilities through high-performance mechanisms and power systems. The investment round, led by Primo Space Fund and joined by Takeoff, will significantly accelerate the company’s growth trajectory. It will enable the upcoming In-Orbit Demonstration of Revolv Space’s flagship product, SARA, the world’s first autonomous and fail-safe Solar Array Drive Assembly that increases the performance of small satellites. Additionally, this capital infusion will also facilitate the scaling of production capabilities, directly addressing the surging industry demand for high-performance satellite components.

four Revolv Sapce co-founders and space business entrepreneurs
Revolv’s co-founders (L–R): Filippo Oggionni (CCO), Aleksander Fiuk (COO), Michał Grendysz (CTO) & Marco Sala (CEO)

Funding facilitates scaling of production capabilities

“This investment propels Revolv into its next pivotal phase: the first SARA unit operating in space, coming after an extensive testing campaign that validates both our product’s reliability and our development philosophy. This investment will also enable us to enhance our production capabilities to serve constellation customers, marking a vital first step in our mission to push the boundaries of commercial space with innovative robotics and energy solutions,” explains Marco Sala, CEO and co-founder of Revolv Space. “The support of renowned investors like Primo Space Fund and Takeoff reaffirms our vision and expansion plans. Their expertise in financial management, combined with their extensive network in the space industry, plays a critical role in driving Revolv’s growth.”

This investment will also enable us to enhance our production capabilities to serve constellation customers, marking a vital first step in our mission to push the boundaries of commercial space with innovative robotics and energy solutions

Marco Sala, CEO

Revolv Space sees rising demand from satellite integrators for high-performance equipment, currently provided only by large contractors. “Small satellite manufacturers and end users are looking for leaner suppliers who can comply with the budget and schedule of small satellite missions without compromising on quality: this means affordable components delivered with excellent quality and low lead times,” states Filippo Oggionni, who leads the commercial efforts of Revolv Space. “We place clients at the heart of our product development, integrating their feedback from the early stages. Today’s satellite integrators are tired of black-box suppliers; instead, we bet on a transparent and responsive communication approach, which has already paid off with our existing customers.”

Raffaele Mauro, partner at Primo Space Fund, adds: “Founded in 2022 by Polimi and TU Delft alumni, their commercial traction, rapid growth, and strategic vision perfectly align with Primo Ventures’ investment philosophy.”

Revolv Space's flagship first product SARA
SARA: Solar Array Drive Assembly

Eugenia Forte, director of Takeoff Accelerator, stated: “We are thrilled to support Revolv Space at this pivotal stage of their growth. The team’s innovative approach to the development and commercialization of space technology represents a significant breakthrough in the space sector. This investment will enable Revolv to accelerate the development and production of cutting-edge systems, meeting the demands of a rapidly expanding market. We are proud to collaborate with such a dynamic and visionary team that has the potential to redefine industry standards in satellite technology.”

Revolv Space: highly skilled and truly international team

The startup is backed by the European Space Agency (ESA) through its Business Incubation Centre in Noordwijk, the Netherlands – supported by ESA and the Netherlands Space Office – where the company has been making great strides in close proximity to ESTEC (the European Space Research and Technology Centre). The fresh funding round has fueled the establishment of a new location for the company in Turin, Italy – an emerging hub in the space sector, home to industry giants like Thales Alenia Space and Leonardo.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our mentors, advisors, and earlier investors, including Graduate Entrepreneur, who were instrumental throughout the investment process,” Mr. Sala concluded. “Special appreciation goes to our legal counsel, Silvia Bernardi, M&A lawyer at Gianni & Origoni, and our investment advisors, Alberto Emprin and Alessandro Rovera, for their invaluable guidance and support.

This press release is available via news section of the Revolv Space website


NOTES FOR EDITORS

Contact:

  • Revolv Space – Filippo Oggionni (filippo@revolvspace.com)

About Revolv Space
Revolv Space provides small satellite manufacturers and constellation operators with affordable mechanisms and power systems by using a test-oriented, agile, and customer-centric approach. Revolv Space’s current product portfolio is oriented to small satellite platforms below 500 kg and includes several mechanism-based products at different stages of development, including solar array drive assemblies, solar arrays, hinges, and deployment systems, covering a power range between 100 W to 3 kW. The company aims to cater to ambitious satellite integrators seeking to enhance their platforms’ performance beyond the current offering. revolvspace.com

About Primo Ventures
Primo Ventures is an independent asset management company and one of Italy’s leading players in high-potential technology investments. The company now has 398 million euros committed over multiple funds specialising in the digital, healthcare, and space economy sectors. Primo Space Fund is its seed and early stage venture capital fund focused on skyrocketing the potential of space tech projects. primo.vc

About Takeoff Accelerator
Takeoff Accelerator is the acceleration programme dedicated to preseed and seed startups that develop solutions in the aerospace and advanced hardware sectors. Takeoff Accelerator is an initiative of CDP Venture Capital, promoted by the co-investors of UniCredit and Fondazione CRT, Plug and Play Tech Center as co-investor and operational manager of the acceleration program, and OGR Torino as Innovation and Networking Partners, Leonardo, AVIO and Unione Industriali as Corporate Partners, European Space Agency and Agenzia Spaziale Italiana as members of the Scientific Board. takeoffaccelerator.com

About ESA BIC Noordwijk
The Dutch business incubation programme of the European Space Agency, ESA BIC Noordwijk, is part of the largest network of incubators supporting space related startups in Europe. Through an open call, startups can apply to join as an ESA BIC incubatee and reap the benefit that brings – funding (provided by ESA and the Netherlands Space Office), plus technical and business support. The programme, managed by the Space Business Innovation Centre Noordwijk, is open to entrepreneurs who aim to launch or improve a product or service that makes use of space technology. esa-bic.nl


Open call for startups with space business ideas to apply to ESA BIC Noordwijk:

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