Space startups secure record $20.8 billion funding as infrastructure bets surge, report shows
SPCX•Space startups raised a record $20.8 billion in the third quarter, nearly triple the previous quarter’s $7.4 billion; excluding Blue Origin’s $10 billion financing, funding still reached a record $10.8 billion. A record 216 deals closed, with infrastructure businesses accounting for most of the activity.
1. Funding sets a record
Space startups attracted $20.8 billion in third-quarter funding, nearly triple the $7.4 billion invested in the second quarter and more than double the previous peak. Excluding Blue Origin’s $10 billion financing, investment was still an all-time high of $10.8 billion. The quarter also saw a record 216 deals, up from 140 in the previous three months.
2. Infrastructure leads activity
Launch and broader space-access companies attracted $16.4 billion across 120 deals, while satellite communications, Earth observation and other space-service companies raised $4 billion. Major rounds included $1.37 billion for Hadrian, $1 billion for Stoke Space and $500 million for K2 Space. North America accounted for about 70% of global funding year-to-date, while China recorded a quarterly high of $3.3 billion across 49 deals. Seraphim said funding was likely to moderate from the exceptional third-quarter level but remain above historical norms.
