Space startups secure record $20.8 billion funding as infrastructure bets surge, report shows
XLI•Space startups attracted a record $20.8 billion in third-quarter funding, nearly triple the prior quarter; excluding Blue Origin’s $10 billion financing, investment still reached a record $10.8 billion. The quarter saw 216 deals, while North America accounted for about 70% of global funding year-to-date.
1. Record funding and deals
Space startups attracted a record $20.8 billion in third-quarter funding, according to a report by Seraphim. The total was nearly triple the $7.4 billion invested in the second quarter and more than double the prior peak; excluding Blue Origin’s $10 billion financing, investment was still at a record $10.8 billion. A record 216 deals were completed, up from 140 in the second quarter.
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.
