Simera Sense, a South Africa-based leader in end-to-end optical payload solutions for the small satellite Earth observation industry, has announced a significant milestone in its growth journey. The company has successfully raised EUR13.5 million (US$14.8 million) in funding, aimed at expanding its product range, enhancing production capabilities, and advancing on-board processing technologies.
Founded in 2018, Simera Sense has rapidly emerged as a prominent provider of earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Its high-resolution, ‘off-the-shelf’ cameras cater to a diverse clientele spanning various industries.
The recent investment, led by NewSpace Capital and Knife Capital, marks Simera Sense’s first major fundraising effort. This injection of capital will empower the company to address escalating client demands and scale up its production capacity. Plans are underway to establish additional production facilities in Europe, further solidifying Simera Sense’s presence in the region.
In addition to bolstering its production infrastructure, Simera Sense intends to expand its product development teams, with a focus on innovating higher-resolution and Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) camera products. Notably, the company is pioneering on-board data processing capabilities embedded within the camera control electronics, a groundbreaking initiative poised to revolutionize the industry. This technological advancement aims to streamline data processing, alleviating bandwidth constraints and communication hurdles associated with traditional ground-based processing methods.
Expressing enthusiasm about the fundraising success, Johann Du Toit, CEO of Simera Sense, remarked, “We’re very pleased with the amount raised and grateful to NewSpace Capital and Knife Capital for choosing to back us. We are looking forward to our journey together.” He emphasized the pivotal role of satellite imagery in addressing global challenges and highlighted the company’s commitment to driving innovation within the Earth observation and space market.
Bogdan Gogulan, managing partner of NewSpace Capital, commended Simera Sense for its unparalleled ambition and expertise in revolutionizing earth observation. He lauded the company’s technical prowess, business acumen, and dedication to innovation, emphasizing its potential to achieve transformative milestones in the industry.
Echoing Gogulan’s sentiments, Keet van Zyl, co-founder and partner at Knife Capital, expressed excitement about supporting Simera Sense’s unique product suite and entrepreneurial team. He underscored the company’s proven track record in executing strategic initiatives and its role in reshaping the optical payload solutions landscape.
Simera Sense’s successful fundraising endeavor signifies a significant stride towards its mission of driving innovation and enhancing capabilities within the small satellite Earth observation sector. With a strong foundation of strategic partnerships and a commitment to technological advancement, the company is poised to redefine standards and unlock new opportunities in the realm of space-based imaging solutions.
