Satellite IoT Company Astrocast Goes Public (Image Credit: SNN)
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, August 25, 2021 (Astrocast PR) – Astrocast SA, the leading Swiss IoT- focused nanosatellite company, floated its shares on the Euronext Growth market in Oslo. The listing marks the first chance for investors to acquire shares in an IoT satellite constellation in a public market.
“Astrocast is recognised as one of the pioneers, and one of the most advanced companies in the world providing low-cost global connectivity for the IoT. Lack of such connectivity has been a roadblock for a massive expansion of this market,” said Astrocast CEO Fabien Jordan.
Astrocast solves the IoT blind spot
Current cellular networks cover roughly only 10% of the Earth’s surface, and low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN) cover only a fraction of this. More than 5 billion IoT devices are expected by 2025, and a rapidly growing part of these needs to be connected by satellite. Through its Nanosatellite IoT Network, Astrocast enables companies to track, measure, manage, communicate and control IoT assets from the world’s most remote regions. To meet the growing demand for such services, Astrocast is planning a substantial increase in capacity.
100 satellites by the end of 2024
Prior to the listing on Euronext Growth Oslo, Astrocast offered new shares to investors and raised CHF 45 million in capital.
“The fundraise and listing represent major steps for the company as we are now accelerating the deployment of our constellation. After a successful launch of 5 new satellites in late June this year, the company’s current network comprises 10 operating satellites in orbit. We plan to increase this to a total of 100 satellites by the end of 2024.”
said Fabien Jordan
A wide range of investors
Several leading investors well acquainted with NewSpace – a term frequently used for the globally emerging, private spaceflight industry – acquired new shares in Astrocast.
“We are pleased to see such broad interest from leading institutional investors who share our view on the market. We are grateful for their support, and for the support from visionary investors who helped us build the company to this point. A strong team of passionate Astrocast employees is looking forward to continuing building our global communication service, connecting IoT devices all around the globe.”
said Fabien Jordan
The cornerstone investors are a syndicate led by US-based Adit Ventures. Other leading investors in the placement included Palantir, the leading builder of operating systems for the modern enterprise, the Swiss-based private equity firm DAA Capital Partners (DAA) which specialises in early-growth technology companies, and the seed and early-stage venture capital fund Primo Space Fund which focuses on space tech opportunities.
Among the existing owners of Astrocast are Airbus Ventures, Verve and DAA, and several Swiss family offices. None of these offered shares for sale in connection with the fundraise. Bryan, Garnier & Co was appointed Sole Bookrunner and Euronext Growth Adviser in connection with the fundraise and listing. Advokatfirmaet Selmer AS and CPV Partners are acting as legal advisors to the company, while First House has been engaged as communication advisor. Norne Securities AS was the settlement agent.
About Astrocast
Astrocast SA is the most advanced global nanosatellite IoT network to tackle challenges in industries such as Agriculture & Livestock, Oil, Gas & Mining, Maritime, Environmental, Connected Vehicles, and IoT Devices. The Astrocast network enables companies to monitor, track, assess, and communicate with critical remote assets from anywhere in the world. In partnership with Airbus, CEA/LETI, the European Space Agency, and Thuraya, Astrocast developed Astronode S, a cutting-edge module featuring low profile L-band antenna, ultra-low power consumption, and a small form factor. Founded in 2014 by a renowned team of experts, Astrocast designs, builds, and tests all its products in-house, from the satellites to the terminals. The Astrocast network will consist of 100 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) nanosatellites. For more information visit www.astrocast.com
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