German NewSpace supplier startup Dcubed, which offers shelf products designed to expedite, simplify, and reduce costs for space missions, has secured €4.4 million in a Series A funding round to expand in the US and accelerate in-space manufacturing. The investment was led by Expansion and BayBG, with participation from HTGF, Aurelia Foundry, Ventis, Rymdkapital, and Decisive Point Europe.
- Established in 2019 by Thomas Sinn, Dcubed offers affordable, durable space hardware and subsystems using patented Shape Memory technology and proprietary Origami structures, outperforming traditional subsystems in weight, size, cost, durability, reusability, and availability.
- Dcubed offers three key products to advance space technology: Actuators with a patented release mechanism for secure hardware in orbit, Solar Arrays that provide a complete power generation system, and Deployables designed for high performance in SmallSat missions.
- The startup serves customers in 15 countries across 4 continents. Dcubed has also opened a US office in Westminster, Colorado, a key NewSpace hub known for its concentration of space companies, research institutions, and a skilled workforce.
Details of the deal
- The investment was led by Expansion, a Paris-based investment company that supports European aerospace founders from pre-seer to Series B, and BayBG, a German venture capital firm that backs Bavarian tech startups.
“Our decision reflects the crucial role that space technologies play in driving all sectors on Earth – from connectivity and mobility to security and sovereignty. Dcubed has built a strong position while entirely financing its past growth via customer orders. The NewSpace race has started, and, together with Dcubed and our co-investors, we are glad to take a pole position,” Investment Manager at BayBG Venture Capital, Alois Ganter, commented.
- The fresh funding also saw participation from HTGF | High-Tech Gründerfonds, German VENTIS CAPITAL, Swedish VC Rymdkapital and Decisive Point.
- Additionally, the European investor portfolio is strengthened by Aurelia Foundry, a top U.S. deep tech fund with strong connections in the U.S. NewSpace sector. Aurelia Foundry will manage U.S. operations and drive the growth of strategic relationships with American customers and partners.
“Deep tech and NewSpace start-ups have to show that they can make money while pursuing a big vision. Dcubed has done this impressively in recent years. As lead investor in the seed round, I am very pleased about the completion of the Series A and see my investment thesis confirmed, Principal at HTGF, Christian Ziach, stated.
- With the fresh capital Dcubed plans to increase production of origami foldable satellite solar arrays and quadruple actuator output by 2024. The startup also aims to invest in in-space manufacturing for future space applications, standardize its products, and launch a unique online store for space-related items.
