Satellite Launch Provider Space One Scores Investment from Nabtesco

ZURICH, Switzerland, December 23, 2022 — Nabtesco Technology Ventures (NTV) announced today that it has made an investment into satellite launch company Space One. The infusion, which will take the form of a convertible bond, will help Space One establish itself as Japan’s leading private-sector space services provider.

The emergence of space as a major frontier for both government and industrial development has sparked growth of companies making satellite launch vehicles and facilities, along with related supply chains. Analysts predict the global market to reach $32 billion by 2029, up from $13 billion last year. Applications range from communications to remote sensing to earth observation.

Space One’s small, solid-propellant rockets are stored fully fueled, accelerating launch timelines and enabling faster deployment compared to incumbent liquid-fueled systems typically used in launch vehicles. This positions Space One, whose first launch is scheduled for February 2023, as provider of choice for space services to clients across Asia and the world from its dedicated launcher and launch site in Japan. By 2027, the company, which was established jointly by Canon Electronics, Shimizu Corporation, Development Bank of Japan and IHI Aerospace, aims to launch 20 satellites annually.

© SPACE ONE

Nabtesco Corporation, parent company of NTV, makes aircraft flight control components and systems. With this investment, it aims to establish itself as a major new player in the space sector. As part of the investment deal, Nabtesco hopes to be the supplier of actuators for Space One through cooperative development.

“Space One’s talented management team will leverage innovative technology to offer the industry’s fastest timelines for commercial space launches,” says Hiroshi Nerima, managing partner of NTV. “We are excited to support Space One as it works toward achieving this goal.”

Cleantech venture capital pioneer Emerald Technology Ventures advised Nabtesco on the deal under its unique corporate venture capital-as-a-service mandate. Under this framework, Emerald manages the investment activities of Nabtesco’s venture arm, aiming to provide the best value for collaboration with innovation vanguards like Space One.

© SPACE ONE

About Space One

SPACE ONE was established in 2018 as a small satellite launch service provider. SPACE ONE will offer the world’s shortest lead time from contractual engagement to launch as well as the world’s most frequent launching schedule. With our dedicated launcher “KAIROS ” and dedicated launch site in Wakayama, Japan, SPACE ONE will minimize the cost of putting satellites into orbit and help further expand space businesses.

About Nabtesco Technology Ventures

Nabtesco Technology Ventures is a corporate venture fund launched in 2018 by Japan’s Nabtesco Corporation, in partnership with Emerald Technology Ventures, a global leader in technology venture capital. The fund deepens Nabtesco’s involvement in the development of disruptive ventures around the world, strengthening our pursuit of open innovation, a key pillar of our company’s growth strategy. The EUR 75 million fund invests primarily, but not exclusively, in robotics, motors, sensors, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things technologies. Nabtesco Technology Ventures reinforces Nabtesco Corporation’s position as a global leader in manufacturing technology, accelerating investment and collaboration around the world. For more information, please visit https://nabtesco-ventures.com/

About Emerald Technology Ventures

Emerald is a globally recognized venture capital firm building a sustainable future at the crossroads of industry and technology. Founded in 2000, it is a pioneer in open innovation, providing multi-national corporations with rich deal flow and insight in the sectors and markets of tomorrow. Emerald has managed and advised assets of over €1 billion from its offices in Zurich, Toronto and Singapore. The firm is dedicated to tackling big challenges in climate change and sustainability via over 500 venture transactions and five third-party investment mandates, including loan guarantees to over 100 start-ups. For more information, please visit www.emerald-ventures.com.

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