Simera Sense, based in South Africa and a leading force in providing comprehensive optical payload solutions to the small satellite Earth observation sector, has successfully raised EUR13.5 million (US$14.8 million). This significant funding round, the company’s first major financial boost, was contributed by NewSpace Capital and Knife Capital. The investment aims to support Simera Sense in expanding its product lineup, enhancing its production capabilities, and advancing its on-board processing technologies.
Established in 2018, Simera Sense has quickly risen to prominence in the global small satellite market by offering high-resolution, ready-to-use earth observation camera solutions. These products cater to a diverse clientele across various industries, showcasing the company’s innovative edge and market adaptability.
The fresh capital will allow Simera Sense not only to meet the increasing demand from its clients but also to extend its production footprint, including the establishment of additional production facilities in Europe. This strategic move is expected to bolster its production and customer support capabilities within the region significantly.
Moreover, the investment will facilitate the growth of Simera Sense’s product development teams, accelerating the creation of advanced high-resolution and SWIR (Short Wave Infrared) camera products. A particularly groundbreaking development in the works is the integration of onboard data processing within the camera control electronics, a pioneering approach that promises to transform the industry by alleviating bandwidth constraints and communication challenges traditionally associated with ground-based data processing.
Johann Du Toit, CEO of Simera Sense, expressed gratitude towards NewSpace Capital and Knife Capital for their support and shared his enthusiasm for the future developments this partnership will bring. Highlighting the pivotal role of satellite imagery in addressing terrestrial challenges, Du Toit anticipates further advancements in onboard data processing and production capabilities.
Bogdan Gogulan, managing partner of NewSpace Capital, praised Simera Sense for its exceptional blend of technical prowess, business insight, and the potential to lead a revolution in earth observation technology. Keet van Zyl, co-founder and partner at Knife Capital, also commended the company for its deep technological expertise, market demand, and the entrepreneurial team’s proven track record, underscoring Knife Capital’s pride in contributing to the transformation of the optical payload solutions industry.
