Berlin-Based Startup AIRMO Secures €5 Million Funding to Launch Satellite into Orbit by 2027

AIRMO, a Berlin-based startup, has secured €5 million in funding to launch its first satellite into orbit by 2027. The investment round, led by Ananda Impact Ventures, will support the company’s expansion of its airborne operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

The Company’s Technology

AIRMO’s groundbreaking technology involves a micro-LiDAR and short-wave infrared (SWIR) imager small enough to fly on a nanosatellite. This compact setup enables the detection of methane leaks as small as those from a leaking car, making it an invaluable tool for monitoring energy infrastructure and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The company’s core technology was developed in partnership with Bulgarian manufacturer EnduroSat and its ESPA-class FRAME-15 platform. The first satellite is designed to serve as the foundation for a 12-satellite constellation, providing commercial data products to oil and gas operators, financial institutions, regulators, and NGOs.

According to AIRMO, the combination of SWIR and LiDAR technology delivers roughly twice the accuracy of existing satellite monitoring solutions. This precision enables the detection of methane plumes from single sources, such as leaking vehicles, from 500 kilometers up in the atmosphere. The company claims this capability is essential for reducing methane leakage, which is estimated to account for around 30% of current global warming.

Regulatory Pressure

Regulatory pressure is increasing to address facility-level emissions, with the EU Methane Regulation requiring emissions reporting from gas importers and the OGMP 2.0 framework setting a new baseline for site-level measurement. AIRMO’s technology is well-positioned to meet these demands, providing a robust and accurate monitoring solution that can support the transition towards a more sustainable energy sector.

AIRMO was founded in 2022 by Daria Stepanova, a serial founder and rocket scientist with extensive experience in space optical instruments. The company has already established a strong presence in airborne operations, with commercial deployments on drones and aircraft to Uniper, Total, and ESCE.

Growth Momentum

The company’s growth momentum is being supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) through its InCubed programme, which funded a €3.7 million contract as part of AIRMO’s €5.2 million pre-seed round in 2023. This investment has enabled AIRMO to refine its technology and prepare for the launch of its satellite constellation.

With the new funding, AIRMO plans to expand its local presence in the Middle East, establishing a regional office in Abu Dhabi. This move reflects the company’s commitment to supporting climate action initiatives in critical regions and demonstrates its confidence in the region’s growing importance as a hub for clean energy innovation.

CEO Stepanova described the seed round as enabling the company to transition from validation to continuous monitoring, emphasizing the significance of this milestone in the company’s journey. The satellite launch marks an important step towards AIRMO’s long-term goal of monitoring millions of energy assets worldwide, contributing significantly to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Investors and Strategic Partners

The investment round has also attracted strategic investors, including EQT partners Matthias Fackler and Francesco Starace, who will support AIRMO’s growth ambitions. Existing backers Antler, Findus Ventures, E2MC, and Pi Labs also participated in the round, underscoring their confidence in AIRMO’s innovative technology and business model.

Conclusion

AIRMO’s €5 million funding round represents a significant milestone for climate-tech innovation. The company’s cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize greenhouse gas monitoring, enabling more accurate detection of methane leaks and supporting regulatory efforts to reduce emissions. With its robust business plan, talented team, and growing presence in key regions, AIRMO is well-positioned to play a critical role in shaping the future of clean energy innovation.

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