Space and space entrepreneurship is a hot sector of innovation. Beyond the high-profile space ventures being pursued by Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, the “space economy” represents a significant opportunity for firms seeking to provide services or technology to advance space exploration and science. According to Space Capital, in the first quarter of 2024, $6.5 billion was invested in space-focused firms. Since 2015, private markets have experienced $286 billion for early-stage space ventures. At the same time, since 2017, 715 exits have been recorded by the firm.
OurCrowd, an online investment platform providing access for smaller investors interested in private securities, is participating in the Balerion Space Ventures Fund (BSV).
BSV invests in early—to mid-stage private firms that aim to impact the space economy. Last year, BSV explained that the privatization of space has witnessed a transformative change in recent years.
“We are seeing the next generation of companies, spurred on by decreasing launch costs, focus on new applications, such as commercial space stations and lunar mobility. Consider Axiom’s latest mission to the ISS continues this trend of privatization within the space industry. Axiom aims to build and operate the world’s first commercial space station. By leveraging its expertise and resources, Axiom seeks to provide opportunities for government agencies (such as we saw in their mission with Saudi Arabia), private entities, and individuals to conduct research, manufacturing, and space tourism activities in Low Earth Orbit. This initiative represents a significant shift from space stations that were previously government-funded and operated, such as the International Space Station. Similarly, Lunar Outposts is developing space rovers for lunar exploration. Lunar Outposts aims to facilitate scientific research, resource prospecting, and human exploration on the Moon by designing and deploying these rovers. The involvement of private companies like Axiom and Lunar Outposts highlights the increasing role of the private sector in once government-dominated initiatives, fostering competition, innovation, and expanding the possibilities of space exploration. This trend accelerates technological advancements and opens new avenues for commercial activities beyond Earth, contributing to the ongoing [transformation].”
OurCrowd notes that BSV’s first fund raised $20 million, along with $25 million in “co-invest syndicates.” This second fund is seeking $50 million, and it currently has over $40 million committed. OurCrowd does not publicly post its allocation on the offering page, but if you are a registered investor, you can learn more about the offering.
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