European startup The Exploration Company aims for $2B valuation in funding round
The Exploration Company, a Munich-based space startup developing Europe's reusable cargo capsule, is seeking to raise at least $300 million in a new financing round that could value the company above $2 billion. This would mark a significant leap from its last disclosed Series B investment of $160 million in 2024 and signals growing European ambition in space technology. The funding talks involve the EU's Scaleup Europe Fund, managed by EQT, which was created to address Europe’s late-stage capital gap. In recent years, most large-scale investments have been led or co-led by U.S.-based firms rather than local investors. The outcome of this round could determine whether European public and private capital can support homegrown tech companies without relying on American investment. The company also holds a key contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop cargo return services, mirroring NASA’s early funding model for SpaceX. With the International Space Station set to retire around 2030, The Exploration Company is positioning itself as an essential player in future space logistics.
Topics: European startups private investment Scaleup Europe Fund space industry