Dual-Use Tech Roundup- Satellite, Semiconductor, Geospatial, Cybersecurity, & Space Accelerator

7 March 2022 - Featuring Cesium, Chiplytics, ThriveDX, Epirus, Aerospacelab & Techstars

Mar 07, 2022

Billie - Grace Ward

Deal Round-Up:

Cesium:

Cesium has developed a line of space communication devices that have the ability to run different beam patterns, which allows their customers to tailor these devices to be mission specific. The company raised $75 M in an oversubscribed Series B round on March 1st, 2022. Airbus Ventures, Future Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, and other undisclosed investors participated in this round of funding. These funds will be put towards furthering the company’s development of a low orbit satellite.

Chiplytics:

Chiplytics has developed a technology to authenticate and test semiconductors to make sure that they are error free and have not been tampered with. The company raised a seed round from Scout Ventures and other undisclosed investors on February 14, 2022.

ThriveDx:

Cybersecurity can be a complex and daunting task for some people and companies. ThriveDx offers cybersecurity training for a variety of customers. The company raised approximately $75 M from NightDragon and other undisclosed investors on January 27th, 2022. The funds will be used to solidify the company's market in the US and fuel expansion into Europe and Asian markets.

Epirus:

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are effective for reconnaissance and military applications. However, it can be difficult to counter them if they are deployed against you. Epirus has developed a UAS countering system that utilizes high power microwaves (HPM). The company raised $200 M in Series C-1 and C-2 funding on February 15, 2022. General Dynamics Land Systems, 8VC, Bedrock, Red Cell Partners, and others participated in this round.

Aerospacelab:

Aerospacelab has developed a lineup of small satellites and imaging technology to provide their customers with geospatial intelligence and data. The company raised 40 M Euros ($44.26 M) in Series B funding on February 16, 2022. This round was led by Airbus Ventures and Siparex XAnge Ventures. These funds will be put towards ramping up production so the company can collect more data for its customers.

Techstars:

Techstars recently announced that their space accelerator will be combining with their LA accelerator. The space accelerator, which was based out of LA, had invested in several space startups including OrbitFab, Hydrosat, and Pixxel Space. The LA accelerator will still invest in companies in its usual industries (health, e-commerce, retail, etc.), however they will now work with aerospace and defense companies. Matt Kozlov will be the managing director for the accelerator and Sherman Williams will be the investor in residence.

Additionally, the Techstars Industries of the Future announced their class of 2022 early in February. This accelerator will focus on startups working on emerging tech across a variety of industries including AI and cybersecurity. New North Ventures has identified a few companies that may have dual-use potential in this inaugural class

Armada IQ: Developer of an AI and vision based platform to aid in the operation of integrated human-autonomous fleets.
EzSec: Developer of both hardware and software cybersecurity solutions aimed at simplifying security using AI technology.
Augurisk: Developer of a predictive analysis program aimed at mitigating crime and natural disaster risks in the US.