Space, Security, and Solar: Powering the Future, Fundings: Impluse Space, COI Energy, bluShift Aerospace
3 September 2024 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
HawkEye 360: We are proud to congratulate HawkEye 360 on its successful participation in the 2024 Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise for the third consecutive year!
Over the course of 14 days, HawkEye 360 joined forces with 21 Indo-Pacific allies to enhance regional security and cooperation. Their innovative capabilities in RF sensing and geolocation played a crucial role in supporting the exercise’s mission, further solidifying their position as a leader in space-based intelligence. Kudos to the HawkEye 360 team for their continued dedication to strengthening global security!
Xi Jinping's recent celebration of Deng Xiaoping's legacy suggests a strategic shift in Chinese politics, emphasizing deeper party control over the economy and society. Xi’s evocation of Deng highlights his intent to push through structural changes that he sees as vital to the Communist Party's long-term survival.
While Deng once symbolized collective leadership, which conflicts with Xi’s push for centralized power, Xi is now selectively embracing Deng’s legacy to legitimize his own policies. This maneuver not only signals Xi’s determination to stay in power but also serves as a message to party members and citizens to support these reforms or face consequences.
This development foreshadows increased challenges for businesses, particularly foreign ones operating in China. Xi’s tightening grip on the party and the economy likely means a continuation of difficulties such as data control, employee restrictions, and intellectual property theft.
The focus on Deng’s legacy as a tool for reinforcing Xi’s authority underscores the likely persistence of a more politically controlled and restrictive business environment in China, with significant implications for foreign investments and operations.
Can Solar Costs Keep Shrinking?
Solar energy costs have significantly dropped over the years, particularly in the price of photovoltaic (PV) panels. However, the focus is now on reducing "soft costs" like labor, permitting, and grid interconnection, which have become the main contributors to overall expenses.
These costs are more challenging to reduce, especially with economic factors like inflation and rising interest rates adding complexity. Despite these challenges, innovative approaches are emerging, such as new solar farm designs that require less civil engineering and infrastructure, which could lead to further cost reductions.
Looking forward, the greatest potential for lowering solar energy costs lies in optimizing the installation process and enhancing efficiency. Advances like larger, more efficient panels and designs that reduce the need for extensive infrastructure are crucial to making solar energy more affordable.
There is also promise in improving solar technology efficiency, with potential breakthroughs in panel design that could significantly boost energy output. While obstacles remain, these developments could make solar energy an even more cost-effective and abundant energy source in the future.
Founded: 2021
Key People: CEO Thomas Mueller
Elevator Pitch: Aviation and aerospace components designed for economical and last-mile space payload delivery.
Funding: The company raised an undisclosed amount of venture funding from Opulentia in approximately September 2024.
Founded: 2016
Key People: CEO Salisa Berrien
Elevator Pitch: An energy optimization platform designed to eliminate waste, save on energy costs, and protect the environment through artificial intelligence.
Funding: The company raised $215,000 of venture funding from undisclosed investors on August 30, 2024.
Key People: CEO Sascha Deri
Founded: 2014
Elevator Pitch: An aerospace company intended to make bio-fuel powered rockets and to offer fast and individualized smallsat launch services.
Funding: The company raised $1.465 million of seed funding in a deal led by Late Stage Capital on August 30, 2024.
Look for a new episode of Securing the Future Podcasts wherever you listen. In our most recent episode, general partner Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Jesse Hamel about the future of human-machine collaboration, autonomy, and the evolving world of defense technology.
