In previous decades, space missions were primarily operated by space agencies, yet private sector involvement was vital for supplying hardware and expertise. As commercial satellite operators, and recently SpaceX and Blue Origin (supported by billions of investments from their owners) have become key players from implementing space-based infrastructure, the 'high-cost barrier to entry' to operate missions has been lowered. As the price per missions lowers the costs for ongoing commercial operations, the sector is then stable and profitable for a new wave of investors; funds, private equity, and retail investors.
Predicting this new investor demand, Space Ventures Investors Ltd (SVI) was established in 2014 by Simon Drake and Kevin Mac Gowan. They identified the potential of the next space race and how it will re-shape the global economy. Thanks to their experience from working in many global companies, including investment banking and marketing, combined with their sense of entrepreneurship and a passion for space, they started to work on the concept of making space a tangible investment for everyone. Thomas Lazaridis joined the team in 2015 prior to leading the investment arm of SVI. Adrian Kingsford joined in 2023.
The core vision of SVI is to allow both sophisticated and non-sophisticated investors to invest in the space. SVI created a research tool to define the space sector: the Strategic Space Value Chain; split into verticals, a visual framework showing existing and emerging companies that are integral to space commerce and space resources. By identifying each layer of the value chain, SVI has been able to target upcoming start-ups by categorizing them by sub-sector and identifying key industrial partners that would provide the support, and even exit solutions, bringing value and financial returns to SVI's investors.
SVI has successfully invested in multiple European and US start-ups. The goal is ongoing, to build start-ups, strengthen businesses, support visionary projects, and create the leaders of tomorrow. SVI's own investors and entrepreneurs need each other, and SVI is the ideal vehicle: A shareholder driven company that follows a simple road map; the Strategic Space Value Chain, comprised of space start-ups and established companies. SVI is part of the value chain, also offering services such as management, capital raising, marketing, business development and project management.
A Sharper Focus on Space Resources
SVI sees game-changing and history altering opportunities in Space Resources, and more specifically Mining the Moon, or Lunar Resources Exploration and Extraction. SVI already involved with several joint-ventures / spin-offs. The intention is to build on the vision of a Strategic Supply Chain from Earth to the Lunar Surface. Existing activities include:
Space Commodities Exchange: Joint-venture. The on-orbit servicing industry is just taking-off, and includes commodities sent from Earth, dispatched to LEO, GEO and Cislunar to re-fuelling satellites, space craft, and supply manned space stations.
Lunar Resources Registry: The Lunar Resources industry is nascent, and we are already part of it. We have a front-row seat to the opportunity and a practical approach on how to achieve our most vital objective: To make Space Resources a commercial industry.
European Light Lunar Lander Joint Venture in Europe: In 2021
Berlin Space Consortium,
Space Ventures Investors, and
Lunar Resources Registry
have agreed to form a Joint Venture in Europe, to design, manufacture, launch and operate European Light Lunar Landers (ELLLa). The LLL will conduct Lunar missions for its joint venture partners, host payloads, and sell landers to prospective clients.
