Swedish private markets firm EQT AB has acquired Berlin-based space services company Exolaunch, marking its first investment in the space sector and underscoring continued private equity appetite for orbital infrastructure and launch-enabling technologies, according to a report by Reuters.
Exolaunch, which provides satellite deployment services by coordinating launches with rocket operators including SpaceX, will be supported by EQT to expand internationally and accelerate development of next-generation satellite deployment and launch solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed, though the transaction is understood to sit at the lower end of EQT’s flagship private equity fund’s typical deal range.
Founded in 2013 as a spin-out from the space technology department at the Technical University of Berlin, Exolaunch has grown into a key intermediary in the satellite launch ecosystem. The company has now supported the deployment of more than 790 satellites across 47 missions for over 200 commercial and government customers spanning North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The business has maintained a close working relationship with SpaceX since 2020, participating in every Falcon 9 Transporter and Bandwagon rideshare mission since their inception. It is also preparing for dedicated launch missions, with Exo-1 and Exo-2 Falcon 9 flights scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
EQT said the investment reflects its conviction in the long-term growth of the space economy, driven by rising demand for satellite-based communications, Earth observation, and defence applications. The firm added that Exolaunch’s position as a launch integration specialist makes it a strategic “picks-and-shovels” play within the broader sector.
Executives at Exolaunch described the current market environment as a pivotal period for the industry, citing accelerating demand, technological advances, and expanding end-use applications as key drivers of growth.
