A panel discusses the impact of the SpaceX IPO on the space industry in Europe at SmallSat Europe May 26. Credit: SmallSat Europe
AMSTERDAM — Space companies and investors in Europe are closely watching SpaceX’s plans to go public, an event that could spur new investment in other companies.
During a panel at the SmallSat Europe conference May 26, industry officials said SpaceX’s initial public offering, expected to take place by mid-June, could encourage investors to seek opportunities in other companies in the industry.
“How much will this IPO validate space as a vertical for other investors?” asked Sven Meyer-Brunswick, principal at Alpine Space Ventures. “I do think there will be some investors who, after some time, will be seeking the next SpaceX.”
He suggested those opportunities may revolve around orbital data centers, AI applications in space or more traditional markets like launch and communications. “We’ve talked to quite some investors seeking ‘alt-SpaceX’ investment ideas,” he said.
