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Kreios Space, based in Vigo, Spain, develops Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) systems enabling satellites to operate in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) at 150-400 kilometers by using atmospheric drag as fuel. This technology allows satellites to remain operational for years, unlocking new capabilities for Earth observation, telecommunications, and defense. The 17-person team has raised over $2.6 million, including a Seed round led by the NATO Innovation Fund and JOIN Capital in September 2025, which was the largest-ever European round in VLEO technology and the NATO Innovation Fund's first direct investment in Spain. Advisors include personnel with backgrounds from Thales, JAXA, and ESA. Kreios Space was founded in 2021 by Adrián Senar, Jan Mataró, Francisco Boira, Adrià Barceló, Max Amer, and Francisco Bosch.
Kreios Space has raised $11.5M across 2 funding rounds.
Kreios Space has raised $11.5M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Kreios Space has raised $11.5M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $9.0M Seed in September 2025.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2025 | $9M Seed | Join Capital, David Ordonez | Btov Partners, Founderful, Grow Venture Partners, Tasivia Global, Xesgalicia | Announced |
| Jul 29, 2024 | $2.5M Pre Seed | — | Grow Venture Partners, Spacequest Ventures, Startupxplore, Tasivia Global, Xesgalicia | Announced |
Kreios Space has raised $11.5M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Kreios Space's investors include Join Capital, David Ordonez, btov Partners, Founderful, Grow Venture Partners, Tasivia Global, Xesgalicia, SpaceQuest Ventures, Startupxplore.
Kreios Space is a deep-tech aerospace startup specializing in electric propulsion systems for satellites operating in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). Its flagship innovation, the Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) system, enables satellites to maintain orbit at altitudes around 150-400 km by using atmospheric particles as fuel, powered by solar energy, eliminating the need for conventional onboard fuel. This technology allows satellites to deliver sharper Earth observation images and direct-to-device broadband connectivity with longer mission durations and lower costs. Kreios primarily serves satellite operators and industries relying on Earth observation and telecommunications, aiming to unlock a previously inaccessible orbital region with significant commercial and strategic value. The company has shown strong growth momentum, raising over €8 million in seed funding led by the NATO Innovation Fund and other European investors, and is advancing toward in-orbit demonstrations and commercial deployments[1][2][3][4][5].
Founded in 2021 by a team of six founders with backgrounds linked to aerospace and space agencies, Kreios Space emerged from research focused on overcoming the atmospheric drag challenge that traditionally limited satellite operations in VLEO. The idea was to develop a propulsion system that "breathes" the thin atmosphere to sustain orbit, enabling satellites to fly closer to Earth than ever before. Early traction came from securing significant seed funding and partnerships with European investors and advisors from organizations like ESA and JAXA. The company has grown from a lab project into a 17-person team headquartered in Vigo, Spain, positioning itself as a European leader in VLEO satellite technology[2][3][6].
Kreios Space rides the growing trend of satellite miniaturization and the demand for higher-resolution Earth observation and direct-to-device broadband connectivity. The timing is critical as VLEO was once considered impractical due to atmospheric drag, but Kreios’ ABEP technology changes that paradigm. Market forces such as increasing satellite constellations, demand for real-time data, and strategic needs for space sovereignty favor Kreios’ approach. By enabling longer missions at lower altitudes, Kreios influences the satellite industry toward more sustainable, cost-effective, and capable space operations, potentially reshaping commercial and defense space sectors in Europe and globally[1][2][4].
Kreios Space is poised to demonstrate its ABEP technology in orbit soon, which will be a pivotal milestone validating its approach. Future trends shaping its journey include the expansion of satellite constellations for Earth observation and telecommunications, increased demand for space-based broadband, and geopolitical emphasis on space autonomy. As Kreios scales, it may lead Europe in VLEO satellite deployment, influencing global space infrastructure and sustainability standards. Its success could open new commercial opportunities and redefine how satellites operate closer to Earth, fulfilling its mission to make VLEO a domain where Europe leads rather than follows[2][4].
