LAUSANNE, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Astrocast is one of the leading emerging satellite operators in Europe. The company’s global Satellite IoT network allows customers to expand their Internet of Things (IoT) strategy to remote regions of the world.
The company, which benefits from the financial backing of leading corporate and venture capital funds including US based Adit Ventures, Airbus Ventures, Swiss family offices as well as the European Space Agency, has appointed European investment bank Bryan, Garnier & Co as global coordinator for the transaction.
The company is evaluating with its advisors a potential direct listing of 30 percent to 40 percent of its shares, pursuant to a private placement of newly issued shares extended to qualified international institutional investors, as well as strategic corporate investors, in what would be the first listing of an IoT dedicated satellite constellation. The listing could occur as soon as Q3 of this year.
“Astrocast is recognised as one of the pioneers, and one of the most advanced companies in the world tackling the issue of low-cost global connectivity for the IoT, which is the roadblock for a massive expansion of the market. A listing on a European stock market would represent a major step for the company as we are now accelerating the deployment of our constellation,” said Astrocast CFO Kjell Karlsen.
Pioneering the satellite based IoT connectivity market
Astrocast has developed a complete end-to-end communication solution for the IoT market, including satellites, communications platform, and modules (receivers). The satellites operate in the L-band spectrum, they can provide two-way communication and the terminals are designed with a favourable form factor as well as utilizing smaller antennas, opening for a whole new set of use cases such as environmental, maritime, logistics and agricultural applications.
Astrocast’s global service currently consists of seven operational satellites with additional five satellites to be launched by SpaceX by end of June 2021. Proceeds from the private placement will help funding the expansion of this network to a total of 100 satellites in orbit by end 2024.
After a successful pilot phase last year, Astrocast launched its commercial operations in May of this year. Two months later, the company is rolling out its first 20 customers, spread over three continents, and filling up its sales order book at rapid pace.
Nomination of non-executive Directors
As part of its plans to grow and invest in additional satellite communication capacity and also become a publicly traded company, two new board members have been nominated for election.
Jon Cholak is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Adit Genesis, Adit Ventures’ early-stage investment vehicle. Adit Genesis’ goal is to find world-class early-stage companies that will shape the next generation of technology innovation and development. Genesis invests in Seed, Series A and Series B stage companies across a variety of sectors. Its track record includes early-stage investments in global brands such as Klarna, Airbnb, Spotify, and SpaceX.
Jan Eyvin Wang is a former CEO of Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA, one of Norway’s largest shipping companies. He is currently non-executive director in several of the companies in the New Energy Division in the Wilhelmsen group as well as CrayoNano, a next generation semiconductor company.
About Astrocast
Astrocast SA is the most advanced global Nanosatellite IoT Network to tackle challenges in industries such as Agriculture & Livestock, Oil, Gas & Mining, Maritime, Environmental, Connected Vehicles, and IoT Devices. The Astrocast Network enables companies to monitor, track, assess, and communicate with critical remote assets from anywhere in the world. In partnership with Airbus, CEA/LETI, the European Space Agency, and Thuraya, Astrocast developed Astronode S, a cutting-edge terminal featuring low profile L-band antenna, ultra-low power consumption, and a small form factor. Founded in 2014 by a renowned team of experts, Astrocast designs, builds, and tests all of its products in-house, from the satellites to the terminals. The Astrocast Network will consist of 100 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) nanosatellites. http://www.astrocast.com