Making space research and testing faster, cheaper and more sustainable.
Summary[1]Edit
Gravitilab is raising a bridge round of £500k (EIS) to take advantage of new UK legislation imposing testing on all space-bound satellites.
- Uniquely placed to deliver mandatory testing & qualification services
- Proprietary tech for test vehicles & payload systems - patents pending
- LOI signed with major customers inc. aerospace companies and universities
- Space economy is worth $400bn and suborbital research & testing worth $2bn
- Advisory Board includes former CEO of the UK Space Agency
Operations[1]Edit
Activity in Space is increasing exponentially and while the proliferation of small satellites is changing so many aspects of life on earth (broadcasting, climate science, communications, navigation, agriculture etc.), the unfortunate side effect is a rapid build up of Space junk. The UK is now leading the world with proposals for mandatory testing and qualification of all Space equipment before it is launched into orbit. Realistically Gravitilab is the only company capable of delivering this service in the foreseeable future.
By using its in-house developed launch vehicles and payload system, Gravitilab can provide research and testing services with dramatically shorter lead times and at a much lower cost. What is more, its reusable vehicles and clean burning hybrid engines (75% less greenhouse gas emissions) will ensure that it leads the way on sustainability as it cleans up Space.
The Market[1]Edit
Gravitilab estimates its TAM to be valued at £1.5 billion. As companies can't correctly evaluate, research or test a product if the payload is launched into orbit or beyond, "suborbital" services that provide temporary access to space are set to dominate the market.
Existing market - £800m valuation. It's populated with legacy technology and public sector customers. The market is vulnerable to disruption from Gravitilab, which can offer more local services with shorter lead times at much more affordable prices.
New markets - £700m valuation. NewSpace customers like small satellite makers who'll focus on testing, evaluation and qualification services while facilitating broader scientific discovery and industrial development.
Traction[1]Edit
Gravitilab is uniquely placed to deliver mandatory testing and qualification services, with the space economy is worth $400bn and suborbital research and testing worth $2bn, following new government legislation. They have:
- A letter of Intent signed with major customers including aerospace companies and universities
- Proprietary technology for test vehicles and payload systems (patents pending)
- Begun developing revolutionary eco-friendly hybrid rocket fuel
- Begun progressing in-house launch site close to heart of UK space industry
- An advisory Board includes former CEO of the UK Space Agency
- Been inducted by the European Space Agency into its business incubation program
Future milestones[1]Edit
The funds from this round of funding will go towards supporting the development of Gravitilab's current vehicles and pipeline of future vehicles, as well as improving runaway prior to a £3m raise at an enhanced valuation.
Gravitilab will continue developing its bio propellant with zero carbon footprint, continuing to focus on suborbital, recoverable vehicles using clean power systems.
Team[1]Edit
Gravitilab is led by a team of experienced Space engineers, consultants and entrepreneurs.
The founders have experience in finance and growing SMEs, securing successful exits and being a leader in the UK launch industry, working for the industry's largest names; UKSA, UKSL and Skyrora. The MD has 30+ years of experience in aerospace and has previously built two successful businesses curating valued connections across the private and public sectors. Their chief of staff, Denise, brings over 25 years of experience working at board level in Operations, HR and Marketing. Brian, the services director, has a depth of knowledge and extensive expertise in global test and measurement industries focussing on electronics and space.
Founder and Chairman: James KilpatrickEdit
15 years experience working in finance and investment followed by 25 years growing SMEs in the multiple service sectors-driving value and securing successful exits.
Founder and CEO: Rob AdlardEdit
MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering. A leader in the UK launch industry including projects for UKSA, UKSL and Skyrora. Rob is an expert in suborbital rocketry and overseas technical development and strategy.
Managing Director: Mark Roberts MBEEdit
30+ years’ experience in aerospace. Built two successful businesses. Valued connections across government, space and defence. Mark manages all the commercial operations and sales.
Chief of Staff: Denise Markham WroeEdit
Over 25 years experience working at board level in Operations, HR and Marketing. Denise delivers collaborative and functional working across all aspects of the business.
Services Director: Brian Zielinski-SmithEdit
Extensive expertise in products and service development across the global test and measurement industries focussing on electronics and space. Brian oversees technical service development and consultancy.
RisksEdit
As with any investment, investing in Gravitilab carries a level of risk. Overall, based on the key risks highlighted below, the degree of risk associated with an investment in Gravitilab is higher than in a company that's trading on a public market.
Early-stage investmentEdit
Gravitilab is at one of the earliest stages of the business lifecycle, and the failure rate of companies at that stage is usually much higher than those at a later stage.
Illiquid investmentEdit
The number of transactions in shares of private companies is usually significantly lower than in public companies, typically resulting in it taking longer to sell shares in private companies at a price that is at least equal to the price that the shares were bought at. Accordingly, the Gravitilab investment opportunity is considered to be higher risk than more liquid companies.