Top 8 Venture Capital Firms Investing in Space Travel Startups

For founders in the demanding space technology and aerospace sectors, understanding which investors are writing checks is a critical part of any fundraising strategy. Finding the right partner who understands deep tech timelines and capital needs can make all the difference.

To help you prepare, our team has curated this overview of the top venture capital firms investing in space tech. We created this guide to give you a direct look at the investors who are most relevant to your business.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. The Rho platform also provides business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—all built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding provides space technology startups with the significant capital required for long research and development cycles, and it also serves as a critical validation of their technology and business model.

• Leading firms in the space travel sector include Lockheed Martin Ventures, Space Capital, Valhalla Ventures, and Adit Ventures, who are notable backers of many new companies in this field.

• For startup leaders currently fundraising or who have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage new capital with fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Space Travel Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether your company is in its early stages or preparing for an exit, it helps to know who to talk to. We've put together a quick overview of the VC firms active in the space travel sector, organized by their investment stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Space Travel

Pre-seed and seed funding are the earliest forms of capital, used to validate an idea, build a minimum viable product, and make initial hires. For founders in the space travel sector, firms like Space Capital, Valhalla Ventures, and Starbridge Venture Capital are active at this foundational stage.

Early Stage VC Firms in Space Travel

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and B rounds, helps startups with a proven product scale their operations, expand their team, and grow their market presence. Key early stage venture capital firms to know in the aerospace industry include Lockheed Martin Ventures, Space VC, and HorizonX Ventures.

Late Stage VC Firms in Space Travel

Late-stage venture capital is for established companies looking to finance significant expansion, prepare for an IPO, or consider acquisition opportunities. Investors like Adit Ventures and HorizonX Ventures focus on more mature companies within the space sector.

It's also worth noting that some investors, such as Rogue VC, invest across all startup funding stages. For founders seeking alternatives to equity, Rho Capital connects startups to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines. Once you secure capital, our integrated platform helps you manage it with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

To help you identify the right investors, here is a more detailed overview of the top VC firms in the space travel sector, including their typical investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each a compelling choice for founders.

1. Lockheed Martin Ventures

As the corporate venture capital arm of Lockheed Martin, this firm invests in early-stage companies that are strategically relevant to the global aerospace and security leader. Founded in 2007, it provides capital to startups developing foundational technologies.

The firm’s portfolio shows a clear focus on deep tech sectors, including aerospace, national security, and advanced hardware. Notable investments include small-satellite manufacturer Terran Orbital and silicon-photonics company Ayar Labs, signaling an appetite for businesses with long-term impact.

Lockheed Martin Ventures is a strong potential partner for founders whose technology has clear applications in defense, security, or high-performance computing. For startups seeking alternatives to equity, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines to help you grow on your own terms.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Aerospace, National Security, Space Travel, Hardware

• Geographical presence: Bethesda, Maryland

• Founded year: 2007

• Notable portfolio companies: Terran Orbital, Ayar Labs, Mythic

• Number of investments: 91

You can refer to their website here.

2. Space Capital

Founded in 2017, Space Capital invests in what it calls the “final frontier” of technology and growth. The firm provides early-stage and seed funding to companies building foundational technologies for the space economy.

The firm’s portfolio includes some of the most recognized names in the industry, such as SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Planet Labs. This focus on category-defining companies shows their commitment to backing ambitious, long-term projects from the ground up.

Space Capital is an ideal partner for founders at the earliest stages of building a company in the space sector. Once you secure that critical early funding, Rho can help you manage it with integrated banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, letting you focus on building.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed

• Industries of focus: Big Data, Finance, GPS, Satellite Communication, Space Travel

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded year: 2017

• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Planet Labs, Astrobotic, Varda Space

• Number of investments: 78

You can refer to their website here.

3. Valhalla Ventures

Valhalla Ventures invests in companies building "enduring moats," focusing on businesses with strong, defensible advantages. Founded in 2020, the firm backs founders from the seed and early stages with a product-centric approach.

The firm shows a clear preference for deep tech and tangible innovation across sectors like space travel, advanced materials, and biotechnology. Portfolio companies like K2 Space, which builds large satellite platforms, and Rain, which develops autonomous firefighting helicopters, reflect this focus.

Valhalla Ventures is a good match for founders developing complex technologies with high barriers to entry. After securing a round, our platform at Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed, Venture

• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Energy, Gaming, Industrial, Manufacturing, Space Travel, Sustainability

• Geographical presence: Los Angeles, California

• Founded year: 2020

• Notable portfolio companies: K2 Space, Biofire, Rain, Terran Biosciences

• Number of investments: 23

You can refer to their website here.

4. Adit Ventures

Founded in 2014, Adit Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in private companies on behalf of its large network of limited partners. The firm has a significant asset base and a presence across the United States.

Adit Ventures invests across early and late stages and also participates in the secondary market, allowing them to buy shares from existing stakeholders. Their portfolio features major technology companies like SpaceX and Flexport, showing a focus on high-growth businesses with established market positions.

This firm is a compelling choice for founders leading well-established, high-growth companies that are approaching later funding stages or considering secondary transactions. Once you secure a significant round, our platform at Rho helps you manage and deploy your new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Secondary Market

• Industries of focus: Space Travel, FinTech, Cyber Security, Big Data, Augmented Reality

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded year: 2014

• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, Animoca Brands, Flexport, Rubrik, Dataminr

• Number of investments: 25

You can refer to their website here.

5. Starbridge Venture Capital

Founded in 2017, Starbridge Venture Capital provides capital to founders aiming to open new frontiers and reshape major industries. The firm invests from the seed to early stages, backing companies with ambitious, long-term visions.

A look at their portfolio reveals a focus on category-defining companies, including investments in SpaceX, commercial space station developer Axiom Space, and fusion-energy startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems. This signals a clear appetite for deep tech ventures that require significant capital and have the potential for massive impact.

Starbridge is an excellent match for founders developing complex technologies with high barriers to entry, particularly in aerospace and communications. Once you secure a significant round, our platform at Rho helps you manage and deploy your new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture, Seed, Venture

• Industries of focus: Aerospace, Satellite Communication, Space Travel, Telecommunications

• Geographical presence: Washington, D.C.

• Founded year: 2017

• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, Axiom Space, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Lynk Global

• Number of investments: 25

You can refer to their website here.

6. Space.VC

Space.VC is a venture capital firm that backs founders in the space technology sector from the earliest stages. Founded in 2021, the firm focuses its investments on companies from pre-seed through Series A, supporting them as they build foundational businesses.

The firm's portfolio shows a clear focus on core space infrastructure, with investments in launch provider SpaceX, space-infrastructure-as-a-service company Loft Orbital, and GPS-alternative developer Xona Space Systems. This signals an interest in businesses building the essential technologies that power the space economy.

Space.VC is a strong fit for early-stage founders developing ambitious technologies in satellite communications, software, or other space infrastructure. Once you secure your early funding, our platform at Rho can help you manage it with integrated banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed to Series A

• Industries of focus: Infrastructure, Satellite Communication, Software, Space Travel

• Geographical presence: Austin, Texas

• Founded year: 2021

• Notable portfolio companies: SpaceX, Loft Orbital, Space Forge, Pixxel, Xona Space Systems

• Number of investments: 28

You can refer to their website here.

7. Rogue VC

Founded in 2020, Rogue VC is a venture capital firm that backs what it calls “radical founders with big ideas” in deep technology and emerging culture. The firm invests across all stages, from seed to late-stage venture, supporting companies throughout their growth journey.

The firm’s portfolio is diverse, spanning augmented reality, biotechnology, and consumer health, which reflects their interest in foundational tech and new cultural trends. Investments in companies like mixed-reality gaming startup PortalOne and at-home health assessment kit Reperio Health show a focus on businesses with unique, defensible technology.

Rogue VC is a good fit for founders building companies based on deep technology, especially those whose ideas cross traditional industry lines. Once you secure funding, our platform at Rho helps you manage and deploy capital efficiently with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Biotechnology, Space Travel

• Geographical presence: New York, New York

• Founded year: 2020

• Notable portfolio companies: PortalOne, Reperio Health, Streem, The Riveter

• Number of investments: 22

You can refer to their website here.

8. Boeing HorizonX Ventures

As the corporate venture capital arm of Boeing, HorizonX Ventures invests in companies from late seed through their mid-growth stages. Founded in 2017, the firm backs businesses developing technologies that are strategically important to the aerospace giant.

The firm's portfolio shows a strong focus on deep tech with clear industrial applications, including advanced materials, AI, and manufacturing. Notable investments like hypersonic engine developer Reaction Engines and AI software company SparkCognition highlight their interest in foundational technologies.

HorizonX Ventures is a compelling partner for founders whose technology aligns with aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing. For startups seeking alternatives to equity, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines to help you grow on your own terms.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Convertible Note

• Industries of focus: Advanced Materials, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Manufacturing, Space Travel

• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois

• Founded year: 2017

• Notable portfolio companies: SparkCognition, Reaction Engines, C360 Technologies, Gamma Alloys

• Number of investments: 38

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Space Travel Companies

The venture capital support for space technology companies appears well-rounded. While there is a strong concentration of firms focused on seed and early-stage rounds, which is critical for capital-intensive deep tech, there are also multiple investors like Adit Ventures and Boeing HorizonX that provide late-stage funding. This balance suggests that opportunities exist for founders at nearly every stage of growth.

The investors are also geographically diverse, with a presence in major hubs beyond Silicon Valley, including New York, Washington D.C., and Texas. This variety, combined with a mix of specialized and corporate VCs, gives you more pathways to find a partner who aligns with your long-term vision. Once you secure funding, our platform at Rho helps you manage and deploy capital efficiently with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of relevant investors is invaluable when your time and energy are limited during a fundraise. We created this guide to give you a clear starting point for your outreach.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. We help founders access working capital that fits their business model.

Once capital is secured, Rho provides integrated tools to help you manage and deploy funds efficiently. Our platform includes business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you focus on growth.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Space Travel

Which US cities are hubs for space venture capital firms?

Major hubs for space venture capital include New York, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area. You'll also find specialized investors in Washington D.C., Texas, and other regions with strong aerospace and defense industries, offering broad geographic options.

What do early stage VC firms look for in space tech?

Early-stage investors typically want to see a strong technical team, a clear product vision, and evidence of a large market opportunity. A working prototype or initial customer interest can significantly strengthen your position when you approach them.

Are deep tech venture capital firms also investing in space?

Yes, there is significant overlap. Many deep tech VCs actively invest in space companies because the sector relies on foundational innovations in areas like AI, advanced materials, and robotics. These firms understand long development cycles and complex technology.

What are the benefits of working with a corporate venture capital firm?

Corporate VCs, like those from Boeing or Lockheed Martin, offer more than just capital. They can provide deep industry expertise, access to established supply chains, and potential strategic partnerships that can accelerate your company's growth and market validation.

What are my funding options besides venture capital?

Beyond equity, you can explore non-dilutive funding. Our Rho Capital service connects founders with options like venture debt and credit lines, helping you secure working capital without giving up ownership. This can be a great complement to a VC round.

How can Rho help my startup after I raise a round?

Once you secure funding, our platform helps you manage it effectively. We provide integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, so you can focus your time and resources on building your business. Learn more at Rho.