Skynopy is a Paris-based NewSpace startup founded in late 2023 by former Loft Orbital executives Pierre Bertrand (CEO) and Antonin Hirsch (CTO). The company specializes in providing ground station services for low Earth orbit satellites. It aims to disrupt the satellite ground segment market by offering high-speed, hybrid ground station services with a focus on S, X, and Ka bands. Skynopy has quickly raised €15 million to finance the global expansion of its satellite ground station network, with support from investors like Alven, Expansion, Omnes, and CNES through their SpaceFounders programme.
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Founding Date | Late 2023 |
Headquarters | Paris, France |
Founders | Pierre Bertrand (CEO), Antonin Hirsch (CTO) |
Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
Key Investors | Alven, Expansion, Omnes, CNES SpaceFounders, Heartcore Capital, Kima Ventures, Better Angle |
Industry | Satellite Communications |
Number of Employees | Approximately 13 employees |
Skynopy was founded in late 2023 by Pierre Bertrand and Antonin Hirsch, who capitalized on their experience as executives at Loft Orbital to establish a company aiming to revolutionize satellite communications. The founders identified untapped potential within the satellite ground station sector — a niche segment sidelined by explosive advances in satellite launch capabilities and in-orbit technologies. Within its first few months, Skynopy pivoted quickly, adopting a "Ground Stations as a Service" (GSaaS) model inspired by the "as-a-service" trends dominating tech industries. This allowed them to integrate existing ground infrastructure with proprietary innovations. With initial funding from European investors, they aggressively pursued strategic partnerships to bolster network reach, positioning Skynopy as a key player in satellite ground operations.
Skynopy’s business model hinges on reducing the complexity associated with traditional satellite communications by offering a comprehensive, seamless connectivity service. The company provides a hybrid network across 18 strategic ground station locations assessed according to functionality, latency, and data throughput concerns. Their modular approach means integrating both partner and proprietary stations, enabling operators to interface seamlessly across different satellite missions.
Skynopy currently operates a network exceeding 30 antennas internationally, enabling low Earth orbit satellite operators to utilize comprehensive communications without heavy upfront investments. As of mid-2025, the company is strategically focusing on meeting the escalating data requirements of Earth observation and other data-intensive applications.
Skynopy stands out by fundamentally altering the ground station landscape through agile, interoperable, and CAPEX-free service models. As the space industry gravitates towards efficiently managing burgeoning data demands, Skynopy’s focus remains on widespread deployment plans for the AKAR network, scheduled for completion by 2028. Through these initiatives, Skynopy aims to cement their influence as a linchpin within orbital telecommunications, driving connectivity innovations aligned with industry needs. Skynopy's ongoing growth will undoubtedly contribute substantial advancements in how satellite operators manage their ground communications moving forward.