Simera Sense Secures €13.5 Million Funding to Expand Satellite Camera Solutions

Simera Sense, a leading company from South Africa that provides complete camera solutions for small satellites observing Earth, has successfully raised €13.5 million (approximately US$14.8 million). 

This funding will be used to grow its product line, boost production, and enhance processing capabilities onboard.

Established in 2018, Simera Sense specialises in offering high-resolution cameras for small satellites worldwide. These cameras are widely used across various industries due to their quality and accessibility.

This significant investment comes from NewSpace Capital and Knife Capital, marking Simera Sense’s first major fundraising effort. 

The company aims to meet the increasing demand from clients and expand its production, with plans to set up additional sites in Europe.

The funding will also support the expansion of Simera’s product development teams, enabling faster creation of higher-resolution and SWIR camera products.

One notable innovation in progress at Simera Sense is the integration of on-board data processing directly into the camera control electronics. This advancement, a first in the market, aims to streamline data processing and reduce communication issues associated with ground processing.

Johann Du Toit, CEO of Simera Sense, expressed gratitude to the investors and emphasised the company’s commitment to meeting client demands and advancing technology for satellite imagery.

Bogdan Gogulan, managing partner of NewSpace Capital, praised Simera Sense for its unique expertise and vision to transform earth observation technology. He highlighted the team’s technical prowess and market appeal, predicting significant achievements ahead.

Keet van Zyl, co-founder and partner at Knife Capital, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising Simera Sense’s promising technology suite and its potential to reshape the industry. He expressed pride in supporting the company’s journey towards revolutionising optical payload solutions.