Look Up: A New Dawn for Space Safety with €50 Million in Funding
June 18, 2025, 6:26 am
In the vast expanse of space, where silence reigns and stars twinkle like distant dreams, a new player is making waves. Look Up, a Toulouse-based startup, has just secured €50 million in funding. This is not just a number; it’s a beacon of hope for the future of space safety.
Founded in 2022, Look Up is on a mission to tackle the growing problem of space debris and orbital collisions. With the cosmos becoming increasingly crowded, the need for effective space traffic management has never been more urgent. Look Up aims to fill this gap with cutting-edge radar technology and innovative software solutions.
The funding round, one of the largest in European SpaceTech history, was led by ETF Partners. Other notable investors include Leadwind, the EIC Fund, and MIG Capital. This diverse group of backers reflects a collective belief in Look Up’s vision. The investment comprises equity, debt, and public grants, showcasing a robust financial foundation.
Look Up’s ambition is clear. The company plans to deploy two new radar systems in French Polynesia. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance its global radar network, known as SORASYS. This network will monitor everything from operational satellites to tiny debris that could pose a threat to space missions.
At the heart of Look Up’s operations is its proprietary platform, SYNAPSE. This platform provides real-time insights into the space environment, allowing governments and commercial operators to manage their assets effectively. Imagine a digital guardian watching over satellites, ensuring they don’t collide in the vastness of space.
The urgency of this mission cannot be overstated. With thousands of satellites orbiting Earth and more planned for the future, the risk of collisions is escalating. Currently, the United States dominates low-Earth orbit tracking, handling about 90% of the responsibility. Look Up’s expansion signals Europe’s desire to reclaim its sovereignty in space surveillance.
The company’s founders, Michel Friedling and Juan Carlos Dolado Perez, bring a wealth of experience to the table. Friedling, a former head of the French Space Command, and Dolado Perez, ex-Chief of Space Surveillance at CNES, understand the stakes. They are not just building a business; they are crafting a safer future for space operations.
With a team of over 60 employees, Look Up is poised for rapid growth. By the end of the year, they aim to double their workforce. This expansion is not just about numbers; it’s about building a culture of innovation and excellence.
The funding will also support the launch of a space operations center. This facility will serve as a hub for coordinating space traffic management efforts. It’s a crucial step in validating Look Up’s “Space-Operations-as-a-Service” model. This model promises to revolutionize how space operations are conducted, making them safer and more efficient.
Look Up’s technology is built on three pillars. First, the ability to detect orbital objects 24/7 with high revisit rates. Second, real-time analysis of the space domain through the SYNAPSE platform. Third, enabling safe and sustainable space operations. This integrated approach is what sets Look Up apart from its competitors.
The European Union is also backing this initiative with €15 million in non-dilutive funding. This support underscores the importance of Look Up’s mission. The EU recognizes that a sustainable space environment is essential for the future of space exploration and commercial activities.
As Look Up prepares to deploy its radar units, the company is also focused on addressing the challenges of an increasingly congested orbital environment. The stakes are high. A single collision can create thousands of pieces of debris, each capable of damaging operational satellites.
Look Up’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond just space safety. By creating a secure orbital environment, they are laying the groundwork for a sustainable space economy. This balance between environmental responsibility and technological progress is crucial for the future of space exploration.
In a world where the cosmos is becoming a bustling highway, Look Up is the traffic cop. They are not just watching; they are actively managing the flow of satellites and debris. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring that space remains a safe and accessible frontier for generations to come.
As the company embarks on this ambitious journey, the eyes of the world will be watching. Look Up is not just a startup; it’s a symbol of hope for a safer, more sustainable future in space. With €50 million in funding, they are ready to soar. The stars are within reach, and Look Up is leading the way.
In conclusion, Look Up is more than a name; it’s a call to action. The future of space safety depends on innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. With their recent funding, Look Up is poised to make a significant impact. The cosmos awaits, and Look Up is ready to rise to the challenge.
Founded in 2022, Look Up is on a mission to tackle the growing problem of space debris and orbital collisions. With the cosmos becoming increasingly crowded, the need for effective space traffic management has never been more urgent. Look Up aims to fill this gap with cutting-edge radar technology and innovative software solutions.
The funding round, one of the largest in European SpaceTech history, was led by ETF Partners. Other notable investors include Leadwind, the EIC Fund, and MIG Capital. This diverse group of backers reflects a collective belief in Look Up’s vision. The investment comprises equity, debt, and public grants, showcasing a robust financial foundation.
Look Up’s ambition is clear. The company plans to deploy two new radar systems in French Polynesia. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance its global radar network, known as SORASYS. This network will monitor everything from operational satellites to tiny debris that could pose a threat to space missions.
At the heart of Look Up’s operations is its proprietary platform, SYNAPSE. This platform provides real-time insights into the space environment, allowing governments and commercial operators to manage their assets effectively. Imagine a digital guardian watching over satellites, ensuring they don’t collide in the vastness of space.
The urgency of this mission cannot be overstated. With thousands of satellites orbiting Earth and more planned for the future, the risk of collisions is escalating. Currently, the United States dominates low-Earth orbit tracking, handling about 90% of the responsibility. Look Up’s expansion signals Europe’s desire to reclaim its sovereignty in space surveillance.
The company’s founders, Michel Friedling and Juan Carlos Dolado Perez, bring a wealth of experience to the table. Friedling, a former head of the French Space Command, and Dolado Perez, ex-Chief of Space Surveillance at CNES, understand the stakes. They are not just building a business; they are crafting a safer future for space operations.
With a team of over 60 employees, Look Up is poised for rapid growth. By the end of the year, they aim to double their workforce. This expansion is not just about numbers; it’s about building a culture of innovation and excellence.
The funding will also support the launch of a space operations center. This facility will serve as a hub for coordinating space traffic management efforts. It’s a crucial step in validating Look Up’s “Space-Operations-as-a-Service” model. This model promises to revolutionize how space operations are conducted, making them safer and more efficient.
Look Up’s technology is built on three pillars. First, the ability to detect orbital objects 24/7 with high revisit rates. Second, real-time analysis of the space domain through the SYNAPSE platform. Third, enabling safe and sustainable space operations. This integrated approach is what sets Look Up apart from its competitors.
The European Union is also backing this initiative with €15 million in non-dilutive funding. This support underscores the importance of Look Up’s mission. The EU recognizes that a sustainable space environment is essential for the future of space exploration and commercial activities.
As Look Up prepares to deploy its radar units, the company is also focused on addressing the challenges of an increasingly congested orbital environment. The stakes are high. A single collision can create thousands of pieces of debris, each capable of damaging operational satellites.
Look Up’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond just space safety. By creating a secure orbital environment, they are laying the groundwork for a sustainable space economy. This balance between environmental responsibility and technological progress is crucial for the future of space exploration.
In a world where the cosmos is becoming a bustling highway, Look Up is the traffic cop. They are not just watching; they are actively managing the flow of satellites and debris. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring that space remains a safe and accessible frontier for generations to come.
As the company embarks on this ambitious journey, the eyes of the world will be watching. Look Up is not just a startup; it’s a symbol of hope for a safer, more sustainable future in space. With €50 million in funding, they are ready to soar. The stars are within reach, and Look Up is leading the way.
In conclusion, Look Up is more than a name; it’s a call to action. The future of space safety depends on innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. With their recent funding, Look Up is poised to make a significant impact. The cosmos awaits, and Look Up is ready to rise to the challenge.