NATO Innovation Fund invests £30M in UK satellite imaging firm SatVu

The NATO Innovation Fund has invested £30 million in the UK-based space technology company SatVu, providing venture-style capital to accelerate the deployment of its thermal satellite constellation. The funding aims to strengthen SatVu’s capability to deliver persistent, high-resolution earth observation for defense, government, and security applications, according to The Times.

NATO Innovation Fund and strategic investors back SatVu’s growth

SatVu, a London-based startup specializing in thermal imaging satellites, has now raised approximately £60 million in total equity. The latest round included contributions from the NATO Innovation Fund, the British Business Bank, Space Frontiers Fund II, and Presto Tech Horizons, alongside continued backing from previous investors such as Molten Ventures, Adara Ventures, Ridgeline Ventures, and Lockheed Martin.

The NATO Innovation Fund acts similarly to a venture capital vehicle, providing financial support for startups working on technologies with strategic defense and security relevance. With backing from 24 NATO member nations, the fund focuses on accelerating commercialization of high-tech capabilities that strengthen alliance capabilities while offering potential long-term returns.

For SatVu, the involvement of such a strategic investor validates its technological approach and supports its ambitions to expand quickly. The capital will allow the company to scale operations, increase the number of satellites in orbit, and enhance the frequency and reliability of thermal imaging coverage.

Industry observers say the deal highlights a broader trend in Europe: government-backed venture capital is increasingly being used to support deep-tech startups that develop sovereign capabilities. This approach bridges the gap between traditional defense funding and private venture-style investment, helping startups bring advanced technology to market faster.

SatVu: a space technology company accelerating thermal satellite deployment

SatVu specializes in thermal imaging, which detects heat patterns from infrastructure, industrial sites, and human activity that optical satellites cannot capture. This capability is critical for government monitoring, security analysis, and industrial intelligence applications.

The £30 million injection will be used to expand SatVu’s satellite constellation, moving from initial demonstrator satellites toward a full operational fleet. New satellites will allow more frequent revisits over target areas, providing near-continuous observation capabilities. The expanded constellation also strengthens SatVu’s ability to serve allied governments and commercial clients requiring persistent, high-resolution thermal data.

In addition to satellite construction and deployment, the funding will support development of ground infrastructure, data processing platforms, and analytical tools. SatVu’s goal is to provide actionable intelligence from its thermal imagery, which can support both defense operations and commercial decision-making in energy, logistics, and environmental monitoring.

Investors drive strategic defense capabilities through space technology

The NATO Innovation Fund was established to invest in innovative companies developing technologies that strengthen the alliance’s strategic capabilities. Its portfolio spans areas such as space, artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity, providing long-term capital to projects with both commercial and defense potential.

SatVu’s financing is part of a wider European and UK effort to enhance domestic space capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign satellite providers. Over the past few years, investment in European space tech has accelerated, driven by strategic priorities, commercial demand, and the growing value of earth observation data.

The UK government has supported the space sector through policies and grants, helping companies like SatVu secure early-stage capital and contracts. This ecosystem has made the UK a hub for dual-use space startups capable of serving both commercial and defense clients.

The NATO Innovation Fund’s £30 million investment in SatVu demonstrates the increasing intersection of venture-style funding and strategic defense interests. The capital will enable SatVu to expand its thermal satellite constellation, deliver persistent intelligence, and strengthen the UK’s position in the space technology sector. By combining government-backed investment with private and institutional capital, the deal reflects a growing model for financing deep-tech startups that serve both national security and commercial needs. SatVu’s expansion signals a step forward for Europe’s space capabilities and highlights the value of dual-use satellite technologies in a rapidly evolving global landscape