Look Up, a French space situational awareness company, has received a substantial boost with a nearly €50 million ($57.6 million) investment to further develop its radar network for tracking space objects. The company, formerly known as Look Up Space, announced on June 11 that this Series A funding round was achieved through a blend of equity investments, loans, and a European Union grant.
ETF Partners, a London-based fund, spearheaded the round with a €24 million contribution. Several existing and new investors also participated, including the European Union’s EIC Fund, which provided €15 million in non-dilutive funding. Additional funding came from various banking institutions, though the exact amount remains undisclosed.
Established in 2022 by former French military and space agency officials, Look Up is constructing a global network of radars. Currently operating one radar in France, the new funding will enable the deployment of two more radars in French Polynesia.
“This €50 million in funding will enable Look Up to accelerate the development of its radar network, expand its services, and grow internationally in order to make a decisive contribution to the security of commercial and government space asset,” Michel Friedling, co-founder and chief executive of Look Up, stated. A retired French Air and Space Forces general and the first head of French Space Command, he added, “As a former French space commander, I know exactly what governments and MoDs [ministries of defense] need to achieve space domain awareness. I founded Look Up to provide them with the capabilities I dreamed of in my previous role, particularly for intelligent and automated space C2.”
Beyond object tracking, Look Up is also developing a space operations service under the EU's ATLAS2 program. This service will integrate with their space surveillance network. “This integrated vision allows us to meet the rising demand for coordinated space traffic management from both public and private operators, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities,” explained Juan Carlos Dolado, co-founder and chief technology officer, and former head of space surveillance at CNES.
With over 60 employees, Look Up plans to expand its workforce to 100 by year's end, fueled by this significant investment, which also supports its international expansion plans.