A Munich-born space tech start-up has officially entered the unicorn club, marking a major milestone for Germany’s deep-tech ecosystem. Isar Aerospace, founded by three aerospace engineering graduates, has surpassed a $1 billion valuation following its latest funding round, positioning itself as a rising force in commercial satellite launch services.
The company, which began prototyping in a university innovation lab, has developed its own launch vehicle designed to carry small and medium satellites into low Earth orbit. Its first successful test flight took place in March 2025 from a Norwegian spaceport, showcasing the viability of its 28-meter rocket system.
With satellite demand surging across industries—from autonomous mobility to precision agriculture—Isar Aerospace aims to offer flexible, cost-efficient launch solutions tailored to emerging tech needs. The start-up’s rapid ascent reflects the growing investor confidence in Europe’s space sector and the strength of academic-industry collaboration.
This achievement also adds to the growing list of unicorns emerging from Munich’s innovation scene, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for high-impact engineering ventures.
Source: Technical University of Munich