UNIVITY, the global operator of space-based connectivity services, announces the closing of a €27 million funding round with Blast, Expansion, and the Deeptech 2030 fund managed on behalf of the French State by Bpifrance as part of France 2030, alongside two family offices. This funding will enable the company to:

• Complete execution of its uniShape VLEO 5G demonstration program, which aims to demonstrate the performance of its high-speed, low-latency VLEO connectivity service, based on breakthrough innovations across multiple domains
• Develop a uniquely positioned offering for telecom operators in the market
• Strengthen and structure its teams
• Prepare for industrial and commercial scale-up from 2028

At a time when sovereignty challenges have never been more critical, UNIVITY offers telecom operators a unique alternative – enabling them to retain strategic control over their space-based connectivity services. As terrestrial and space networks converge, a global market expected to reach several tens of billions of euros by 2030 is emerging, with telecom operators seeking to preserve their central role against vertically integrated models from new entrants.

A Distinctive Technological Signature 

UNIVITY’s strategy is built on two core technological pillars. First, its positioning in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), enabling significantly lower latency, improved performance  including smartphones and connected vehicles and rapid natural atmospheric disintegration at the end of satellites’ life, contributing to orbital sustainability. Second, the use of telecom operators’ 5G spectrum, ensuring native integration with existing mobile networks and enabling for seamless 5G NTN service continuity, without relying on frequency bands already saturated or pre-empted by new entrants.

Together, these choices position UNIVITY as a key player in the convergence of terrestrial and space networks, rather than just another satellite operator.

Building the Wholesale Space Infrastructure for Telecoms

In a market largely dominated by vertically integrated, B2C-oriented constellations, UNIVITY is taking a fundamentally different approach. The company aims to place telecom operators back at the center of the value chain by developing a shared, neutral space infrastructure that they can commercialize themselves — just as they do today with terrestrial networks.

Charles Delfieux, Founder and CEO of UNIVITY, states “We are building the reference space infrastructure designed for telecom operators, covering the full range of connectivity needs — from ultra-high-speed broadband to direct-to-smartphone connectivity. The convergence between terrestrial and space networks is inevitable. Our ambition is to enable operators to leverage space as a natural extension of their terrestrial 5G networks, combining performance, competitiveness, and sovereignty.”

A Strategic Demonstrator: uniShape 

This Series A will support the execution of the uniShape program, the first VLEO-based 5G NTN demonstrator, developed with the support of CNES. Two VLEO 5G satellites will be assembled, integrated, tested, and operated in orbit to validate an end-to-end high-throughput 5G NTN service, as well as Direct-to-Cell smartphone connectivity —from ground gateways to end-user devices. This demonstrator will represent a world first and a key milestone toward the deployment of the commercial uniSky constellation. It will demonstrate full interoperability between terrestrial and space networks within a controlled convergence framework. Beyond the demonstrator, this funding round also marks a new phase of development: the transition to industrial and commercial scale. The company is strengthening its teams in engineering, industrialization and business development to prepare for the next phase, set to begin in 2028.

Charles Beigbeder, Co-founder of Expansion, states “UNIVITY represents an exceptional opportunity to support a breakthrough innovation that is rethinking space connectivity infrastructure. With this Series A, we are strengthening our commitment to enabling telecom operators to capture this strategic market while addressing the challenges of sustainable space usage.”

Stéphane Lefevre-Sauli, Senior Investment Director at Bpifrance, adds “We are delighted to continue supporting UNIVITY, whose globally impactful innovations in VLEO and 5G NTN spectrum are critical to enabling telecom operators to remain competitive and independent in the space connectivity market. This investment fully addresses national and European sovereignty challenges in connectivity, which are at the core of our investment thesis.”

A Sovereign Industrial Ambition

Furthermore, through this funding round and with the support of CNES, UNIVITY is accelerating the development of a competitive space infrastructure designed to complement fiber and cellular networks, extend connectivity to rural and remote areas, strengthen the resilience of critical networks, and restore operators’ control over their space-based expansion. UNIVITY aims to position Europe as a key player in global hybrid connectivity.

Anthony Bourbon, Founder of Blast Club, states - “UNIVITY is not just innovating, it is redefining the architecture of global communications. By positioning space as the natural extension of terrestrial networks, the company is already establishing itself as a pivotal player in the sector. At Blast, we support those who have the boldness and operational excellence required to build the industrial champions of tomorrow.”

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