OKAPI:Orbits has raised €13 million in seed funding to support its mission of improving safety and sustainability in space operations. The round was led by Ventech, with participation from Matterwave Ventures, the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund, and several individual investors including Christian Miele, former chairman of the German Start-up Association.
This latest funding will enable OKAPI:Orbits to expand its global presence, grow its engineering and operations teams, and enhance its AI-powered Space Traffic Management (STM) platform.
With satellite traffic increasing rapidly, the risk of collisions, signal interference, and space debris is rising. OKAPI:Orbits addresses this challenge by offering end-to-end STM services that span from pre-launch mission planning to post-mission coordination. Its proprietary platforms combine data fusion and predictive modeling to support safer navigation and compliance with international space regulations.
The European space sector is seeing growing momentum, with strategic efforts such as ESA’s Strategy 2040 and the EU Space Act aiming to bolster innovation and autonomous capabilities. OKAPI:Orbits is well-positioned within this landscape, offering a neutral and resilient infrastructure for space domain awareness.
The newly secured funds will be directed toward advancing OKAPI:Orbits' technology and expanding its core team. Key areas of focus include enhancing real-time collision avoidance tools, improving environmental risk assessment features, and developing simulation modules that ensure full regulatory compliance.
The company also plans to scale its footprint across Europe, Asia, and North America, serving both institutional and commercial satellite operators. This global growth strategy is central to OKAPI:Orbits’ vision of enabling safer and more coordinated orbital operations.
Founded in 2018 by Kristina Nikolaus, Christopher Kebschull, and Jonas Radtke, OKAPI:Orbits was one of the first commercial companies focused on Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Based in Germany, it now works with stakeholders around the world, offering scalable, AI-powered STM systems.
The company’s offerings cover the entire mission lifecycle. Its platforms allow users to simulate mission plans, avoid collisions, meet compliance requirements, and actively coordinate satellite traffic. CEO Kristina Nikolaus emphasizes the importance of building resilient systems for global customers while preserving orbital sustainability.
Alongside Ventech, Matterwave Ventures and the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund have thrown their support behind OKAPI:Orbits. The firm’s backing by both industrial and deep tech-focused investors highlights its role in European space innovation.
Investor confidence is echoed in comments from key stakeholders. Nicolas Barthalon of Ventech praised OKAPI:Orbits’ comprehensive platform and industry ties. Benedikt Kronberger of Matterwave emphasized the need for strong European tech players in space. Wolfgang Neubert from Amadeus APEX noted the company’s uniquely neutral and scalable approach to STM.
