ETQ’s first space investment underlines growing appetite by private equity for dual-use businesses

Swedish private equity firm EQT has agreed to acquire Berlin-based satellite launch integrator Exolaunch, marking its first investment in the space sector and underscoring growing investor interest in strategic space infrastructure.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition, announced on 18 June, is being made through EQT X and remains subject to regulatory approvals.

Founded in 2010, Exolaunch provides launch integration, mission management and satellite deployment services for commercial and government customers. The company has supported the deployment of more than 790 satellites across 47 missions and has worked with over 200 customers worldwide.

Exolaunch has participated in every SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter and Bandwagon rideshare mission since the programmes were launched and has secured two dedicated Falcon 9 missions scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

The deal gives EQT exposure to a growing segment of the space economy at a time when satellite infrastructure is becoming increasingly important for communications, intelligence and other government applications.

While Exolaunch is not a defence contractor, the transaction highlights how private equity investors are expanding beyond traditional aerospace and defence assets into dual-use technologies and infrastructure that support both commercial and government space activities.

Reuters reported that the investment sits at the lower end of EQT’s typical private equity transaction size, which ranges from €300 million to €1.5 billion.

For European capital markets, the acquisition is another sign that institutional investors increasingly view space infrastructure as a scalable and strategically important investment theme rather than a niche technology sector.