UNIVITY’s VLEO satellite for next-generation wholesale space infrastructure. © UNIVITY
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 pilars. 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.”
To access the press kit, please click here
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About UNIVITY
UNIVITY develops a wholesale space infrastructure enabling telecom operators to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access from space directly to their customers, complementing terrestrial networks. Through Very Low Earth Orbit satellites and the innovative use of telecom operators’ 5G spectrum, the company delivers a high-performance, affordable, and sustainable solution, designed for both broadband and Direct-to-Cell markets.
More information: www.univity.global
About Expansion
Expansion is a European venture capital fund dedicated to deeptech in the Aerospace and Defense sectors, with offices in Paris, Stockholm and Luxembourg. The fund supports early-stage startups developing critical technologies serving Europe’s strategic autonomy, ranging from space infrastructure to next-generation defense systems, including dual-use applications.
More information: https://www.expansion-vc.eu
About Bpifrance
Bpifrance finances companies at every stage of their development—through loans, guarantees, and equity investments. It supports innovation and international expansion, as well as export activities through a wide range of solutions. Advisory services, training, networking, and acceleration programs for startups, SMEs, and mid-sized companies are also part of its offering.
Thanks to Bpifrance and its 50 regional offices, entrepreneurs benefit from a close, single and efficient partner to help them address their challenges.
More information: www.Bpifrance.fr – https://presse.bpifrance.fr/ – Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter): @Bpifrance – @BpifrancePresse
About France 2030
The France 2030 investment plan reflects a dual ambition: to sustainably transform key sectors of our economy (health, energy, automotive, aeronautics and space) through technological innovation, and to position France not only as a participant, but as a leader of tomorrow’s world. From fundamental research, to the emergence of an idea, to the production of a new product or service, France 2030 supports the entire lifecycle of innovation through to industrialization.
- Unprecedented in scale: €54 billion will be invested so that companies, universities and research organizations can successfully transition in these strategic sectors. The objective: to enable them to respond competitively to environmental and attractiveness challenges, and to foster the emergence of future leaders in our fields of excellence. France 2030 is guided by two cross-cutting objectives: dedicating 50% of its spending to decarbonizing the economy, and 50% to emerging players driving innovation, with no environmentally harmful expenditure (Do No Significant Harm principle).
- Implemented collectively: designed and deployed in consultation with economic, academic, local and European stakeholders to define strategic orientations and flagship actions. Project leaders are invited to submit applications through open, demanding and selective processes to benefit from State support.
- Governed by the General Secretariat for Investment on behalf of the Prime Minister and implemented by ADEME, ANR, Bpifrance and Banque des Territoires.
https://www.info.gouv.fr/grand-dossier/france-2030 | @SGPI_avenir
About Blast
Founded in 2023 by Anthony Bourbon and Samuel Guez, Blast is a private investment club that invested €125 million in 2025. With a team of more than 60 employees, Blast invests particularly in new technologies (Deeptech, AI, Biotech, Medtech, etc.). The investment club now brings together more than 14,000 engaged members, offering a strong and dynamic network for investors and entrepreneurs.
More information: blast.club
Press Contacts UNIVITY
Ilinca Spita : +33 6 64 75 12 98 – ilinca@edifice-communication.com (EN)
Stéphane Laurain : +33 6 98 58 38 35 – stephane@edifice-communication.com
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