UNIVITY Raises €27 Million to Build Sovereign VLEO 5G Space Infrastructure for Telecom Operators
UNIVITY, the global operator of space-based connectivity services, has closed 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 validate a high-speed, low-latency VLEO connectivity service based on breakthrough innovations across multiple domains
- Develop a uniquely positioned offering for telecom operators
- 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 that allows them to retain strategic control over their space-based connectivity services. As terrestrial and space networks converge, a global market expected to reach tens of billions of euros by 2030 is emerging, with operators seeking to preserve their central role against vertically integrated models from new entrants.
A Distinctive Technological Signature
UNIVITY’s strategy rests on two core technological pillars:
- Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), which enables significantly lower latency, improved performance (including for smartphones and connected vehicles), and rapid atmospheric disintegration at end of life, supporting orbital sustainability.
- Use of telecom operators’ 5G spectrum, ensuring native integration with existing mobile networks and seamless 5G NTN service continuity, without relying on already saturated or pre-empted bands.
Together, these choices position UNIVITY as a key player in the convergence of terrestrial and space networks, rather than just another satellite operator.
Building Wholesale Space Infrastructure for Telecoms
In a market dominated by vertically integrated, B2C-focused 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 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
The Series A will support execution of uniShape, 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, including Direct-to-Cell smartphone connectivity from ground gateways to end-user devices.
This demonstrator will represent a world first and a key milestone toward deployment of the commercial uniSky constellation, proving full interoperability between terrestrial and space networks within a controlled convergence framework.
Beyond uniShape, this funding marks a new phase: the transition to industrial and commercial scale. UNIVITY is strengthening its engineering, industrialization and business development teams to prepare for the next phase beginning in 2028.
Charles Beigbeder, Co-founder of Expansion, comments:
“UNIVITY represents an exceptional opportunity to support 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
With this funding round and the support of CNES, UNIVITY is accelerating 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
- 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, notes:
“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.
About UNIVITY
UNIVITY develops wholesale space infrastructure that enables telecom operators to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access from space directly to their customers, complementing terrestrial networks. Through VLEO satellites and the innovative use of telecom operators’ 5G spectrum, the company delivers a high-performance, affordable and sustainable solution 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 that serve 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, and offers advisory services, training, networking and acceleration programs for startups, SMEs and mid-sized companies.
With 50 regional offices, Bpifrance provides entrepreneurs with a close, single point of contact to help address their challenges.
More information: www.bpifrance.fr | https://presse.bpifrance.fr
Follow on X: @Bpifrance | @BpifrancePresse
About France 2030
France 2030 is a national investment plan designed to:
- Transform key sectors of the economy (health, energy, automotive, aeronautics, space) through technological innovation
- Position France as a leader in these strategic areas
With €54 billion in planned investment, France 2030 supports the full innovation lifecycle from research to industrialization, prioritizing decarbonization and emerging players, and excluding environmentally harmful spending.
More information: 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. The club focuses on new technologies, including deeptech, AI, biotech and medtech, and brings together over 14,000 members in a dynamic investor and entrepreneur network.
More information: https://blast.club