A Bremen-based startup, Marble Imaging, has successfully raised €5.3 million in a seed funding round aimed at developing a fleet of high-resolution Earth observation satellites. Founded in 2023, the company plans to provide very high-resolution imagery and analytics on a near-hourly basis, catering to the growing demand for timely and independent Earth observation data across various sectors, including defense, climate monitoring, and infrastructure management.
The funding round, which was oversubscribed, was led by High-Tech Gründerfonds with contributions from several investors, including BAB Beteiligungs- und Management-gesellschaft Bremen mbH, Lightfield Equity, Oslo Venture Company, and others. This significant investment will enable Marble Imaging to expand its team, enhance its technology, and prepare for the launch of its first satellite, scheduled for 2026. The company has already secured over €10 million in non-dilutive funding and signed a €3 million contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).
Innovative Satellite Solutions for Critical Needs
Co-founded by Robert Hook (CEO), Dr. Gopika Suresh (CSO), and Alexander Epp (CBDO), Marble Imaging aims to fill a critical gap in the European Earth observation market. The founders bring more than a decade of expertise in space systems and Earth observation science. Hook has previously led significant European programs, including the Copernicus CO2M mission. Recognizing the strategic importance of sovereign Earth observation capabilities, they are committed to creating a comprehensive ecosystem for Earth observation data services.
Marble Imaging’s satellites will incorporate multispectral cameras capable of capturing images in visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared spectrums, providing detailed insights globally. The firm’s unique approach includes custom artificial intelligence analytics to enhance data usability, allowing for precise terrain and traffic assessments. The design of their satellites supports both civilian and defense applications, offering a dual-use capability that distinguishes them from competitors like Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs.
Future Growth and Service Expansion
Looking ahead, Marble Imaging plans to expand its constellation to up to 20 satellites by 2028. This expansion will facilitate rapid revisit rates and near-hourly insights, particularly for customers in defense and climate response sectors. The company is already providing services such as object detection for intelligence purposes, terrain analysis, and monitoring of coastal assets.
Koen Geurts, Senior Investment Manager at High-Tech Gründerfonds, expressed confidence in Marble Imaging’s potential, stating, “Marble Imaging is addressing a critical European capability gap in the very-high-resolution domain. The need for independent, timely, and VHR optical data will only increase in the coming years, and I’m happy to support the founders building a European star for a global market.”
As demand for high-quality Earth observation data continues to rise, Marble Imaging is well-positioned to become a key player in the industry, leveraging its innovative technology to meet urgent global needs.
