UNIVITY Raises €27M For VLEO-Based 5G Space Connectivity

UNIVITY Raises €27M to Develop VLEO-Based 5G Space Connectivity for Telecom Operators

UNIVITY has raised €27 million in funding from Blast Club, Expansion Ventures, and the Bpifrance-managed Deeptech 2030 fund, alongside additional investors.

The capital will support development of its space-based internet infrastructure aimed at telecom operators, with a focus on scaling operations toward commercial deployment by 2028.

The company is advancing its uniShape program, a Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) 5G demonstration designed to validate high-speed, low-latency connectivity directly integrated with existing telecom networks.

The effort includes deploying two satellites to test end-to-end 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) capabilities, including direct-to-smartphone connectivity.

UNIVITY’s approach centers on operating in VLEO to reduce latency and improve performance, while leveraging telecom operators’ existing 5G spectrum to enable seamless integration with terrestrial networks. This model positions the company as a wholesale infrastructure provider, aiming to support telecom operators rather than compete with them through vertically integrated services.

"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.” Stated Charles DELFIEUX, CEO of Univity.

With this funding, the company plans to expand its engineering and commercial teams while progressing toward industrial-scale deployment of its planned uniSky constellation, positioning itself within the emerging market for hybrid terrestrial-space communications.

Image Credits: Univity