Gilmour Space Technologies has raised $217 million (US$145m) in a Series E funding round, pushing its company value to over $1 billion. This makes it Australia’s first space unicorn.
The funding round was led by the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) and the superannuation fund Hostplus.
Other investors included the Future Fund, Blackbird, Funds SA, HESTA, NGS Super, Main Sequence, QIC, and Brighter Super.
Founded on the Gold Coast, the company is building a complete space solution designed for commercial, government, and defence customers.
“This investment reflects strong investor confidence in our team and in Australia’s ability to build and operate critical space infrastructure at home,” co-founder and CEO Adam Gilmour said.
“We’ve reached important technical and business milestones. Our focus now is on delivering reliable and regular access to space for customers both at home and abroad.”
The company said the new funding will be used to keep developing and testing its Eris orbital launch rocket and to increase the production of rockets and satellites.
It will also expand testing and launch facilities and hire more people to meet the growing global demand for launch services.
“Space technologies are fundamental to national resilience, economic productivity, and regional growth,” NRFC CEO David Gall said.
“Gilmour’s success will help secure Australia’s access to essential space services, strengthen our advanced manufacturing base, and create highly skilled jobs and opportunities in the region.”
Existing investors said the funding round is important not just for the company, but for Australia’s overall deep-tech ecosystem.
Blackbird Ventures partner Rick Baker said early venture capital support was key in building a strong base that later attracted large institutional investors.
Leading Sequence partner Martin Duursma said this funding proves that Australia can build its own capabilities in one of the world’s most difficult and complex industries.
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