Outlier Space Raises $7.35 Mn Pre-Seed to Build Reusable Space Capsules for Commercial Missions

The company is using the funding to develop commercial payload capsules that can carry equipment and cargo for space missions.

The funding round was led by New Zealand venture capital firm GD1, with support from Nova Threshold, Brian Cartmell, Airtree, Icehouse Ventures, Investible, and Side Stage Ventures.

Outlier Space will use the new funding to build its first reusable satellite capsules. These capsules will be designed to launch on any available rocket, making space missions more flexible.

The company is currently developing and testing its first spacecraft. It plans to carry out its first test flight in 2028, depending on engineering progress, regulatory approvals, and future funding.

amie France, Outlier Space's Founder and Chief Executive, says the raise demonstrates the strength of New Zealand’s aerospace sector. "We're extremely grateful for the confidence our investors have put in us. This investment enables us to recruit the talent to go and deliver.

“New Zealand has world-class, innovative engineers and a space industry that is respected globally for its cost-effective, quality execution. Our team of engineers have previously designed and launched orbital rockets, built multiple satellite buses, and delivered payloads that both orbit the Moon and explore its surface. Our people have been at the forefront of numerous globally signifi cant advances in space. It shows that we have the talent to deliver a world-first commercial offering from New Zealand.”

Vignesh Kumar, Co-Managing Partner at GD1, says: "We tracked Jamie for several years before investing, and our conviction only grew in that time. He proved at Rocket Lab that he can build the production engine behind a world-leading launch programme, and he's now assembling a team of aerospace veterans to do it again. With the ISS nearing end-of-life and the launch landscape evolving, the conditions for a commercial microgravity platform have never been stronger. GD1 has built deep conviction in New Zealand's space hardware ecosystem through our portfolio over the past few years, and we're proud to continue here by leading Outlier's first round."

Founded in 2025 by Jamie France, Outlier Space is a space technology startup based in Auckland, New Zealand. The company is building reusable spacecraft and payload capsules that can carry satellites, scientific equipment, and other cargo into space.

Its goal is to make space travel more affordable and flexible by creating capsules that can launch on different rockets. Outlier Space is currently developing its first spacecraft and aims to support commercial space missions with reusable and cost-effective transportation solutions.

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