What's happened
Revel, a startup focused on software for complex hardware like rocket engines, raised $150 million, valuing it over $1 billion. Meanwhile, European nations seek to reduce reliance on SpaceX, investing in their own space infrastructure. The funding highlights a renaissance in hardware and space tech investments.
What's behind the headline?
Revel's funding signals a shift in investor priorities toward hardware and space-related software, which are seen as foundational for future industries. The $150 million raise, led by Index Ventures, underscores confidence in this niche, contrasting with the broader AI hype. Meanwhile, Europe's efforts to develop independent space infrastructure reflect a strategic move to secure technological sovereignty. This dual focus on hardware and space indicates a recognition that physical systems will be central to economic and geopolitical power in the coming decade. The investments suggest that hardware renaissance is not just a trend but a necessity for national security and economic resilience. Expect increased funding and innovation in space tech and real-world hardware control systems, shaping the future landscape of global infrastructure.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports Revel's recent $150 million funding round, emphasizing investor confidence in hardware-focused software. Reuters highlights Europe's strategic push to develop independent space infrastructure, reducing reliance on US companies like SpaceX. Business Insider UK discusses the broader macro trend of increased investment in physical systems and space tech, contrasting it with the AI hype. These sources collectively illustrate a growing recognition of hardware and space infrastructure as critical to future economic and geopolitical stability, with Revel's funding exemplifying this shift and Europe's strategic investments signaling a move toward technological sovereignty.
How we got here
Recent years have seen increased interest in space infrastructure and hardware-focused technology, driven by geopolitical competition and the need for resilient supply chains. Revel's focus on software for real-world hardware aligns with a broader trend of investing in physical systems that underpin critical industries. European countries aim to bolster their own space capabilities amid concerns over reliance on US-based companies like SpaceX.
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