Alumni Ventures Fuels Impulse Space's Mission to Revolutionize Space Logistics
Impulse Space CEO Tom Mueller Recently Discussed His Company on AV’s Tech Optimist Podcast
Alumni Ventures (AV), one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, is a proud investor in Impulse Space. The company is aiming to revolutionize in-space transportation and logistics under the leadership of Tom Mueller — a key figure in the aerospace industry and SpaceX’s founding employee number one. In 2023, Alumni Ventures invested in Impulse Space’s $45 million Series A led by RTX Ventures, the VC arm of Raytheon Technologies. Other investors included Founders Fund, Lux Capital, Airbus Ventures, and Space Capital.
Impulse Space is tackling a critical challenge in the space economy: the efficient movement of payloads in space. With the advent of reusable launch vehicles like SpaceX’s Starship, launching substantial payloads into low Earth orbit (LEO) has become more accessible and cost-effective. However, distributing these payloads to their specific destinations within space remains a complex task. Impulse Space aims to bridge this gap with innovative in-space transportation solutions.
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“We’re dedicated to solving the next big challenge in the space industry: efficient in-space logistics,” said Mueller, who recently discussed his company on AV’s Tech Optimist podcast. “With the support of firms like Alumni Ventures, we can accelerate the development of our propulsion systems and bring transformative solutions to market.”
Impulse Space has developed two primary offerings under its umbrella: Mira and Helios. Mira is designed as a “stay there” vehicle, capable of staying in orbit for years and moving payloads within geosynchronous orbit (GEO) efficiently. Helios, on the other hand, is a “get there” product that can achieve high-energy orbits, facilitating missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond. These advancements in propulsion technology, which focus on optimizing delta-V (change in velocity), are set to transform in-space logistics.
“Thanks to Tom’s vision and expertise, Impulse Space is well-positioned to address a pivotal challenge in the space industry,” said AV Senior Associate Drew Wandzilak, who hosted the conversation with Mueller on AV’s Tech Optimist podcast. “We’re excited to support Impulse as they continue developing innovative solutions to unlock new markets and opportunities.”
About Impulse Space
Impulse Space creates orbital maneuvering vehicles for last-mile payload delivery that can transport multiple payloads to unique orbits from a single launch. With a near-term focus on low Earth orbit, Impulse will offer services for all classes of payloads to distant destinations such as Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO), the Moon, and Mars.
About Alumni Ventures
Alumni Ventures offers accredited individuals access to professional-grade venture capital, a key asset class missing from the portfolios of many sophisticated investors. Since 2014, AV has raised $1.3+ billion from 10,000+ investors and backed 1,400+ unique portfolio companies. AV is a top 20 VC firm in North America according to CB Insights and the #1 most active VC firm in the U.S., and #3 most active in the world, according to PitchBook’s 2022 and 2023 rankings. AV has won awards from Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, Benzinga, and the US FinTech Awards. AV funds are private, for-profit, and not affiliated with or sanctioned by any school.
About Tech Optimist
The Tech Optimist Podcast, presented by Alumni Ventures (AV), focuses on the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. True to our name, we are passionate about technology and its potential to drive positive change. We explore our lane through interviews with founders, investors, and futurists; discussions of new innovations; and reviews of trends in tech and venture capital. Subscribe Here »
Media Contact Info
Scott Murphy
Alumni Ventures
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Manchester, NH 03101
Email: [email protected]
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