CerraCap Ventures, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm, has invested in Space Kinetic Corp., a U.S. national security innovator based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This investment supports CerraCap’s goal of enhancing solutions in space defense and strengthening America’s strategic edge in a competitive global landscape.
Founded in 2022 by Scott Ziegler and Ryan Sullivan, Space Kinetic seeks to revolutionize space operations and improve capabilities in space superiority and missile defense. Originating from a prototype developed in a garage and supported by the New Mexico Lab-Embedded Entrepreneur Program, the company has become a leader in deep tech innovation.
Their patented electromechanical system enables the deployment of various smaller payloads at high velocities from a host satellite without requiring propellant. This technology aims to leverage the advantages of drone technology in the space domain.
The investment comes amid growing demand for effective space security solutions, driven by geopolitical tensions and the increasing number of adversary satellites.
KEY QUOTES:
“Through our partnership with the leadership at LANL and NM LEEP, I had the privilege of working closely with Scott and Ryan as their SLC Advisor during their Cohort 2 Fellowship. Space Kinetic emerged as a compelling investment in the multi-billion-dollar space superiority and missile defense mission markets – an arena shaped by rising geopolitical tensions and the urgent need for scalable defense architectures. At CerraCap, we pride ourselves on a disciplined investment approach, and Space Kinetic marks our fifth portfolio company with roots in the Land of Enchantment. In a sector where innovation is the first and last line of defense, Space Kinetic stands out for its technical depth and market potential. We’re excited to join the Space Kinetic team on their journey towards becoming a unicorn while building scalable systems that support our nation’s most urgent security priorities.”
Abhi Mukherjee, Operating Partner at CerraCap Ventures
“As a nation, we have a clear imperative to build a new kind of space architecture that enables true space superiority and robust missile defense. Space Kinetic is committed to supporting this architecture. We have partnered with Abhi and the CerraCap team since our first day in the NM LEEP Program, and they have shown a deep commitment both to the national security tech ecosystem and to building on New Mexico’s legacy of innovation. As we work to deliver an asymmetric solution for U.S. space superiority and missile defense, we’re thrilled to deepen our relationship with CerraCap.”
Ryan Sullivan, CEO of Space Kinetic
“This investment underscores the strength of NM LEEP and the value of our deep tech venture partner network. Space Kinetic is proving how collaboration with Los Alamos experts can accelerate the path to market for commercial space companies tied to national security. CerraCap has been a vital partner as Space Kinetic has refined its technology.”
Duncan McBranch, Senior Director, Los Alamos National Laboratory Partnerships and Pipeline Office
