WISeKey International and Columbus Acquisition have executed a definitive business combination agreement under which WISeKey’s wholly owned subsidiary WISeSat.Space will be publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange as WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp. The deal values WISeKey’s equity interest in the new entity at approximately $250 million. Closing is anticipated during the first half of 2026, subject to shareholder approvals and customary regulatory conditions.
Upon completion, WISeKey will receive 25 million shares of WISeSat.Space Holdings at an implied value of $10 per share and will retain a majority ownership position. Columbus shareholders who do not redeem their shares will receive shares of the new publicly listed company, and every seven Columbus rights will convert into one share. In connection with the business combination, WISeKey and SEALSQ are expected to provide at least $10 million in cash capital to support WISeSat’s continued scaling and operations.
WISeSat, operating through WISeSat.Space, provides secure, quantum-resilient IoT connectivity via a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites. The system integrates post-quantum cryptographic chips developed by SEALSQ, enabling secure authentication, encryption, and identity verification across various industries, including logistics, agriculture, energy, defense, and environmental management. WISeSat has launched 22 satellites to date, including 14 currently active, and plans to expand the constellation to 100 satellites by 2030.
WISeSat’s upcoming launch will deploy a new satellite equipped with SEALSQ’s Quantum Shield technology aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This satellite will function as a testbed for post-quantum-secure communication protocols designed to protect global digital infrastructure from emerging quantum threats.
The boards of WISeKey, WISeSat, and Columbus have unanimously approved the business combination. WISeKey may elect to distribute up to 10% of the Pubco shares it receives to its current shareholders following the transaction. Remaining funds in Columbus’s trust account, along with any additional contributed capital, will support commercialization efforts and satellite network expansion.
Advisors/support: Maxim Group is serving as the exclusive financial advisor to WISeKey. EGS is legal counsel to WISeSat, and Loeb & Loeb is legal counsel to Columbus.
KEY QUOTES:
“This milestone transaction marks a defining moment in WISeKey’s mission to build a secure, sovereign and quantum-resilient satellite infrastructure for the world. By combining WISeSat with Columbus, we are accelerating the commercialization of our satellite-based cybersecurity and IoT ecosystem and enabling WISeSat to emerge as a new, independent publicly listed space-tech company on Nasdaq. Our constellation is purpose-built to deliver trusted IoT connectivity from space, secured by SEALSQ post-quantum cryptographic chips and anchored in the WISeKey Root of Trust. As quantum computing transforms the global cybersecurity landscape, WISeSat is pioneering a future in which critical data, devices, and infrastructures are protected end-to-end, from Earth to orbit. We believe this business combination strengthens our capital base and positions WISeSat to scale from a network of 14 satellites already in orbit to the targeted deployment of 100 further satellites by 2030, reinforcing Europe’s technological sovereignty and leadership in secure space systems. We look forward to continuing this journey as we deploy the world’s first post-quantum-secure satellite platform and shape the foundation of trusted digital communications for the decades ahead.”
Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey
“The Columbus team is excited to announce this transaction with WISeSat, a pioneer in cutting-edge satellite technology. WISeSat is well positioned to capture significant opportunities in secure satellite communications, and this transaction represents a compelling value proposition that we believe will deliver long-term benefits for our shareholders.”
Fen Zhang, Chairman and CEO of Columbus
