Florida SpaceTech firms join Seraphim investment push

Space Florida and Seraphim Space have announced the second cohort of their Investment Readiness Program, featuring five Florida SpaceTech companies.

The programme helps early-stage businesses prepare for fundraising through mentoring, commercial guidance and access to Seraphim's investor network. Participants spent several weeks refining their investment case before presenting to international investors and strategic partners.

The latest cohort includes LEO Biosciences, RootMatrix Bio, Satlantis, Seagate Space and The Skyway Organisation. The companies work across orbital biomanufacturing, agricultural technologies, Earth observation, offshore launch systems, and advanced materials and infrastructure.

The announcement comes as Florida pursues closer links with the UK space sector under a wider memorandum of understanding signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The arrangement is part of a broader effort to strengthen investment and commercial ties between the two regions.

The programme reflects the state's effort to build a stronger pipeline of investable space businesses. Seraphim, which specialises in SpaceTech investment, is using the initiative as part of a broader model it has applied with regional partners.

"Our partnership with Seraphim continues to demonstrate the strength of Florida as a hub for space innovation," said Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida. "By connecting these companies with international investors and markets, we're accelerating their growth while reinforcing Florida's position in the global space economy. The success of this cohort reflects the depth of talent emerging from our state and the importance of programs that link that talent with capital, expertise and global opportunity."

The Florida programme builds on an inaugural cohort launched in 2025. Seraphim says its investment readiness schemes have supported 119 startups so far.

The business manages more than USD $630 million across its funds and says it has backed 150 SpaceTech companies. According to Seraphim, those portfolio companies have collectively raised more than USD $12.3 billion, including nine unicorns and six stock market listings.

Cohort focus

Each of the five selected companies addresses a different segment of the space economy. LEO Biosciences is developing orbital biomanufacturing for healthcare applications, including research related to cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.

RootMatrix Bio is developing biodegradable root-zone systems designed to improve water and nutrient delivery in agriculture on Earth and support crop production in space. Satlantis focuses on Earth observation products for government and commercial users.

Seagate Space is pursuing offshore launch systems aimed at expanding access to space from ocean-based platforms. The Skyway Organisation is developing intelligent materials and autonomous infrastructure for future space industry use.

Investor links

Seraphim runs investment readiness programmes with economic development agencies, industry bodies and innovation hubs. The approach combines coaching for founders with introductions to investors beyond their home market.

That international dimension is central to the Florida partnership, which aims to connect local SpaceTech companies with UK expertise and overseas capital. For state-backed development bodies, such schemes can support companies at a stage when technical promise does not always translate into investor readiness.

Alexander Holt, Managing Director of Seraphim Space Enterprise, said the latest group followed a strong first round and that Florida had become one of the most active regional centres for space innovation.

"Following the success of our inaugural Florida program, we're delighted to welcome a second cohort of exceptional SpaceTech companies. Florida has established itself as one of the world's leading space innovation ecosystems, combining world-class infrastructure, entrepreneurial talent and a strong commitment to commercial space. Our continued partnership with Space Florida demonstrates what's possible when regional innovation is connected with global investors and international markets. The program is helping ambitious founders accelerate their growth while strengthening Florida's position as a global centre for SpaceTech innovation and investment," said Holt.