BDC Capital Supports Kepler Communications in Building Space Infrastructure

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Capital has provided significant financial backing to Kepler Communications, a Toronto-based company that is constructing a network of satellites designed for real-time data transfer between space-based systems. The company aims to establish what it calls an "Internet in space."

This infrastructure will enable immediate communication between satellites, spacecraft, and sensors, drastically reducing the latency currently associated with transmitting data back to Earth. This capability has implications for commercial use as well as national security applications.

"We are building the infrastructure that allows people to access and use data from space in real time," stated Mina Mitry, co-founder and CEO of Kepler Communications. "Whether you're tracking wildfires or monitoring national security threats, you need that data immediately."

BDC Capital's involvement began with a seed investment in 2016, followed by participation in subsequent funding rounds, contributing to Kepler's total fundraising of over $300 million. Despite early pressure to relocate, Kepler has maintained its Canadian base and has achieved several global firsts, including establishing the first laser link between a high-speed satellite and a commercial aircraft.