SMBC Venture Capital

Letara operates a space technology platform intended to service a logistics network spanning the solar system. The company develops propulsion systems for small spacecraft, including high-thrust, plastic-based propulsion designed to be safe and inexpensive for research, development, and operational use in both Earth orbit and deep space, enabling small satellites and related assets to move efficiently across space.

Orbital Lasers is a space technology company specializing in two primary business areas: space debris removal and satellite LiDAR. The company's core technology is a compact, efficient satellite laser designed for precise altitude measurements, supporting space exploration and various industries. This innovative laser reduces satellite weight and manufacturing costs, enabling small satellites to undertake advanced space tasks. For space debris removal, Orbital Lasers' technology facilitates efficient tracking and mitigation of orbital debris. In the LiDAR sector, the company provides surface data services, leveraging its laser technology to deliver accurate and detailed information.

Okuma Diamond Device is an advanced materials technology company specializing in the research and development of diamond semiconductors. The company's products are designed to meet the demands of various high-tech applications, including communication satellites, radar systems, post-5G mobile phone base stations, oil exploration, and power plant decommissioning. Okuma's diamond semiconductors boast superior thermal conductivity, dielectric breakdown, relative permittivity, and mobility, making them ideal for high-power utilization in compact and lightweight designs. These innovations address the challenges posed by next-generation technologies such as autonomous driving, drones, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and the metaverse.

Innovative Space Carrier is an aerospace company specializing in space transportation. It develops reusable space vehicles to make space travel more affordable, frequent, and reliable. The company's core business is to reduce transportation costs while maintaining high reliability, thereby fostering new industries and opportunities in space.

Iwaya Giken manufactures and sells gas balloons, airtight cabins, and other space-travel equipment.

Iwaya Giken manufactures and sells gas balloons, airtight cabins, and other space-travel equipment.

Space BD is a provider of space-related services that focuses on facilitating the industrialization of space. The company aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for businesses developing new technologies, helping them navigate challenges in the commercialization of low Earth orbit. By adopting a business-driven approach, Space BD seeks to simplify access to space for scientists and organizations, thereby promoting innovation and growth in the space sector.

WARPSPACE Inc. is a Japanese company founded in 2016, originating from the University of Tsukuba, where it developed satellite projects for five years prior to its establishment. The company specializes in designing and developing satellite modules and ground system instruments. It provides communication infrastructure services for low Earth orbit satellites, including on-demand ground station services, intersatellite communication infrastructure, and portable ground station solutions. With its focus on advancing satellite technology, WARPSPACE aims to enhance connectivity and communication capabilities in the rapidly evolving space industry.

Iwaya Giken manufactures and sells gas balloons, airtight cabins, and other space-travel equipment.

Space BD is a provider of space-related services that focuses on facilitating the industrialization of space. The company aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for businesses developing new technologies, helping them navigate challenges in the commercialization of low Earth orbit. By adopting a business-driven approach, Space BD seeks to simplify access to space for scientists and organizations, thereby promoting innovation and growth in the space sector.

Space BD is a provider of space-related services that focuses on facilitating the industrialization of space. The company aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for businesses developing new technologies, helping them navigate challenges in the commercialization of low Earth orbit. By adopting a business-driven approach, Space BD seeks to simplify access to space for scientists and organizations, thereby promoting innovation and growth in the space sector.

Astroscale, established in 2013, is a Singapore-based company that specializes in developing technologies to address the growing issue of space debris. It offers two primary services: End-of-Life Service by Astroscale (ELSA), a spacecraft retrieval service for satellite operators, and Active Debris Removal (ADR), which focuses on clearing larger, more dangerous debris. Additionally, Astroscale designs and manufactures the Lunar Dream Capsule, a time capsule intended for delivery to the moon. The company's mission is to create sustainable space systems and mitigate the hazards posed by orbital debris through innovative and scalable solutions.

Meijo Nano Carbon Co., Ltd. specializes in the manufacture of carbon nanotube chemicals, focusing on both single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Established in 2005 and based in Nagoya, Japan, the company produces a range of products, including single-walled carbon nanotubes with uniform diameters and categorized as metallic or semiconducting types. Meijo Nano Carbon also creates carbon nanotube dispersions, such as specialized inks for various applications, and carbon nanotube-coated dishes. The company's innovative synthesis technology allows its products to serve as lightweight alternatives to traditional conductive materials like copper, making them valuable for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and petrochemicals. With properties like superior conductivity and reduced weight, Meijo Nano Carbon's offerings are positioned to enhance the performance and efficiency of various applications.

iQPS Inc. is a space technology service provider based in Fukuoka City, Japan, founded in 2005. The company specializes in the research, development, design, manufacturing, and sales of satellites, onboard satellite equipment, precision instruments, and electronic devices. iQPS also offers technical consultation and conducts planning and operation of training sessions, workshops, and seminars focused on space technologies. Additionally, the company is involved in the acquisition and sale of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image data from small SAR satellites, further expanding its capabilities in the space sector.

Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 2008, Axelspace designs, manufactures, and sells micro-satellites and related components for earth observation. Its primary projects include GRUS, Hodoyoshi-1, and UNIFORM, aiming to provide global daily monitoring at low cost.

SiTime Corporation is a semiconductor company based in Santa Clara, California, specializing in MEMS-based silicon timing solutions that replace traditional quartz products. Established in 2003, SiTime holds an 85% market share in the $5 billion timing market and has shipped over 50 million devices globally. The company offers a diverse range of products, including programmable OCXOs, precision MHz super-TCXOs, various oscillators, and embedded resonators, catering to industries such as automotive, telecommunications, industrial, Internet of Things, mobile, and aerospace and defense. SiTime's innovative solutions enable customers to achieve higher performance, reduced size, and enhanced reliability, while also streamlining supply chains and lowering costs. By utilizing standard semiconductor processes and high-volume plastic packaging, SiTime ensures optimal availability and minimal lead times for its products.