Univity funds VLEO 5G demonstrators with $32 million Series A

2026-04-23 · Source: SpaceNews · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

French startup Univity has secured \$32 million in a Series A funding round, contributing to a total of \$80 million (€68 million) raised to date, with backing from Bpifrance and other investment firms. This capital will finance the deployment of two 350-kilogram UniShape 5G demonstrators into very low Earth orbit (VLEO) next year, designed to test interoperability between terrestrial and space networks for broadband and direct-to-device (D2D) services. These prototypes, which will also test optical inter-satellite links and routing algorithms, precede Univity's ambitious plan to launch an initial constellation of at least 1,600 VLEO satellites, scaling up to 3,400, to extend 5G coverage globally. The company's aerodynamically designed satellites are projected to operate for seven years in orbit, with mass production slated to begin in 2028.

Key takeaway

Univity has raised \$32 million in Series A funding to deploy two VLEO 5G demonstrators next year, aiming to extend 5G coverage from space for telecom operators. These 350kg UniShape prototypes will test hybrid regenerative payloads for broadband and direct-to-device (D2D) services, demonstrating terrestrial-space network interoperability and optical inter-satellite links. This investment addresses critical national and European connectivity sovereignty challenges, paving the way for a planned 1,600+ satellite constellation by 2028.

Topics

• Univity
• VLEO Satellites
• 5G Connectivity
• Direct-to-Device Services
• Satellite Constellations

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by SpaceNews.