- Open Cosmos acquires Portuguese IoT satellite startup Connected in a landmark spacetech deal.
- Connected’s low-cost, standardized satellite IoT tech now strengthens Open Cosmos’ offerings.
- The acquisition cements Portugal’s growing status as a strategic space innovation hub.
Open Cosmos, a rapidly growing space infrastructure company headquartered in Europe, has acquired Portuguese startup Connected, a rising player in satellite-based IoT connectivity.
Founded in 2023, Connected quickly emerged as a frontrunner in delivering affordable, plug-and-play IoT payload platforms compatible with standardized protocols like NB-IoT and mioty.
Open Cosmos and Connected Join Forces to Launch Europe’s Next-Gen Space IoT Era
Portugal’s emergence as a key player in space manufacturing is being solidified through this acquisition. Open Cosmos, which has invested over €15 million in Portuguese operations, plans to triple that number in the coming years. A new satellite production facility will open in Coimbra, where Portuguese-engineered spacecraft will integrate Connected’s payloads to deliver both Earth observation and IoT services from orbit.
Connected’s swift rise was backed by both local and European institutions, including the European Space Agency and the Portuguese Space Agency. In less than a year after incorporation, the startup secured €2 million in pre-seed funding—the largest ever for a Portuguese space venture. This institutional trust highlights the increasing appetite for homegrown, interoperable space solutions in Europe.
By integrating Connected’s hosted payload technology into its broader OpenConstellation initiative, Open Cosmos will be able to offer flexible mission architectures that serve an increasingly data-driven world. The combined expertise allows the company to tailor satellite missions to commercial and governmental needs with enhanced affordability and speed.
Leadership on both sides has emphasized the cultural and strategic alignment between the two companies. Tiago Rebelo, former CEO of Connected and now Open Cosmos’ Chief Revenue Officer, noted that the decision to join forces was driven by a shared sense of mission and momentum. “This partnership is not just about technology; it’s about creating impact at scale,” he said.
This acquisition marks a transformative step for Europe’s space ambitions, combining innovation, infrastructure, and international collaboration to fuel the next chapter of satellite-enabled connectivity.
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