Marble Imaging, a startup based in Bremen, has successfully raised €5.3 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round. This investment is intended to support the company’s ambitious plans to establish a fleet of multispectral satellites capable of providing very high-resolution Earth observation data globally, with updates potentially available as frequently as every hour.
The European market currently faces a significant gap in independent and timely Earth observation data, critical for defence, climate monitoring, disaster response, and infrastructure projects. The existing options often do not meet the necessary standards for speed, sovereignty, or detail, making Marble Imaging’s offering particularly timely. The funding round was led by High-Tech Gründerfonds, with support from several other notable investors, including BAB Beteiligungs- und Management-gesellschaft Bremen mbH, Lightfield Equity, and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Ambitious Plans for Satellite Deployment
Founded in 2023 by Robert Hook, Dr. Gopika Suresh, and Alexander Epp, Marble Imaging aims to create a comprehensive Earth observation data service ecosystem. Collectively, the founders possess over a decade of experience in satellite data processing and the Earth observation industry. Hook has previously led significant European Earth observation programs, including the Copernicus CO2M mission.
The startup’s strategy involves deploying small satellites equipped with multispectral cameras that capture data across visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared spectrums. These satellites are designed to deliver sharp, frequent imagery and feature custom artificial intelligence analytics tailored for various applications, such as terrain monitoring and traffic analysis. The dual-use design of the satellites allows for both civilian and defence applications, setting Marble apart from competitors like Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs.
Marble Imaging has already secured over €10 million in non-dilutive funding and signed a €3 million anchor contract with the ESA. This financial backing will help the company scale its team and enhance its technology in preparation for the launch of its first satellite, expected in 2026.
Addressing a Critical Need in Earth Observation
The startup’s vision is to address the growing demand for independent, high-quality Earth observation data in Europe and beyond. With plans to expand its satellite constellation to up to 20 satellites by 2028, Marble Imaging aims to provide rapid revisit rates and near-hourly insights for sectors focused on defence, climate action, and crisis management.
Current services include object detection for intelligence purposes, terrain and traffic analysis, coastal asset monitoring, and land cover classification. The urgency of Marble Imaging’s mission is underscored by the words of Koen Geurts, Senior Investment Manager at High-Tech Gründerfonds, who stated, “Marble Imaging is addressing a critical European capability gap in the very-high resolution domain, and I do not see any other company tackling it faster than Marble does.”
As the need for timely, reliable, and independent Earth observation data continues to grow, Marble Imaging positions itself as a key player in the future of satellite technology, reinforcing the importance of sovereign capabilities in the European space sector.
