Venrock continues a tradition of partnering with entrepreneurs to establish successful, enduring companies. With a primary focus on technology and healthcare, portfolio companies have included Apple Computer, Athenahealth, Centocor, Check Point Software, DoubleClick, Endeca, Gilead Sciences, Idec Pharma, Imperva, Illumina, Intel, Nest, SlideShare, and Tudou.

Venrock

New Science Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on investments in life sciences and information technology companies. They invest in early and late stage companies taking novel scientific approaches to address significant unmet needs, while creating order-of-magnitude improvements in performances. The company also invests in companies using science-based innovations to address market needs in life sciences such as pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices, diagnostics, and IT. The team of the company expertise in strategy and corporate planning, operations and cost management, and leadership development.

New Science Ventures

Lockheed Martin Ventures is the venture arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The mission of Lockheed Martin Ventures is to make strategic investments in companies that are developing disruptive, cutting-edge technologies in core businesses and new markets important to Lockheed Martin. These emerging innovations have the potential to become foundational technologies that solve the complex challenges customers face.

Lockheed Martin Ventures

Lynett Capital is an early stage investment firm dedicated to the empowering technology companies.

Lynett Capital

JAM Fund operates as a venture capital firm investing in visionary founders disrupting large spaces. It is Tinder Founder Justin Mateen's venture capital firm.

JAM Fund

T. Rowe Price is an investment management firm dedicated to funding technology startups. The firm serves individuals, financial intermediaries, and institutions and offers a full range of investment strategies across a broad spectrum: debt, equities, and private equities.

T. Rowe Price

Fidelity is a privately owned investment management firm that serves a wide range of clients. It offers services including IRAs, rollovers, annuities, discount brokerage, retirement planning, estate planning, wealth management, securities execution and clearance, and life insurance. They serve individual investors, businesses, financial advisors, and institutions. The firm manages equity, fixed-income, and balanced mutual funds and invests in public equity and fixed-income markets. It also conducts in-house research to inform its investment decisions.

Fidelity

ABL Space Systems

ABL Space Systems focuses on developing and launching low-cost, reliable rockets designed for small satellite payloads. Their primary launch vehicle is the RS1 rocket, designed to deliver small satellites to orbit cheaply. The RS1 can carry payloads of up to 1,350 kilograms to the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The company also develops the GS0 ground system, which supports rapid deployment and integration of launch operations at various locations. ABL is headquartered in El Segundo, California, with 30,000 square feet of research, development, and production facilities. ABL is a privately owned corporation backed by a premier group of private equity investors

ABL Space Systems developed the RS1, an 88-foot-tall two-stage rocket capable of delivering up to 2,975 pounds of payload to low Earth orbit at a cost of USD 12 million per launch. The RS1 was powered by the company's E2 engines - nine in the first stage and one in the second stage - using liquid oxygen and kerosene fuel. The company also created GS0, a portable ground system designed to enable launches from remote locations with minimal infrastructure requirements. In January 2023, ABL's first RS1 launch attempt failed when the rocket lost power shortly after liftoff and crashed. A second RS1 was destroyed in July 2023 during pre-flight testing when a fire broke out during a static fire test. In November 2024, ABL announced its exit from the commercial launch market to focus exclusively on missile defense technologies, leveraging its rocket and ground system technologies for national defense applications. The company operates facilities in El Segundo, California and maintains two test sites in the Mojave Desert.

Fire, fed by leaking engines, destroyed ABL Space Systems rocket

ABL Space Systems blames RS1 launch failure on loss of power

ABL Space Systems provides update on the road to second RS1 launch

ABL Space Systems Appoints Kevin Sagis as Chief Product Officer and Enterprise Chief Engineer — ABL Space Systems

'Unwanted fire' may have caused ABL Space Systems' launch failure

ABL Space Systems lays off staff

Rocket startup ABL Space Systems ends orbital launch plans, pivots to missile defense

Leonid Capital Partners Extends New Term Loan to ABL Space Systems

The Shift in Focus: ABL Space Systems’ Transition from Commercial Launch to Missile Defense

ABL Space Systems scores $60M for rapid response launch for defense customers

AFWERX Chooses ABL Space Systems for $60M Strategic Funding Increase Program

Smallsat launcher ABL Space Systems gearing up for its 1st-ever liftoff

Regulatory filing reveals ABL Space Systems targeting $100M in new funding

Rocket Startup ABL Reduces its Workforce

ABL Space System's 2nd RS1 rocket destroyed during preflight testing

As ABL Space departs launch, the 1-ton rocket wars have a clear winner

After raising nearly half a billion dollars, ABL Space pivots from launch vehicles to missiles

Rocket from ABL Space Systems crashes onto the launchpad

ABL Pivots To Missile Defense

ABL Space Systems: A Cost-Effective Way to Access Space

Empowering the modern soldier with cutting-edge technology

Military Tech

ABL Space Systems developed the RS1, an 88-foot-tall two-stage rocket capable of delivering up to 2,975 pounds of payload to low Earth orbit at a cost of USD 12 million per launch. The RS1 was powered by the company's E2 engines - nine in the first stage and one in the second stage - using liquid oxygen and kerosene fuel. The company also created GS0, a portable ground system designed to enable launches from remote locations with minimal infrastructure requirements. In January 2023, ABL's first RS1 launch attempt failed when the rocket lost power shortly after liftoff and crashed. A second RS1 was destroyed in July 2023 during pre-flight testing when a fire broke out during a static fire test. In November 2024, ABL announced its exit from the commercial launch market to focus exclusively on missile defense technologies, leveraging its rocket and ground system technologies for national defense applications. The company operates facilities in El Segundo, California and maintains two test sites in the Mojave Desert.
Key customers and partnerships
Lockheed Martin was a major customer, having signed a contract in April 2021 for up to 58 RS1 launches through 2029. The company also secured contracts from the US Air Force and Space Force, including a USD 60 million award in March 2023 to develop "responsive launch" capabilities for defense missions.

Hermeus is an Atlanta-based aerospace company focused on developing hypersonic aircraft for both military and commercial applications. The company's primary goal is to create reusable aircraft capable of reaching speeds of Mach 5 (over 3,000 miles per hour) or higher. Hermeus' technology is centered around its proprietary Chimera engine, a turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engine that integrates a turbojet for low-speed flight and a ramjet for high-speed operations. This innovative propulsion system allows for seamless transition between different speed ranges, enabling aircraft to take off from standard runways, reach hypersonic speeds, and land conventionally.
The company is currently developing a series of unmanned aircraft prototypes called Quarterhorse to demonstrate and refine its hypersonic technology. In March 2024, Hermeus unveiled its first flyable aircraft, the Quarterhorse Mk 1, which is expected to undergo flight tests at Edwards Air Force Base later in the year. This prototype is powered by a General Electric J85 engine and is designed to test high-speed takeoffs and landings. The company plans to progress through iterations, with the Quarterhorse Mk 2 aimed at achieving supersonic flight in 2025 using a modified Pratt & Whitney F100 engine.
Hermeus' long-term vision includes developing two primary aircraft: Darkhorse, an unmanned hypersonic vehicle for defense applications, and Halcyon, a commercial passenger aircraft capable of flying from New York to London in 90 minutes. The company's approach focuses on iterative development and cost-effective manufacturing, including the use of 3D printing for some components.

Hermeus

Epirus is a high-growth technology company founded in 2018 that develops directed energy systems and power management solutions. The company's flagship product is Leonidas, a counter-electronics system that uses high-power microwave (HPM) technology to neutralize drone threats. Leonidas utilizes solid-state, software-defined technology enabled by Epirus' proprietary SmartPower platform. This allows the system to be smaller, more precise, and safer than traditional HPM systems. Leonidas can fit in the back of a pickup truck and has demonstrated the ability to counter swarming drones and execute precision strikes at range.
In addition to Leonidas, Epirus introduced a smaller, more portable version called Leonidas Pod in February 2022. Both systems can work together to create a layered defense network against incoming threats. The company's products are powered by its SmartPower technology platform, which uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to gate energy at the nanosecond level, increasing efficiency and maximizing output.
Epirus has rapidly scaled its operations since founding. As of February 2022, the company had around 200 employees, with about 150 working at its 100,000-square-foot headquarters in Torrance, California. In January 2023, Epirus was awarded a USD 66.1 million contract from the US Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office to deliver prototype Leonidas systems.
Key customers and partnerships
Epirus has established partnerships with several defense organizations. In October 2021, the company announced an agreement to partner with General Dynamics Land Systems to have its Leonidas system mounted on General Dynamics' Stryker combat vehicles.
In April 2024, Epirus announced that its Leonidas technology would be tested against small vessels in the US Navy's 2024 Advanced Naval Technology Exercise-Coastal Trident (ANTX-CT24). This trial will examine how high-power microwaves can disable outboard motors and other maritime applications, expanding the potential use cases for Epirus' technology beyond counter-drone operations.

Epirus

Centimani develops lightweight, unpowered exoskeleton arms to enhance soldier performance on the battlefield. The company's technology aims to maximize soldier survivability and lethality by redistributing the weight of heavy equipment from arms and shoulders to the trunk. This innovative solution allows soldiers to operate heavy machines for extended periods with increased precision and safety, while maintaining freedom of movement. The exoskeleton also offers the additional benefit of reducing shot recoil when operating heavy weapons. By addressing the challenge of soldiers carrying heavy equipment, including weapons, Centimani's technology helps improve endurance levels and overall combat effectiveness.

Centimani

Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, is a private American aerospace company headquartered in Kent, Washington. The company's mission is to enable millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. Blue Origin develops reusable launch vehicles and in-space systems to lower the cost of access to space and increase reliability. Its key products include the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle.
The New Shepard, named after Alan Shepard, is a fully reusable vertical takeoff and landing space vehicle designed for suborbital space tourism flights. It consists of a pressurized crew capsule and a propulsion module powered by Blue Origin's BE-3 engine. As of July 2021, New Shepard had carried out 22 successful consecutive missions, including three escape tests. The vehicle is controlled entirely by onboard computers without ground control or a human pilot.
Blue Origin is also developing the New Glenn, a 95-meter tall orbital launch vehicle named after John Glenn. The two-stage rocket is designed to be reusable and will have a larger lift capacity than many existing commercial rockets. New Glenn's first stage will be powered by seven BE-4 engines and is expected to land vertically on a ship at sea, similar to SpaceX's Falcon 9 boosters. The company is targeting its first orbital test launch of New Glenn for 2024.
In addition to launch vehicles, Blue Origin is working on other space technologies. These include the Blue Moon lunar lander, designed to deliver payloads to the Moon's surface, and Project Jarvis, a fully reusable upper stage. The company is also developing Orbital Reef, a commercial space station project.
Key customers and partnerships
Blue Origin has secured several customers for its New Glenn launch vehicle, including Eutelsat, SKY Perfect JSAT, and mu Space Corp. The company is also part of NASA's Artemis program, having been awarded a contract in April 2020 to develop an integrated human landing system for returning humans to the Moon.
In June 2024, Blue Origin was selected by the US Space Force, along with other providers, to compete for small satellite launch missions under the Orbital Services Program-4 (OSP-4) contract. This selection allows Blue Origin to bid on national security space launch contracts, expanding its potential customer base beyond commercial and civil space sectors.
Blue Origin has also formed partnerships with established aerospace companies. In 2014, it entered into a partnership with United Launch Alliance (ULA) to produce the BE-4 engine for ULA's Vulcan rocket. Additionally, for its lunar lander project, Blue Origin leads the "National Team," which includes Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Draper.

Blue Origin

<div>
 
 Rocket Lab is a space company that builds rockets and spacecraft that make it easier to get into orbit and do amazing things there. Rocket Lab provides end-to-end mission services that provide frequent and reliable access to space for civil, defence, and commercial markets. 
 
 
 Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron launch vehicle and Photonsatellite platform and is developing the Neutron launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab&rsquo;s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 105 satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. 
 
 
 Rocket Lab has two launch sites, including a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA, expected to be operational by the end of 2021. Rocket Lab&rsquo;s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus.
 
</div>

Rocket Lab

Robotics and semi/fully autonomous ground, aerial, and marine vehicles that can be used for military applications, such as surveying, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat.

Developers of sophisticated and advanced defense equipment to counter emerging threats. These solutions include hypersonic flights, directed energy systems, and space militarization.

The use of AI technologies, data analytics, networks of sensors, wearables, and IoT devices in military applications to enhance military capabilities.

The use of simulation technologies such as VR and AR to construct STEs for combat training and mission rehearsals.

Internet of Military Things (IoMT) uses sensors, wearables, and IoT devices in military applications

Use of simulation technologies such as VR/AR for combat training and mission rehearsals

Robotics that can be used for military applications, such as surveying, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat

Technology to explore opportunities beyond Earth

Space Travel and Exploration Tech

<div>
 ABL Space Systems, a firm producing economical launch vehicles and systems specifically for small satellites, has announced its exit from the commercial launch market. The company plans to now chiefly focus on national missile defense programs that are Pentagon-oriented.
 The company plans to repurpose its RS1 rocket to suit military applications such as using them as target vehicles during weapons testing. This decision comes in the wake of challenges faced in the commercial launch market coupled with intensifying competition from players like SpaceX and Rocket Lab.
 Although ABL has raised above USD 500 million through venture funding and also managed to secure contracts with Project Kuiper by Amazon and Lockheed Martin, it faced considerable setbacks. A failed maiden flight in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15602"> January 2023 </a> and a failed static fire test in <a href="https://spacenews.com/fire-fed-by-leaking-engines-destroyed-abl-space-systems-rocket/"> July 2024 </a> worsened issues, eventually leading to the company's decision to move away from the commercial launch market.
 
</div>

ABL Space Systems

Sources

About EDGE

Contact Us

Resources

Area of Focus

Technology Research Made Effortless