Thank you to all the LPs, portfolio companies, and strategic partners who joined us at the Nasdaq in Times Square for the 2025 Space Capital Summit.
As always, this highly curated event featured a day full of compelling content, conversation, and connection. But, this year was particularly special with Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman joining us atop of the iconic tower to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the launch of our first fund. This year’s Summit showcased our thesis, which provides a framework for understanding how space-based technology has become a platform for innovation on a global scale; specifically, the development of technology layers on top of space based infrastructure and the distribution of data for mass adoption, which unlocks thousands of unique applications. Below are four defining themes from this year’s conversations:
Trimble’s Legacy & Leadership in the Space Economy
Trimble is one of the most important, most established companies in the space economy, so it was an honor to host a conversation with Trimble CEO Rob Painter and CNBC anchor Morgan Brennan, in which they discussed Trimble’s legacy and leadership at the forefront of the all-important application layer of the space economy. From bringing GPS to market in the early 80's, to driving innovation in geospatial data and AI today, Painter shared how Trimble has remained at the forefront of the rapidly expanding space sector for nearly 50 years. With a focus on Trimble’s vision for the future, this conversation provides valuable insights into how space-based solutions are transforming industries and driving long-term growth.
Space Tech for a Resilient Future
From tracking methane leaks to detecting wildfires sooner, space technology is transforming how we tackle climate challenges. Satellites like MethaneSAT and FireSAT provide actionable intelligence to combat extreme weather, reduce emissions, and protect communities. As climate risks intensify and public funding shrinks, private capital is stepping up to bridge the gap. Our expert panel featuring Kate Dargan, Steve Hamburg, and Jonny Dyer explored how cutting-edge satellite solutions are reshaping climate resilience and the future of disaster response.
Better Together: EO & GIS
Over the next decade, Earth Observation (EO) and remote sensing will revolutionize enterprise and government just as GPS did, unlocking new geospatial intelligence capabilities. James Slifierz, Beau Legeer, and Will Cocos explored the evolving EO market, the challenges of accessibility, and how innovations like SkyWatch Content Store™ for ArcGIS and Maxar’s high-resolution imagery are making premium data easier to discover, purchase, and integrate. In this conversation we unpacked the technology, market shifts, and future impact of EO-driven insights.
Navigating the Future: Resilient GPS and AltPNT
As geopolitical tensions rise, U.S. defense spending is surging, with a strong focus on Resilient GPS (R-GPS) and Alternative PNT (AltPNT). With China’s BeiDou expanding its influence, ensuring secure and reliable positioning and navigation is more critical than ever. In this conversation, Sean Gorman, Brian Manning, Tom Gillespie explored how the USSF and private sector are driving advancements in GPS resilience, the role of AltPNT in contested environments, and the broader implications for defense, enterprise, and global stability.
The 2025 Space Capital Summit underscored the dynamic evolution of the space economy. From Trimble's established leadership to the innovative use of space tech for climate resilience, and the advancements in Earth Observation and GPS technology, the event highlighted how space-based solutions are increasingly vital across diverse sectors. Celebrating 10 years of Space Capital at the Nasdaq further emphasizes the growing significance and investment in this burgeoning field, signaling a promising future for the space economy and its wide-ranging applications.
Interested in the future of the space economy and how it's shaping global innovation? Explore the full range of discussions, insights, and featured speakers from the 2025 Space Capital Summit and previous events. Watch the videos and dive deeper into these transformative topics at https://www.spacecapital.com/summit and stay connected with Space Capital for upcoming events and analysis.
