Balnord has successfully invested in the space-to-ground communications company Astrolight

Polish VC fund Balnord and Lithuania-based Coinvest Capital have contributed to a EUR 2.8 million seed round in Astrolight to support its mission of developing an end-to-end laser communication system.

Astrolight, previously selected for NATO’s DIANA program and ranked among the top 3% of NATO’s dual-use startups, is building a dual-use communication architecture capable of supporting both space-to-space and space-to-ground optical links. The company aims to offer optical communication as a service by connecting its own and third-party optical terminals to its ground infrastructure.

The investment, led by frontier tech investor Balnord, along with Coinvest Capital, EIFO, and existing investors 3NGLS and Rita Sakus, will accelerate the deployment of optical communication infrastructure, improving connectivity between space and Earth. It also bolsters Lithuania’s leadership in laser technology and contributes to Baltic Sea Region’s competitiveness.

Astrolight plans to deploy its first operational optical ground station and demonstrate a hybrid optical terminal for both space-to-ground and space-to-space links. This new terminal will be based on its existing ATLAS-1 modular design.

While many space companies focus only on satellite-to-satellite laser links, Astrolight has focused from the start on bridging the gap between space and Earth, providing a key layer of supporting infrastructure.

Balnord and Coinvest Capital were advised by COBALT’s team, led by Partner Elijus Burgis and Specialist Counsel Deimantė Pagirienė.