Amazon Kuiper satellites with Antoine Lebourgeois, BG IRIS Research Associate at Bryan Garnier
Following an engaging conversation with BG IRIS Research Associate Antoine Lebourgeois, Capucine Cousin penned an article in L’AGEFI about the recent approval for deploying Amazon’s Kuiper satellites in France. This summary highlights key points from the interview and includes a link to the full article in French.
French telecoms regulator Arcep has just given Amazon’s low-earth orbit satellite internet access service the green light, but it is still lagging behind SpaceX’s mighty Starlink.
One of the major hurdles for Amazon is the readiness of its launch vehicles.
“Kuiper’s launch plan relies mainly on rockets that are not yet operational. This will likely be Amazon’s biggest hurdle in its race against SpaceX”, notes BG IRIS Research Associate Antoine Lebourgeois.
While Amazon has secured agreements for up to 83 launches with three rockets, these launchers were still under development when the contracts were signed and have faced delays since then. In contrast, SpaceX benefits from a fleet of reusable rockets, providing operational advantages for deploying and replenishing its Starlink constellation.
Amazon’s beta launch for Kuiper’s internet service is tentatively scheduled for late 2024, with a full commercial rollout anticipated in 2025, underscoring the company’s strategic intent to compete in the burgeoning satellite internet market.
Bryan Garnier’s satellite coverage team plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive insights and strategic advice to clients looking to navigate the complexities of the satellite communications market.
To further analyse this topic, read our in-depth industry brief exploring the dynamic landscape of satcoms.
2 minutes with Anne Glover: Making an impact in VC
We had the opportunity to interview Anne Glover, CEO and Co-Founder of Amadeus Capital Partners and a leading figure in the venture capital industry, about why she chose VC and what advice she would give to aspiring entrepreneurs. With 30 years of experience as a venture capitalist and 15 in investment in emerging markets, Anne has much to teach young entrepreneurs.
Anne Glover’s interview
For many, venture capital emerges as early-stage investors. Reflecting on her journey, Anne sees VC as being more of a partnership than a transaction, focusing on creating value and achieving success regardless of market conditions.
“Working with the most innovative entrepreneurs on the planet is just fundamentally so exciting, and then translating that into financial success is evidence of how we can change the world, disrupt the world, and deliver returns.”
Anne suggests that beyond achieving financial success, such partnerships can lead to transformative global impacts and disruptions. This viewpoint underscores how venture capital serves not only to generate returns but also to catalyse substantial changes in industries, reflecting a broader ambition to shape and influence the world through entrepreneurial ventures.
“It’s still true that you have to master your trade, whether it’s being a venture capitalist or an entrepreneur in a particular sector. It’s not something you can bluff.”
The venture capital industry is highly cyclical and influenced by external factors. External shocks can come from anywhere, making it impossible to predict market turns. True value creation comes from building great products and finding customers, irrespective of market conditions.
Anne notes that while Europe’s VC investment ecosystem has become more competitive and offers more choices to entrepreneurs, it still lags behind the US in terms of later-stage development. Developing a robust private sector ladder to support scaling companies is essential. This will allow companies to mature privately before entering public markets, ensuring they can withstand public scrutiny.
“The venture capital ecosystem has matured significantly over the past few decades. Technologists are now seeing entrepreneurship as a viable outlet for their innovations, which is a fantastic development.”
Anne finds immense satisfaction in seeing companies funded by her firm fundamentally changing industries. The realisation that their support was pivotal to a company’s success provides a profound sense of accomplishment.
Anne Glover’s journey and insights highlight the importance of vision, persistence, and genuine relationships in venture capital and entrepreneurship. Her experiences serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors, underscoring the transformative power of innovation and collaboration.
“I think too many people are impatient, constantly checking for immediate results. Instead, we need to nurture the ecosystem, understanding that superior returns will come with time.”
