Satellite & space projects
We can help support clients within the space sector whether they be an entrepreneur, start-up, operator, manufacturer, space agency or satellite user.
Overview
Scotland’s place in Space
Scotland has a dynamic and growing space sector, which focuses on a number of high-tech, high skill and research and development intensive areas. Scotland is home to a growing number of internationally-recognised space companies developing both affordable satellite hardware, and the applications that harness the data satellites provide.
The space industry in Scotland has over 180 organisations, with 7,600 employees at the cutting edge of their specialisms – backed by strong relationships with researchers in Scottish universities and research pools.
Scotland’s space sector is rising faster than anywhere else in the UK suggesting it could be a launch-pad for economic growth post-COVID, while providing data solutions to help tackle climate change.
Scotland’s space industry plans to grow its value to £4 billion by 2030 and the UK is competing to launch 2000 small satellites by 2030. Scotland’s geography makes it the best place in the UK to reach in-demand satellite orbits with vertically launched rockets. By securing the development of the UK Spaceport in Scotland, the sector now has the opportunity to deliver transformational growth for the Scottish economy.
Spaceport
The development of a vertical spaceport at Sutherland in Scotland is very exciting for Scotland’s place in the Space industry and coupled with the plans for Lockheed Martin to transfer its satellite launch operations to Shetland Space Centre, is a cause for real celebration.
The Sutherland spaceport will be developed by HIE with support from the UK Government and in collaboration with the private sector. The Sutherland spaceport could support up to 400 new jobs as a result of inward investment and supply chain opportunities.
Shetland Space Centre anticipates that by 2024, the spaceport site could support a total of 605 jobs in Scotland including 140 locally and 210 across the wider Shetland region. A further 150 jobs will also be created through manufacturing and support services.
Key contacts
Services
Our services
Our specialist team is extremely active in a large number of areas, offering services including:
Banking & finance
Overview
Fundraising advice relating to equity investments and bank funding whether that is advising the technology company itself or the private equity or venture capital investor.
Intellectual property & technology
Overview
Advising upon strategies for the protection and exploitation of the results of research and development, collaboration, and commercial service provision. Addressing “license in” and “license out” projects. Assisting on the acquisition of IP rights through patenting, the use of design rights, copyright law, and through the protection of know-how and trade secrets, locally and internationally. Freedom to use searching and advice, and assistance with IP infringement disputes.
Commercial contracts
Overview
Terms relating research and grant funding access, including Horizon and ESA funding. Commercial supply service agreements. Agreements relating to cross border structuring, such as loan arrangements, inter group service agreements, and inter group licensing. Procurement and tendering projects.
Start ups and Entrepreneurs
Overview
The entrepreneurial, high-growth arena in Scotland is thriving and our specialist team is recognised as leading legal advisers to this business community.
Along with advising many individuals and businesses, we work closely with the organisations and investors who have helped to drive this growth.
We also work closely with many entrepreneurial support organisations including Scotland’s network of angel investors and venture capitalists. In addition we have strong relationships with the public sector and banking institutions which support entrepreneurs and high-growth companies.
Investment & Spin Out
Overview
Our team are experts in helping companies raise multiple equity investment from seed to Series A to Series B. We also act for a large number of investors. We complete deals on weekly basis with investment monies coming from both national and international investors. We have completed more than 180 equity deals in the last 3 year making us one of the pre-eminent firms in the UK for equity investments.
Work
Our work
Our work includes advising on regulatory, licensing and market access issues, export controls, satellite broadcasting technology, mergers and acquisitions and disputes.
Space tech startups
Overview
We advised Glasgow-headquartered space tech startup R3-IoT as it secured a £3.1 million investment as it prepares to expand internationally.
The satellite-enabled connectivity start-up closed a seed investment round led by US-based VC Space Capital, joined by the Scottish National Investment Bank.
Other investors include the University of Strathclyde, alongside North American-based Ryan Johnson, former CEO of BlackBridge, Nathan Kundtz, CEO of Rendered.ai, and Loren Padelford, former GM of Revenue at Shopify. Scottish Enterprise also become shareholders and continue to support the company.
Commercial contracts
Overview
Advising on commercial contracts for a business that uses earth observation satellites.
Employment contracts
Overview
Preparing employment contracts and an EMI scheme for a company that uses satellite imagery and the latest in machine learning methodology for a variety of data uses.
Client policies
Overview
Developing client policies for access to and commercialisation of satellite gathered data, and advising in relation to the development and operation of enabling systems.
“Thank you Paula & Natalie for your hard work in getting this fantastic deal over the line for us. We’ve been so impressed with the way you have both managed the process. This is a game-changer for us and will only lead to more growth and excitement and chapters for the R3 IoT story. You were both there at the start when we were just two guys with a plan and it’s your expert guidance that’s played a part in helping us get us to this point. I really want to thank you both face to face when we can.”