Open Cosmos has made a strategic move by acquiring the Portuguese startup Connected, which is recognized for its innovative IoT connectivity solutions from space, marking a significant milestone for the European space-tech sector.

This acquisition not only strengthens Open Cosmos's presence in Portugal but also comes with plans to invest over €50 million in the country over the next three years, including the establishment of a satellite factory in Coimbra by the end of 2025.

Founded in 2023, Connected has quickly developed a proprietary platform for narrowband IoT connectivity, successfully launching pilots and securing partnerships with major organizations.

At the time of the acquisition, Connected was closing a funding round, highlighting the synergy in mission and ambition between the two companies.

Connected's technology significantly reduces the costs and complexities associated with space-based communications, enabling applications ranging from infrastructure monitoring to smart agriculture.

Accelerated by the ESA-BIC program, Connected has received substantial institutional support, including backing from the European Space Agency and the Portuguese Space Agency.

As part of the acquisition, Connected will operate as the dedicated IoT connectivity unit within Open Cosmos, integrating its 22-member team with Open Cosmos Atlantic's 18 employees in Portugal.

Open Cosmos aims to enhance its next-generation space services across Europe, aligning with the EU's long-term vision for sovereign and scalable space capabilities.

Open Cosmos, which has been profitable for the last four years and raised over €50 million in funding, employs around 200 people across Spain, Greece, the UK, and Portugal.

Following the acquisition, Tiago Rebelo, one of Connected's founders, will take on the role of Chief Revenue Officer at Open Cosmos, overseeing its subsidiaries in Portugal.

Rebelo emphasized that this acquisition marks the beginning of a partnership aimed at establishing Europe as a leader in technology and industrial capacity within the space sector.

While the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, Connected will focus on providing connectivity solutions for the Internet of Things as part of Open Cosmos.