Estonian Space Startup Golbriak Space Raises €4 Million for Laser Communications
Estonian space technology startup Golbriak Space has raised €4 million in seed funding to expand production of its laser communication systems for satellites and airborne platforms. The funding comes as demand for high-capacity optical communications grows alongside larger and more interconnected satellite constellations. The round was co-led by Join Capital and PhotonVentures, with participation from Takeoff, an aerospace and advanced-hardware accelerator managed by Plug and Play.
The Tallinn-based company will use the new capital to accelerate the development and industrialisation of its technology while expanding its manufacturing capacity. Golbriak is also preparing for commercial programmes that could involve several thousand terminals.
Scaling Laser Communications
Laser communication uses narrow optical beams to transmit data between satellites, aircraft and other platforms rather than relying on traditional radio-frequency systems. The technology can support high data rates while avoiding increasingly crowded radio-frequency spectrum.
The narrow and highly directional nature of optical beams can also make laser links more difficult to intercept or disrupt compared with conventional wide-beam radio communications. However, producing terminals that are affordable, reliable and easy to integrate at scale has remained a significant challenge.
Two Platforms for Space and Airborne Networks
Golbriak currently has two principal product families. Its ERMESAI+ terminal is designed for space applications, while ARES is built for drones and high-altitude platforms. Both use a common software-defined architecture intended to simplify the integration and deployment of optical communications across different platforms and networks.
The company's systems currently support data rates starting at 2.5 Gbps, while a 10 Gbps system is planned for 2027. Golbriak says its terminals also require less precise pointing from the host platform, helping simplify integration and allowing multiple terminals to be carried by a single spacecraft or aircraft.
Funding Supports Larger Production
The latest funding comes as Golbriak moves from technology development and validation toward larger-scale manufacturing. The company says it already has functioning products and paying customers, while commercial discussions are advancing around programmes requiring thousands of terminals.
Golbriak is also moving into a new office and laboratory facility in Tallinn's Mustamäe area. The expanded base is expected to support additional hiring and increased production as the company works toward customer-funded deployments across commercial space programmes from 2027.
Building Optical Communications for Constellations
The investment reflects growing interest in optical communications as satellite networks generate and move increasingly large volumes of data. Golbriak's approach focuses on making laser terminals easier to manufacture, integrate and operate across different networks.
With €4 million in new funding, the company is now focused on increasing production capacity and preparing its technology for constellation-scale deployment.
