Porsche SE backs US rocket startup Stoke Space with low double-digit million investment
What's the deal? Porsche Automobil Holding SEDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, the Stuttgart-based investment vehicle of the Porsche and Piëch families that owns a major stake in VolkswagenDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, has taken a minority stake in US rocket company Stoke Space TechnologiesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. The investment volume is in the low double-digit millions, the company said.
What does Stoke do? The startup is developing a two-stage launch vehicle designed for full reusability. That enables a higher launch frequency and far lower launch costs than conventional rockets, according to Porsche SEDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
Why now? There is strong demand in the rocket-launch market, which is currently served almost exclusively by SpaceXDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, said Hans Dieter Pötsch, chief executive officer of Porsche SE. Stoke's approach mirrors that of Elon Musk's SpaceX, the only other company pursuing full reusability at scale.
What's the endgame? The first launch of Stoke Space's "Nova" rocket is planned for early 2027, Porsche SE said.
Not the first bet: This marks Porsche SE's second space investment. In 2021, the holding backed Bavarian rocket startup Isar Aerospace, taking a stake in the low single-digit percentage range. Isar develops and produces launch vehicles for transporting satellites.
The signal: With earthbound business under pressure, Porsche SE is widening its exposure to space, betting that reusable rockets can break SpaceX's near-monopoly on commercial launches.
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Image credit: Generated with Gemini
