WE WELCOME
MÄTCH VC AS
NEW INVESTOR
ATMOS STRENGTHENS KEY
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS IN
GERMANY’S BID FOR
INDEPENDENT SPACE LOGISTICS
Press Release
- ATMOS secures €1 million investment from Mätch VC, backed by key German industry.
- Partnership involves leading industry in Germany’s bid for independent and sustainable space logistics.
- ATMOS to conduct first test of its PHOENIX 1 re-entry capsule on upcoming SpaceX’ Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission in April 2025.
Lichtenau, Germany – April 17, 2025 – ATMOS Space Cargo (ATMOS), a leading European space logistics startup, has secured a new strategic investor: Stuttgart-based venture capital firm Mätch VC. Known for its deep ties to the German Mittelstand, Mätch VC brings a €1 million investment and the backing of key industrial partners to support ATMOS in scaling its reusable capsule technology and the development of PHOENIX 2 – the company’s next-generation reusable capsule for orbital return logistics.
The funding comes at a pivotal time. Later this month, ATMOS will conduct its first orbital mission with the PHOENIX 1 prototype aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This early-stage test is designed to collect re-entry data and validate the company’s inflatable heat shield technology. Meanwhile, the Mätch VC investment will accelerate the roadmap toward full-scale, commercially viable missions using PHOENIX 2.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mätch VC and their network of industrial leaders to our mission. This investment aligns with our vision for strategic partnerships to integrate space logistics into key national infrastructure and economy to drive technological innovation.”
Sebastian Klaus, CEO and Co-Founder of ATMOS
As commercial space stations begin to replace the ISS, demand for affordable, flexible return logistics is rising fast. ATMOS aims to be Europe’s answer to this challenge – offering sustainable solutions for returning biotech, life sciences, and in-space manufacturing payloads from orbit to Earth.
“ATMOS exemplifies what we look for: bold teams building key technologies for Europe’s future competitiveness. Access to space logistics is not optional – it’s foundational for future industrial growth.”
Alina Biermann, Partner at Mätch VC.
About ATMOS Space Cargo
ATMOS Space Cargo develops reusable re-entry systems to transport scientific and industrial payloads from space back to Earth. Its PHOENIX capsule and inflatable heat shield enable high-efficiency, sustainable logistics between Earth and orbit.
About Mätch VC
Mätch VC connects Europe’s deep tech startups with Germany’s industrial champions. With €40 million under management and a network of over 60 family-run companies, Mätch VC empowers innovation with capital, expertise, and strategic access.