Varda Space Secures $187 Million to Pioneer In-Space Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
San Francisco, CA – July 18, 2025 – Varda Space Industries, a pioneering company focused on establishing manufacturing capabilities in orbit, has announced the successful closing of a substantial $187 million funding round. This significant investment is poised to accelerate Varda’s mission to bring critical manufacturing processes, particularly for pharmaceuticals, into the unique environment of space.
The Series B funding round, led by a consortium of prominent venture capital firms including Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, and Lux Capital, with participation from existing investors and new strategic partners, signals strong confidence in Varda’s vision and technological advancements. This capital infusion will be instrumental in scaling Varda’s operations, further developing its proprietary spacecraft technology, and initiating its groundbreaking in-space manufacturing services.
Varda Space aims to leverage the microgravity environment of space to produce high-value goods that benefit from conditions unattainable on Earth. Among its initial key targets is the pharmaceutical industry, where the absence of gravity can allow for the creation of more effective and purer drug formulations. Specifically, companies are interested in producing protein-based therapeutics, such as antibodies, which can crystallize more uniformly in microgravity, potentially leading to improved stability, efficacy, and ease of administration.
“We are incredibly encouraged by the support from our investors, which validates our approach to unlocking the potential of in-space manufacturing,” said Delian Asparrouhov, Co-founder and CEO of Varda Space. “This funding allows us to accelerate our development roadmap and begin delivering tangible benefits to industries like pharmaceuticals. We believe that manufacturing in space is not a distant dream, but a near-term reality that can revolutionize how we produce critical materials and medicines.”
The company’s innovative approach involves launching small, reusable spacecraft designed for manufacturing. These spacecraft will operate in low Earth orbit, where materials can be processed, manufactured, and then returned to Earth for distribution. This closed-loop system is designed to be cost-effective and scalable, making in-space manufacturing a viable commercial proposition.
The implications of Varda’s work extend beyond pharmaceuticals. The ability to manufacture materials in space opens up possibilities for advancements in a wide range of sectors, including advanced materials, electronics, and even specialized manufacturing processes that are currently limited by terrestrial constraints.
The successful completion of this funding round marks a significant milestone for Varda Space and the burgeoning field of space-based commerce. It underscores the growing recognition of space as a strategic platform for innovation and economic growth. Varda is expected to launch its first manufacturing missions in the coming years, aiming to demonstrate the viability and benefits of its in-space production capabilities. This development is a promising step towards a future where the unique advantages of space are harnessed to improve life on Earth.
Varda Space raises $187m to make medicines in space
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