Taxonomy & Methodology
In Dealroom, "Core" space tech (startups whose main business is space)* is identified by the Space industry.
This includes space upstream companies from launch vehicles to It also includes some space downstream companies where space is a key differentiating characteristic and focus, such as earth observation and satellite imagery companies, which do not have proprietary satellite constellations but use publicly available satellite imaging data.
Space Upstream and Downstream are tracked by the respective tags “space upstream” and “space downstream”. “Space tech” is applied to both upstream and downstream, either core or partially focused on space.
Upstream Space Tech
The Upstream Space Tech segment encompasses companies operating in space or developing products for space: developing and/or operating satellites, launch vehicles, developing spacecraft payloads and components, innovative materials for use in space, etc.
Some of the most innovative areas in this segment include technologies that can enable long-term human presence in space: space resource exploration and in-situ resource utilization, space utilities (in-space datacenters, power grids, etc.) and space habitats, as well as space tourism.
The segment also includes companies where space is not their core business. For example, 3D printing, advanced materials tech companies that target space among several other industries, or those that have participated in space projects, or biotech companies that have sent experiments to space to explore the potential use of their technology in space.
Downstream Space Tech
The Downstream Space Tech segment encompasses technologies derived from space for use on Earth (e.g. materials and sensors initially developed for space but having found use in Earth-based applications) as well as technologies used in space with the primary goal of serving Earth-based applications (mainly satellites: Earth observation, communication, navigation).
The segment also includes companies where space or space-derived tech is not their core tech. For example, companies that mention using satellite data among multiple other data sources.
Some companies belong to both Downstream and Upstream segments. For example, those operating their own satellites to deliver products/services on Earth (Earth observation satellite data for agritech, energy, etc.)
What is a startup?
Companies designed to grow fast. Generally, such companies are VC-investable businesses. Sometimes they can become very big (e.g. $1B+ valuation). When startups are successful, they develop into scaleups (>50 people), grownups (>500 people) and result in big companies. Only companies founded since 1990 are included in this report.
Funding stages
- Startup stage: Companies with under $15M total funding.
- Breakout stage: Companies with $15M-$100M total funding.
- Scaleup stage: Companies with $100M+ total funding.
Scope of the report
While many startups founded in Glasgow relocate beyond its the borders, most maintain business-critical ties to their homeland. In order to take this reality into account, this report includes both Glasgow-based startups, which maintain their main centre of business (HQ) in their country of origin, and Glasgow-founded startups, with their HQ relocated outside of Glasgow.
Underlying Data
Dealroomʼs proprietary database and software aggregate data from multiple sources: harvesting public information, user-submitted data verified by Dealroom, data engineering. All data is verified and curated with an extensive manual process. The data on which this report builds is available via glasgow.dealroom.co. For more info please visit dealroom.co or contact support@dealroom.co. Data for this report was taken in Q2 2025.
Local government authority delivering ambitions outlined in Glasgow Economic Strategy
Glasgow City Councilʼs Digital Economy team ensures the city attracts and grows the required digital foundations including: skills, innovation environment, tech-enabled businesses, connectivity and infrastructure. Aligned to the national Government-commissioned Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, a key objective is the attraction and funneling of investment to strengthen and grow the 'market-square' for Glasgow's technology ecosystem.
Glasgowʼs dedicated Investment Promotion Agency (IPA)
Glasgow City Councilʼs Digital Economy team ensures the city attracts and grows the required digital foundations including: skills, innovation environment, tech-enabled businesses, connectivity and infrastructure. Aligned to the national Government-commissioned Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, a key objective is the attraction and funneling of investment to strengthen and grow the 'market-square' for Glasgow's technology ecosystem.
Global startup & venture capital intelligence platform.
Dealroom.co is the foremost data provider on startup, early-stage and growth company ecosystems in Europe and around the globe.
Founded in Amsterdam in 2013, we now work with many of the world's most prominent investors, entrepreneurs and government organizations to provide transparency, analysis and insights on venture capital activity.
Local government authority delivering ambitions outlined in Glasgow Economic Strategy
Glasgow City Councilʼs Digital Economy team ensures the city attracts and grows the required digital foundations including: skills, innovation environment, tech-enabled businesses, connectivity and infrastructure. Aligned to the national Government-commissioned Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, a key objective is the attraction and funneling of investment to strengthen and grow the 'market-square' for Glasgow's technology ecosystem.
Glasgowʼs dedicated Investment Promotion Agency (IPA)
Glasgow City Councilʼs Digital Economy team ensures the city attracts and grows the required digital foundations including: skills, innovation environment, tech-enabled businesses, connectivity and infrastructure. Aligned to the national Government-commissioned Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, a key objective is the attraction and funneling of investment to strengthen and grow the 'market-square' for Glasgow's technology ecosystem.
Global startup & venture capital intelligence platform.
Dealroom.co is the foremost data provider on startup, early-stage and growth company ecosystems in Europe and around the globe.
Founded in Amsterdam in 2013, we now work with many of the world's most prominent investors, entrepreneurs and government organizations to provide transparency, analysis and insights on venture capital activity.