Zerodha’s Nithin Kamath vouches for ‘patient capital’ in space tech startups on India’s first National Space Day

On the occasion of India’s inaugural National Space Day, Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath highlighted the importance of “patient capital” to support the country’s ever-growing space technology startups, including household names like AgniKul Cosmos and GalaxEye.

Speaking on this important occasion, Kamath highlighted the unique challenges faced by space technology ventures which require significant investments in cutting-edge research and technology.

In a post on X, Kamath wrote: “Today we celebrate the first National Space Day It’s a matter of pride that we have many amazing homegrown space startups like @AgnikulCosmos and @GalaxEye, both from @Rainmatterin’s portfolio. Agnikul recently tested the world’s first 3D printed rocket engine and aims to launch a satellite by 2025. Given the cutting-edge research and technology, space tech startups, more than any other startup, need patient capital. So we hope to have more homegrown space tech startups that will make us happy.”

Understanding Patient Capital

Patient capital is a long-term investment strategy that differs from traditional private equity and venture capital.

It focuses on sustainable growth and financial returns over longer periods of time, often spanning several years or even decades.

With this approach, investors can support companies with follow-on financing, helping them accelerate growth and increase their return on investment (ROI).

National Space Day!

On August 23, India celebrated its first National Space Day, commemorating this groundbreaking achievement in Indian space exploration.

Exactly one year ago, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully soft-landed its Chandrayaan 3 mission on the moon’s south pole, making India the first country to achieve such a feat. The government has announced that the day will be celebrated annually to honour the rapid progress in the space sector.

Since the liberalisation of the space industry in 2020, more than 300 startups have emerged, demonstrating the financial potential of space exploration. The government has recognised that the growth of the space sector is a significant contributor to the economy, with the budget allocated to the sector increasing by 132%.