Z Venture Capital ("ZVC") has invested in Elevation Space("Elevation Space"), a company developing transportation services from space to Earth centered on re-entry technology using small satellites.

ElevationSpace is a space startup developing a unique service that provides experimental opportunities in low Earth orbit and retrieves results using small capsules with lift-guided technology.

They aim to achieve microgravity experiments and sample recovery, which have been primarily conducted on the International Space Station (ISS), at lower cost and higher frequency. A major feature is their ability to provide end-to-end service from experimentation to recovery through their self-developed small satellite "ELS-R Series" and their high-frequency recovery service from manned stations "ELS-RS". With numerous in-house technologies, they support not only space development in industrial fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials development, but also a wide range of technical demonstrations including Mars lander development.

（From ElevationSpace's website: Solutions "ELS-R"）

（From ElevationSpace's website: Solutions "ELS-RS"）

Globally, startups like Varda Space Industries and Inversion Space are raising significant capital to prove similar concepts.

ElevationSpace, however, stands apart by leveraging Japan’s world-class re-entry and recovery technologies to create services that combine precision, safety, and scalability. Their approach also aligns closely with Japan’s national R&D programs. With the ISS set to retire in 2030, experimentation and recovery in low Earth orbit are expected to become essential infrastructure, and ElevationSpace is well-positioned to become a key player in this next chapter.

What resonated with me most was the team’s determination to create a new transportation infrastructure linking space and Earth, starting from Japan. They have built a strong foundation not only on the technical side but also on the business side, which I believe will be the source of their long-term competitiveness.

The space industry is challenging, with long timelines and steep technological and financial hurdles. It requires investors who are committed to walking alongside founders for the long journey. At the end of our meeting, Mr. Kobayashi said, “I hope this will become a long-term partnership.” That simple phrase carried the determination to build the future together—and made me even more eager to support them.

ElevationSpace’s vision is not just about technology development—it’s about creating the infrastructure that will connect Earth and space. I am truly excited to accompany them on this journey and look forward to what lies ahead.

ElevationSpace：https://elevation-space.com/