Actuate Ventures is collaborating with Mach 33 Financial Group to create a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) designed to support Orbital Composites in matching and unlocking the deployment of the $1.9 million in non-dilutive funding they’ve been awarded by the U.S. Air Force under the Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program, by the end of September.
This SPV represents a strategic investment opportunity, aligning with Actuate Ventures' focus on supporting companies that demonstrate a strong potential for scalability, innovation, and significant impact, particularly in the deep tech and aerospace.
Orbital Composites is revolutionizing manufacturing through use of advanced robotics for additive manufacturing (3D printing) of composite materials.
Their core offerings include robotic systems capable of printing large and complex composite structures, enabling extremely high-performance, lightweight, and cost-effective solutions for industries such as aerospace, energy, and space. The company integrates AI and modular robotics to create custom manufacturing solutions, emphasizing sustainability, reduced material waste, and innovation in high-stress environments.
<aside> 💡 Orbital Composites is uniquely positioned at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, defense, and aerospace with a proven track record of innovation in the production of high-performance composite materials – with multiple active integrations within the DoD.
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Their ability to secure four active funded initiatives through the U.S. Air Force's AFWERX and SpaceWERX programs underscores their technological leadership and deep relationships and integration with the Department of Defense (DoD). These initiatives include cutting-edge projects in: drones, hypersonics, CubeSats, and In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM), each of which plays a critical role in the future of aerospace and defense.
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UPDATE: Orbital was sought out and approached by the US Space Force at the end of August and offered a spaceflight in 2026 to demo their technology in action on-orbit. They will be the first Space Manufacturing Demo in vacuum – a commercial robotic arm 3D printing in space, and they will be printing an antenna. (POC of the hardware/software tech, capability of 3D printing in vacuum, and demonstration of commercial application by creating a commercializable product).
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Actuate Ventures is excited about this SPV deal because it aligns perfectly with our investment thesis: backing companies that are not only innovative and scalable but also have a significant impact on their industry. Orbital Composites' advanced fabrication technology is poised to be as transformative for the aerospace and defense industries as the Bessemer process was for steel. (see the opportunity narrative below) ****
Their deep integration with the DoD, combined with their cutting-edge technology, makes this a very compelling investment opportunity with the potential for significant returns.
<aside> ⬇️ Please read this fantastic Opportunity Narrative below that Mach33 put together. It more effectively explains the vast implications of impact that Orbital Composites has on the manufacturing and composites industries, at large.
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<aside> <img src="/icons/asterisk_yellow.svg" alt="/icons/asterisk_yellow.svg" width="40px" /> Once complete, see the Deal Details, Deck, Media, and Updates below.
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