Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) has acquired Exo-Space, a firm that specializes in edge Artificial Intelligence (eAI) software and hardware for space applications — this transaction signals Sidus’s determination to tap into the growing AI sector and expand its offerings in the Earth and Space Observations services market.
Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement Sidus has acquired Exo-Space’s assets in a combination of cash, stock options, and performance bonus incentives in alignment with Sidus’ growth into an AI-enabled space services company. Exo-Space brings a current revenue stream of commercial and government contracts extending through 2025, as well as a pipeline of potential clients. The deal is projected to have a positive impact on Sidus’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA).
Exo-Space occupies a unique niche in the realm of U.S. owned eAI computing, concentrating on software and hardware solutions for space assets that use faster processing speeds. Exo-Space’s current operations complement Sidus’ established U.S. DoD/Intelligence relationships.
Sidus believes the acquisition of Exo-Space will seamlessly integrate stand-alone AI and machine learning products into Sidus’ business lines, with the ability to market the hardware for third-party purchase. A distinguishing feature of Exo-Space’s solution is its adaptability, designed to smoothly integrate the latest processor advancements. Proprietary hardware-agnostic software allows this flexibility. The synergy between Sidus’ satellite constellation, edge computing, and AI platform is expected to deliver substantial enhancements in leveraging space-based data.
Sidus has issued non-qualified stock option awards to purchase an aggregate of 3,955,212 shares of Class A common stock to certain former employees of Exo-Space. The stock options were granted as inducements material to the new employees becoming employees of Sidus in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The options have an exercise price of $0.16 per share, which is equal to the closing price of Sidus’ Class A common stock on August 21, 2023. Each option will vest over a 4-year period, subject to the employee’s continued employment with Sidus on such vesting dates. Notwithstanding the foregoing vesting conditions, no portion of the options shall be exercisable prior to the second (2nd) anniversary of the date of grant.
“This accretive acquisition expands our talent, technology, and total addressable market. Along with sales contracts and existing AI technology, the transaction includes the acquisition of Exo-Space’s collective experience in AI and machine learning. This transaction provides the opportunity for us to enhance our presence in the Earth and Space Observations markets by providing actionable solutions for our customers’ needs as opposed to just raw data. The integration of Exo-Space EdgeAI technology with Sidus’ sensors provides significant value and transformative potential across various domains.” — Carol Craig, Founder and CEO, Sidus Space
“Exo-Space’s combination of space hardened hardware and resilient software made this an attractive acquisition in creation of value to both our customers and shareholders. The concept of offering customers a special “rideshare” opportunity with a software platform to upload, change, and improve analytics of payloads onboard is a forward-thinking and innovative approach. This idea aligns with the increasing demand for flexibility and customization in satellite missions and data collection.” — Jared Novick, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Special Projects, Sidus Space
“By joining the Sidus team and integrating our AI capabilities into LizzieSat, we can now better deliver the benefits of space-based AI to more customers and on a shorter timeline than was previously possible.” — Jeremy Allam, Chief Executive Officer, Exo-Space
