UPDATE 1 — Space startups secure record $20.8 billion funding as infrastructure bets surge, report shows

A record 216 deals completed in Q3, up from 140 in Q2, Seraphim report shows Infrastructure-related businesses accounted for bulk of the funding activity North America accounted for about 70% of global funding year-to-date (Adds graphic) By Prathik Jayaprakash Oct 14 (Reuters) — Space startups attracted a record $20.8 billion in funding in the third quarter, as investors poured money into launch providers, manufacturing and other infrastructure ventures. by global investment firm Seraphim. The figure was nearly triple the $7.4 billion invested in the second quarter and more than double the prior peak. Excluding Blue Origin's $10 billion financing, investment was still at an all-time high of $10.8 billion, underscoring growing demand across the sector. The report, released on Wednesday, also showed a record 216 deals were completed during the quarter, up from 140 in the second quarter. While SpaceX remains a dominant force in the industry, recent fundraising has been supported by a growing pipeline of commercial orders and government-backed programs, according to Seraphim. "Capital is following evidence of commercial and institutional demand, not just residual