IP Group plc - Portfolio company AccelerComm secures $15m funding to speed adoption of technology for space-based 5G networks

IP Group plc (LSE: IPO) ("IP Group" or "the Group"), which invests in breakthrough science and innovation companies with the potential to create a better future for all, is pleased to note that portfolio company AccelerComm ("AccelerComm" or "the Company") has closed a funding round totalling $15m.

AccelerComm, which is a leading provider of high-performance 5G technology for satellite networks, will use the capital to further develop and accelerate deployments of the company's 5G satellite communications products and technology that enable Direct-to-Device (D2D) communications between phone handsets and space-based satellite networks.

The round was led by IP Group, comprising £3.0m from its balance sheet and £4.5m from its Parkwalk and Hostplus managed funds*. Following completion, IP Group plc has an undiluted beneficial holding of 26.6% in AccelerComm, with a further 21.2% held via its managed funds. The round was also supported by IQ Capital, Swisscom Ventures' digital transformation fund and Bloc Ventures.

AccelerComm also announced the appointment of David Helfgott as CEO, a senior executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across wireless and satellite communications markets.

*Includes funds managed/advised on behalf of Parkwalk and Hostplus.

The full announcement follows:

AccelerComm Secures $15m Funding to Speed Adoption of Technology for Space-Based 5G Networks to Deliver Universal Mobile Coverage

·    UK company closes funding round led by IP Group, including its Parkwalk and Hostplus managed funds

·    Appoints Satellite industry veteran David Helfgott as CEO

Southampton, UK: June 2 2025 - AccelerComm, the company delivering high-performance 5G technology for Satellite networks, today announced that it has closed a funding round totalling $15m. The capital will be used to further develop and accelerate deployments of the company's 5G satellite communications products and technology that enable Direct-to-Device (D2D) communications between phone handsets and space-based satellite networks.

The round was led by IP Group, including its Parkwalk and Hostplus managed funds, with support from IQ Capital, Swisscom Ventures' digital transformation fund and Bloc Ventures. The investment will support the company's ongoing implementations with key mobile operator and satellite network customers and partners, including Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin is using AccelerComm's solutions in their Advanced Regenerative 5G NR NTN Base Station, set to be the first regenerative 5G NTN payload on orbit.

The company also announced the appointment of David Helfgott as CEO, a senior executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across wireless and satellite communications markets. In his new role David will be responsible for accelerating customer and partner traction in the US and globally for AccelerComm's cutting-edge technology. Most recently he held the position of CEO at SmartSky Networks, a leader in inflight communications, with an air-to-ground (ATG) 4G LTE/ 5G network for aviation. Prior to that he held President and CEO roles at Phasor, Inmarsat Government, DataPath Inc, and SES Government.

"There is growing momentum in the mobile communications industry towards using 5G enabled satellites to augment existing coverage and capacity delivered by terrestrial networks," said David Helfgott, CEO of AccelerComm. "AccelerComm's unique technology and acumen position us at the centre of this shift, delivering a critical building block required to provide best in class 5G services from space. I'm delighted to be joining the company at such an exciting time as it launches a world-first solution, and with further ground-breaking innovations and launches around the corner. The recent announcement of our 5G NTN solution has led to great interest from mobile operators and satellite networks from around the world."

"Non-terrestrial network convergence of satellite and mobile technology is reshaping the future of connectivity, and UK companies like AccelerComm are helping to drive that transformation," said Henny Sands, Head of Telecommunications at the UK Space Agency. "This investment marks a significant step towards achieving universal mobile coverage through space-based 5G. The UK Space Agency is proud to support pioneering businesses developing world-class and unique capabilities, and we welcome AccelerComm's continued innovation in this critical sector."

"Having supported AccelerComm since inception, we're delighted to see the Company attract an experienced CEO and close a new funding round, supported by additional blue-chip investors,"said Lee Thornton, Partner (Deeptech), IP Group. "AccelerComm has one of the world's leading technologies for fast and efficient communications in the nascent low-earth-orbit satellite market. The company is well-positioned for growth, with a market that is projected to be worth $100bn within a decade, and we look forward to future progress."

About AccelerComm

AccelerComm is a leading provider of high-performance physical layer solutions for 5G Non Terrestrial Networks (NTN). Experts in specialized Radio Access Networks (RAN) applications, AccelerComm deliver solutions with cutting-edge performance and power efficiency to meet the unique demands of satellite-based 5G networks. The company's portfolio ranges from complete physical layer solutions to customisable signal processing components, implemented on a wide range of next generation silicon, AI Engines, FPGA , and ASIC-ready IP cores including space hardened platforms. AccelerComm's modular approach allows seamless integration based on O-RAN, SCF and 3GPP standards.

Find out more about us at www.accelercomm.com.

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Notes for editors

About IP Group

IP Group accelerates the impact of science for a better future. As the most active UK based, early stage science investor, we develop and support some of the world's most exciting businesses in deeptech, life sciences and cleantech (led by Kiko Ventures). Through Parkwalk, the UK's largest growth EIS fund manager, we also back world-changing innovation emerging in leading universities and research institutions. Our specialist investment team combines sector expertise with an international approach. Together we have a strong track record of success, having backed high-profile companies including Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc, Featurespace, First Light Fusion, Hysata, and Oxa. IP Group is listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the code IPO. For more information, please visit our website at www.ipgroupplc.com.

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