Ground Segment as a Service (GSaaS) company announces successful multi-million Euro fundraise and new leadership appointments, eyes further innovation and expansion
An Italian space company offering Ground Segment as a Service (GSaaS) to the global space industry has strengthened its senior leadership team to position itself for further growth. This announcement follows a series of recent achievements and is accompanied by a refreshed brand identity.
Leaf Space, with 50 staff at its headquarters in Italy and nearly 30 ground stations in 16 locations worldwide, successfully closed its Series B funding round last year, raising over €30 million. Last month, the company recorded more than 15,000 tracked satellite passes in a single month – a 50% increase over the previous year and a record high for the company, which was founded in a Milan garage ten years ago.
The news was shared during LeafCon, an event organised to foster close relationships with valued customers, and also unveiled the company’s new senior leadership appointments. Cristina Zanchi was introduced as Leaf Space’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after an extensive recruitment process led by co-founders Jonata Puglia and Giovanni Pandolfi Bortoletto. Ms. Zanchi brings vast experience in senior leadership roles within the telecommunications industry, having worked with companies like Orange, KLM, and Shell. Her strategic planning expertise, focus on elevating customer experience, and operational excellence are seen as key assets as the company prepares for further product innovation and expansion in the fast-evolving ‘new space’ economy.
Jonata Puglia, the previous CEO, will take on a strategic role supporting Ms. Zanchi and facilitating new partnerships. Reflecting on the transition, he said, “This week marks a pivotal moment in Leaf Space’s journey. With new investments and significant operational milestones, we are ready for another decade of exciting growth and success.”
Puglia added that Ms. Zanchi’s vision and fresh perspective have already proven valuable to the company, and he is excited to collaborate closely with her. Giovanni Pandolfi Bortoletto, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, highlighted the company’s rapid growth, citing the activation of eight new sites in the past year, including new teleports in Chile, Mexico, and Iceland. He confirmed that Leaf Space will soon reach global coverage with over 30 ground stations, including Ka-band capabilities, which will further enhance its market-leading position.
Alongside the appointment of Ms. Zanchi, Leaf Space welcomed Gian Luca Ottino as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Ottino brings international management experience in high-growth companies within the telecommunications and SaaS sectors.
Both new executives will join the wider Leaf Space team at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, held from 14th-18th October. This major annual space industry event will host over 8,000 experts, with the next IAC scheduled to take place in Sydney, Australia.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Zanchi stated, “I’m thrilled to join one of the brightest stars in the global space ecosystem. Leaf Space has an impressive record of disruption and sustained growth, thanks to a talented and committed team. I look forward to connecting with partners and clients as we embark on this new chapter.”
Leaf Space operates a globally distributed network of ground stations, enabling satellite operators to communicate with their spacecraft in the simplest and most flexible way. Through an easy-to-use interface and proprietary autonomous scheduling software, Leaf Space facilitates TT&C and payload data transmissions with its network’s global coverage. For more information, visit: www.leaf.space.
