Satellite Vu, the UK climate tech satellite company aiming to become the world’s thermometer from space, has hired industry veteran Camilla Taylor, as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ahead of their upcoming satellite launch.
Camilla has devoted her career to climate tech and finance, and spent the last decade in CFO roles, most recently as a portfolio CFO. Previously she served as CFO at what3words, where she helped scale the company from 20 people to post Series C, and at electric mobility business Saietta Group PLC, where she led the company through its first funding rounds and a strategic acquisition. She began her career in commercial roles in two climate start-ups, and then joined a specialist climate / clean tech fund as an investor. She graduated with a degree in Biological Sciences from Oxford University, holds a master’s in Environmental Economics, and an MBA from Columbia and London Business Schools.
Satellite Vu has seen significant business growth over the past 18 months, raising over £20 million in venture funding led by Seraphim Space Investment Trust, with A/O Proptech and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and grants from the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency.
This has allowed Satellite Vu to commence construction of their first two Mid Wave Infra-Red (MWIR) thermal monitoring satellites with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) ahead of the launch of the first of their planned constellation of eight satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket in May 2023.
Once in orbit, the satellites will collect high-resolution climate data, in near real time, of the natural and built environment anywhere on the planet, both day and night. This data will enable governments and businesses to identify and monitor infrastructure and buildings that are non-compliant with Net Zero targets, and enable prioritised action to be taken with regards to carbon emissions management.
The technology will also measure the urban heat island effect, assist with fire spread prediction, monitor water pollution, and hold organisations accountable to their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials, ensuring that greenwashing is a thing of the past.
Camilla Taylor, Chief Financial Officer for Satellite Vu said: “Climate change mitigation is the defining issue of our time, and it’s never felt as mainstream as it does today. It’s a privilege to be joining Anthony, Toby, and the exceptional team at Satellite Vu, and to be working on a project with such great disruptive potential, in a sector that I love.”
Anthony Baker, Founder and CEO of Satellite Vu said: “With the launch of our first satellite fast approaching, we are delighted to welcome Camilla to the team at such an exciting stage of our journey. Camilla brings invaluable climate and financial experience with her proven track record of scaling impact-driven companies, and we look forward to working with her to deliver our first of its kind satellite technology.”