Jaume Sanpera is a pioneering Spanish telecommunications entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of Sateliot, a cutting-edge satellite IoT connectivity company. With nearly 30 years in the telecom industry, Sanpera has played a significant role in shaping satellite and telecommunications ventures in Europe and beyond. He is widely recognized for spearheading Sateliot's vision: deploying a constellation of nanosatellites to deliver 5G connectivity globally, especially targeting remote and underserved areas where terrestrial networks cannot reach. Sanpera's work represents a transformative step in bringing universal Internet of Things (IoT) coverage from space, democratizing access to smart devices worldwide. Discover more about the man behind Sateliot and his groundbreaking initiatives.
Jaume Sanpera began his professional path armed with a Telecommunications Engineering degree from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, complemented by an MBA at Esade and executive education at IESE Business School. Before Sateliot, he founded and led Eurona Telecom SA, which became the first Spanish satellite operator to go public and achieved a rapid expansion generating revenues of approximately €150 million within six years. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to create and contribute to a variety of start-ups and tech companies, building a reputation as a seasoned telecom executive and innovator.
In 2018, Jaume Sanpera co-founded Sateliot with the vision to create the world’s first 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) satellite operator focused on Internet of Things connectivity. Sateliot aims to build a constellation of low Earth orbit nanosatellites that extend 5G services beyond the reach of traditional cellular networks. This initiative is designed to fill connectivity gaps in rural, maritime, and remote regions worldwide, supporting the growing global demand for IoT solutions that require robust, ubiquitous communication channels.
Under Sanpera’s leadership, Sateliot is developing the Tritó satellite generation, a series of nanosatellites capable of providing 5G Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) coverage directly to devices on Earth. The constellation strategy involves launching up to 100 nanosatellites by 2028, enabling seamless IoT connectivity for over 8 million devices globally. This satellite infrastructure acts as a space-based extension of terrestrial cellular networks, thus revolutionizing IoT operations across sectors like agriculture, logistics, energy, and defense.
Sanpera’s work is redefining how IoT devices communicate, especially in areas lacking terrestrial infrastructure. Sateliot’s constellation provides continuous coverage over 75% of the Earth's landmass not served by traditional cellular networks. This global coverage allows critical IoT applications, such as monitoring small fishing vessels, environmental sensors, and remote assets, to remain connected, enabling real-time tracking, emergency alerts, and data collection despite geographic barriers.
Sateliot's ambitious plans have been supported by significant financial backing under Sanpera’s stewardship. In 2024, the company secured over €70 million in funding from private investors and European institutions, including a historic €30 million investment from the European Investment Bank. These funds are pivotal to advancing European sovereign technology in satellite telecommunications, reducing dependency on non-European providers like Starlink, and fostering innovation within the continent.
Jaume Sanpera has strategically positioned Sateliot at the intersection of telecommunications, space technology, and public-private partnerships. The company collaborates with aerospace firms like PLD Space, which plans to launch Sateliot’s 5G satellites, and engages with the European Space Agency and global telecom organizations. These collaborations serve to advance technical standards for NTN and expand market opportunities in defense, cybersecurity, and smart infrastructure sectors.
Beyond commercial applications, Sateliot under Sanpera’s leadership is increasingly involved in Europe's digital sovereignty and defense strategy. The company openly discusses participation in European Union-supported projects such as IRIS2, aimed at resilient satellite communications for secure government and defense usage. Sanpera envisions Sateliot as a critical component in strengthening Europe’s autonomous telecommunications capability, enhancing both civilian and strategic communications.
Sanpera drives continuous innovation at Sateliot to refine 5G NTN technology. The company recently demonstrated end-to-end 5G IoT connectivity using standard IoT modules without hardware modification, a key milestone illustrating ease of adoption. Sateliot’s roadmap includes expanding the satellite constellation and enhancing data services to eventually rival existing terrestrial and satellite networks, with a targeted revenue projection of over €1 billion by 2030.
Jaume Sanpera’s vision extends to empowering diverse industries—such as maritime, agriculture, energy, and smart cities—with affordable, reliable IoT connectivity from space. This connectivity improves operational safety, resource management, and environmental monitoring. For instance, small fishing and recreational vessels can maintain communication where terrestrial networks fail, turning Sateliot’s technology into a critical safety and management tool.
As a respected figure in telecommunications and space industries, Jaume Sanpera frequently speaks at global forums, sharing insights on satellite IoT connectivity’s role in the future of 5G. His thought leadership continues to influence policies, industry standards, and business models. Sanpera’s commitment to technological entrepreneurship and innovation has helped position Sateliot as a trailblazer in satellite communications and a symbol of European tech growth.
Jaume Sanpera stands out as a visionary entrepreneur at the forefront of merging satellite technology with 5G IoT connectivity. Through Sateliot, he is leading a revolution in global telecommunications by deploying a constellation of nanosatellites to cover unconnected regions of the world, promoting European technological sovereignty and innovative ecosystems. His relentless drive to innovate, expand, and secure satellite IoT networks positions him not only as a pioneer of telecom satellite services but also as a key influencer shaping the future of global connectivity. As the race for space-based internet infrastructure accelerates, Sanpera’s efforts raise an important question: how will his vision of a connected world from the skies redefine digital inclusion and security in the years to come?
