New World Angels Launches Space & Defense Ventures Group, Makes First Flagship Investment in Seagate Space
Boca Raton-based New World Angels (NWA), one of the most active angel investment organizations in the Southeastern U.S., is announcing the launch of its Space & Defense Ventures Group, a dedicated investment initiative focused on early-stage aerospace, defense, dual-use, and critical infrastructure companies. The announcement coincides with the group’s first flagship investment in Seagate Space Corporation, a next-generation offshore launch infrastructure company.
Founded in 2003, New World Angels is a Florida-based network of accredited investors, operators, and entrepreneurs that provides both capital and strategic guidance to early-stage ventures. Headquartered in the City of Boca Raton, with chapters across South Florida and the Tampa Bay area, NWA has deployed over $30 million into innovative startups spanning technology, healthcare, SaaS, medtech, manufacturing, and aerospace-related ventures. Beyond funding, NWA members provide mentorship, operational expertise, and access to deep industry networks, helping founders accelerate growth.
“Our mission has always been to support early-stage entrepreneurs with both smart capital and hands-on guidance,” said Ron Tarro, President of New World Angels. “With the Space & Defense Ventures Group, we are taking that commitment further, backing founders solving mission-critical problems in aerospace and defense, sectors that are strategically important for Florida and the nation.”
First Flagship Investment: Seagate Space
Seagate Space is developing Gateway‑S, a class-certified, semi-submersible offshore launch platform designed to expand U.S. launch capacity, alleviate congestion at coastal sites, and enable resilient, rapidly deployable access to orbit from international waters. The investment represents the group’s first deployment of capital and signals a strategic commitment to Florida-based deep-tech companies with national and global significance.
“We are ecstatic to be selected as a first cornerstone investment within the NWA’s Space & Defense Ventures Group portfolio. Richard and the NWA team are investing boldly in the future of Florida's space and defense industrial base,” said Seagate Space.
Seagate Space will use the investment to accelerate platform certification, hydrodynamic testing, and customer integration milestones, advancing engineering validation, regulatory engagement, and commercial and government partnerships. Gateway‑S has also secured ABS Approval in Principle as the first modular offshore launch platform meeting new ABS requirements for offshore spaceports, with additional testing in collaboration with MIT’s Parsons Laboratory for Environmental Science and Engineering.
Just this week, Seagate space announced they officially closed their pre-seed round with over $1.5M in funding secured. Investors include leading names in the emerging Florida deep tech ecosystem such as New World Angels Space & Defense and Phase Shift Ventures, serial entrepreneurs with multiple exits, and VC legends with billions deployed including Tim Draper.
About the Space & Defense Ventures Group
Launched in August 2025, the Space & Defense Ventures Group is focused on companies at the intersection of space, aerospace, defense, and dual-use technologies, reflecting Florida’s position as a hub for innovation and national security. As part of NWA’s Space Coast initiative, the group supports companies that can advance commercial space access, resilient infrastructure, and defense readiness, while also generating regional economic impact.
“Launch access is now a matter of national resilience, not convenience. Seagate Space is building infrastructure that directly strengthens U.S. and allied space capabilities, and that is exactly where we want to lead,” said Richard Greco, Co-Chairman of NWA’s Space & Defense Ventures Group.
Structured to offer more than capital, the group provides active support from experienced operators, deep industry connectivity, and long-term strategic partnerships, recognizing that complex technologies require engaged, hands-on guidance. Members participate in sourcing, evaluating, negotiating, and monitoring investments collaboratively, with each investor selecting their level of financial participation.
Why This Matters for Florida
While the Space & Defense Ventures Group’s first flagship investment in Seagate Space, headquartered in St. Petersburg, was not based in South Florida, its impact will be felt across the entire state. By expanding Florida’s launch infrastructure capacity and strengthening the state’s role in resilient space access, this investment reinforces Florida’s position as a national leader in aerospace and defense.
For South Florida in particular, it signals that sophisticated angel capital is now actively backing mission-critical space and defense technologies which are attracting founders, engineers, strategic partners, and follow-on investors to the region.
The Space & Defense Ventures Group strengthens South Florida and the state’s overall innovation ecosystem by:
Expanding high-tech capital access: Angel investment in capital-intensive sectors like aerospace and defense has traditionally required specialized venture capital; NWA brings this capability to early-stage Florida companies.
Supporting strategic industries: Florida’s Space Coast, home to Cape Canaveral and numerous aerospace and defense firms, benefits from local investments in launch infrastructure, satellite communications, and dual-use technologies.
Driving economic growth and talent retention: By backing Florida-based founders, the group helps generate high-paying jobs, develop engineering talent, and attract additional investment to the region.
Enhancing national and global strategic capabilities: Supporting technologies critical to resilient space access and defense readiness positions Florida as a leader in industries of strategic importance.
“By co-investing early in companies like Seagate Space, we are not just funding innovation; we are building a stronger, more resilient Florida economy and industrial base,” said Tarro.
As New World Angels continues deploying capital from its Boca Raton headquarters and South Florida membership base, the ripple effects include job creation, talent retention, increased deal flow, and stronger connectivity between South Florida, the Space Coast, and the broader defense ecosystem, ultimately elevating Florida’s competitiveness in one of the world’s most strategically important industries.
