Matt O'Connell

Matt O'Connell is the Executive Chairman of Capella Space, a company recognized for its innovative work in satellite technology and Earth observation. He has held this position since March 2023, leading the company in its mission to provide high-quality Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to various sectors, including government and commercial industries.13

Professional Background

O'Connell has extensive experience in the telecommunications and satellite industries. He founded GeoEye in 2003, which became a prominent provider of satellite imagery and was sold to DigitalGlobe in 2013 for approximately $1.3 billion. His leadership roles include serving as the CEO of OneWeb from 2015 to 2016 and as Managing Partner at Seraphim Capital, a venture capital firm focused on space technology, from 2018 to 2020.234

In addition to his role at Capella Space, O'Connell is an Operating Partner at DCVC (Data Collective Venture Capital), where he focuses on supporting companies in the defense and intelligence sectors. He has also been involved with several other organizations, including serving as a board member for Jupiter Intelligence and as a board observer for Fortem Technologies.134

Education and Recognition

O'Connell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Trinity College-Hartford and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Virginia School of Law. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named one of the "10 Who Made a Difference in Space" by Space News and receiving the Industry Leader Award from the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation.134

Contributions to the Industry

Throughout his career, O'Connell has been recognized as a thought leader in the satellite and digital mapping industries, contributing to various government and industry advisory panels. His work has significantly impacted how satellite technology is utilized for global security and environmental monitoring.234