Planet’s commitment to Europe runs deep, with roots dating back to 2015 when Planet Labs Germany GmbH was established. Europe is home to >30% of our global team, over 40% of our satellite components, and ground stations in the UK, Germany, Iceland and Norway bringing down almost 50% of our data. We have our mission control for all our satellite fleet in Berlin. We have offices in Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Slovenia and soon in the UK. And we’re continuing our investment in Europe: later this year, Europe will also become a vital manufacturing hub of our next-generation Pelican fleet.

But there is still more we can do in Europe. To help guide our strategic expansion, meet the needs of our growing European customer base, and navigate the complexity of the European policy landscape, Planet has formed its first European Advisory Board. This distinguished group of leaders, drawn from the heights of diplomacy, defense, science, and policy, will be instrumental in ensuring Planet’s offerings are strategically aligned with the continent's rapidly evolving needs.

Today, Europe stands at a critical nexus, navigating security threats and natural disasters, combined with the acceleration of rapid economic growth and world-changing innovation. Europe is now a leader in the space industry, rapidly adopting satellite data to solve its greatest challenges.

Planet’s recent business momentum in Europe has been extraordinary, securing satellite services deals with the German government and the Swedish Armed Forces, continuing our support for NATO, serving civil governments like Slovenia and Wales, and expanding relationships with governments and commercial organizations. These entities span every sector, relying on Planet data for essential daily insights for defense, urban planning, land and forestry compliance, disaster response, and more. We are deeply committed to Europe’s economic growth, peace, and security and couldn’t be more honored to welcome our EU Advisory Board to the Planet team.

Carl Bildt

Cochair, European Council on Foreign Relations & Former Prime Minister of Sweden

Carl Bildt served as both prime minister and foreign minister of Sweden. Under his leadership, the government initiated major liberal economic reforms and negotiated Sweden’s accession to the EU. Previously, he served as EU special envoy to the former Yugoslavia, high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, UN special envoy to the Balkans, and co-chair of the Dayton Peace Conference. He also chaired the Global Commission on Internet Governance. In 2021, he was appointed WHO special envoy for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator.

"Technology is playing an increasingly important role in geopolitical strategy. And space especially so. I look forward to advising Planet on navigating the complex European landscape to ensure its innovative data solutions are a force multiplier for peace, stability, and sustainable economic growth across the continent." - Carl Bildt

Dr. Neelie Kroes

Former Vice President of the European Commission

Neelie Kroes is the former VP of the European Commission, European Commissioner for Competition, and European Commissioner for Digital Agenda. She served as Commissioner for Competition from 2004 to 2010 and as VP and Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society from 2010 to 2014. Prior to joining the European Commission, Neelie served in the Dutch House of Representatives and as State Secretary and Cabinet Minister.

Within the past five years, Neelie served on the advisory boards of Salesforce, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, and Uber Technologies, Inc. She previously served on the boards of Lucent Netherlands, AB Volvo, and McDonald’s Netherlands, and was Chairperson of Nyenrode University.

“The convergence of space technology and European policy is reaching a crucial point. Navigating the complexities of the EU's digital agenda will be focused on ensuring Planet's innovative data solutions not only comply with, but actively shape, the policy landscape — cementing its position as a leading European technology partner.” - Dr. Neelie Kroes

David Miliband

CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) & Former Foreign Minister of the UK

David Miliband is President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), where he oversees the agency’s humanitarian relief operations in more than 40 war-affected countries and its refugee resettlement and assistance programmes in over 20 United States cities.

From 2007 to 2010, Miliband was the 74th Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, driving advancements in human rights and representing the U.K. throughout the world. In 2006, as Secretary of State for the Environment, he pioneered the world’s first legally binding emissions reduction requirements. He was Member of Parliament for South Shields from 2001 to 2013.

"Sustainability and security are increasingly interlinked. In a time of unprecedented global displacement and environmental-driven crises, transparency is a form of protection. I look forward to helping Planet ensure its data serves governments and the most vulnerable, providing the accountability needed to drive effective humanitarian aid and global stability." - David Miliband

Oleksii Reznikov

Former Minister of Defence, Ukraine

Oleksii Reznikov served as Minister of Defence of Ukraine from 2021 to 2023. In 2020, Oleksii was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine. From April 2016 to September 2018, he was the Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration, implementing state policy in the areas of local self-government, domestic policy, international relations, tourism, advertising, protection of cultural heritage, education, culture, social protection, youth and sports, and implementing reforms in the areas of decentralization, local government and other areas of life of the city of Kyiv.

"The war in Ukraine has been a wake-up call for Europe. Sovereignty in the 21st century requires 'eyes in the sky' to find and understand threats. My goal is to help Planet provide Europe with the resilient, commercial intelligence needed for true deterrence and peace." - Oleksii Reznikov

Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen

Director of ETH Zurich and Former Head of Science at NASA

Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen is the leader of the ETH Space initiative. Prior, he was the longest continually serving Head of Science at NASA from October 2016 through 2022. During this time, he drove all aspects of leadership in space science, leading 130 missions with 37 launches. His achievements include bringing the international James Webb Telescope to launch, overseeing two Mars landings — the Perseverance rover and the first controlled flight away from the Earth with the Ingenuity helicopter — and developing the Parker Solar Probe, a mission to touch the Sun. He also conceived and led the Earth System Observatory, an advanced multi-platform observatory that creates a 3D holistic view of the Earth, from bedrock to atmosphere, and oversaw humanity’s first successful attempt at moving a celestial object, using a spacecraft impact.

"Planet has fundamentally changed the cadence of how we observe our world. I am excited to help bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and AI to help support and inform the many decisions European leaders must make in a world of change." - Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen

Growing Our Commitment to Europe

The formation of this European Advisory Board is a clear signal of our continued dedication to the region. As Europe pursues strategic autonomy and growth, the board will provide essential guidance for our expansion as a trusted European industrial partner, help us continue to deliver on our commitments for our customers, and deepen our relationships in the region. This ensures our high-frequency data and solutions remain resilient, sovereign resources, supporting the continent’s security and economic prosperity.

Onwards.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this blog are “forward-looking statements” about Planet within the meaning of the securities laws, including statements about Planet’s strategic partnerships and Planet’s future growth in new and existing markets. Such statements, which are not of historical fact, involve estimates, assumptions, judgments and uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors are detailed in Planet’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Planet does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events, except as required by applicable law.