What is the primary value proposition of the ATMOSAT compared to traditional satellites?

According to Slide 2, the ATMOSAT offers the benefits of a satellite—long-duration flight at 20 km altitude—but with the added flexibility of being ground-controlled and easily recoverable. Unlike orbital satellites, these UAVs can be landed and re-launched within 4-5 hours for repairs or payload upgrades, potentially lowering the long-term cost of atmospheric data or communication services.

How does Hermes Aerospace plan to compete with Google and Airbus?

Slide 3 argues that while Titan Aerospace (Google) and Zephyr (Airbus) are leaders, they are unlikely to make their technology commercially available to third parties. Hermes positions itself as the 'only one making its technology widely commercially available,' suggesting a B2B service model rather than a closed ecosystem owned by a tech giant.

What are the technical specifications of the proposed full-scale aircraft?

Slide 5 details that the full-scale (Phase Two) prototype will have a wingspan of 63 meters. This is a significant scale-up from the Phase One 1/10th scale model, which has a 6.3m wingspan. The aircraft is intended to carry payloads up to 180 kg, which is substantial for a solar-powered high-altitude platform.

Where is the company based and how is it structured?

Slide 4 states that Hermes Aerospace Corporation is a spin-off start-up founded in January 2015. It is incorporated in Belize but maintains its operating headquarters and registration in Thailand. This geographic choice is linked to their formal cooperation with Kasetsart University’s Aerospace Department for research and development.

What is missing from this pitch deck that an investor would typically require?

The deck is missing several standard components: a specific funding 'Ask' (it only mentions being in the 'Seed Funding Phase' on Slide 5), a detailed management team slide, financial projections, and a breakdown of the target market size (TAM/SAM). It also lacks a clear explanation of the business model beyond 'commercial availability.'

Hermes Aerospace Corporation Pitch Deck: 12-Slide Seed Deck

See all 12 slides of the Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck, with a slide-by-slide teardown of what the deck does well and where it falls short.

The Hermes ATMOSAT Project deck, authored by consultant Paul Galbraith in March 2015, outlines a plan to develop solar-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) designed for long-duration atmospheric flight. Positioned as a 'Private Equity Offering,' the company seeks to enter a market previously dominated by Titan Aerospace (acquired by Google) and Zephyr (acquired by Airbus). The project emphasizes commercial availability and cost-competitiveness, claiming a technical capability to carry 180 kg payloads at 20 km altitudes for up to six years. While the deck provides a clear three-phase roadma…

Key takeaways

The ATMOSAT is designed to fly at an altitude of approximately 20 km for 5-6 years non-stop using Gallium Panel solar technology (Slide 2).
The vehicle is engineered to carry large payloads of up to 180 kg and can be landed for repairs within a 4-5 hour window (Slide 2).
Hermes positions itself as the third player in the market, following Titan Aerospace and Zephyr, but the only one focused on wide commercial availability (Slide 3).
The company was founded in January 2015, incorporated in Belize, and operates out of Thailand (Slide 4).
A formal R&D partnership exists with Kasetsart University’s Aerospace Department in Thailand (Slide 4).
The development plan involves a 1/10th scale prototype with a 6.3m wingspan, followed by a full-scale 63m wingspan version (Slide 5).
Phase Three production and first order fulfillment were projected to begin in H2 2017 (Slide 5).
The deck omits a specific 'Ask' amount, detailed unit economics, and a slide introducing the management team beyond the consultant author (Slides 1-6).

Introduction and Title

The Hermes ATMOSAT Project deck, dated March 2015, presents itself as an 'Early-Stage Aerospace/Hi-Tech Private Equity Offering.' The title slide (Slide 1) identifies the author as Paul Galbraith, a consultant. The branding is minimalist, utilizing a blue gradient background that persists throughout the presentation. The use of the term 'Private Equity Offering' on the cover suggests a search for more substantial, perhaps institutional, early-stage capital rather than a typical venture capital seed round, though the later roadmap refers to a 'Seed Funding Phase.'

Slide 2: The Solution - ATMOSAT

Slide 2 defines the core product: Atmospheric Satellites, or ATMOSAT. These are characterized as purpose-built Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The technical specifications listed are ambitious for 2015: solar-powered flight using 'Gallium Panel' technology, an operating altitude of approximately 20 km, and a flight endurance of 5-6 years non-stop. The slide also notes a payload capacity of up to 180 kg. A key differentiator mentioned is that the craft is ground-controlled without needing other satellites for communication and can be landed and re-launched for repairs within a 4-5 hour window. This slide effectively establishes the 'what' and the 'how' of the technology, emphasizing endurance and maintainability.

Slide 3: The Competitive Landscape

Slide 3 addresses the competition by naming two major players: Titan Aerospace and Zephyr. The deck notes that Titan Aerospace was acquired by Google in 2011 (though historical records usually cite 2014) with an estimated price of USD 20-40 million. Zephyr is noted as being acquired by Airbus with an estimated price of USD 10-30 million. The strategic argument made here is that these incumbents are 'unlikely to make technology commercially available' and are 'unlikely to be competitive in terms of cost.' Hermes positions itself as the third player in the market and the only one focused on broad commercialization. This is a classic 'democratization' play, suggesting that while the giants have the tech, Hermes will have the market access.

Slide 4: Corporate Structure and R&D

Slide 4 provides the corporate background for Hermes Aerospace Corporation. It is described as a spin-off start-up founded in January 2015. The legal structure is somewhat unconventional for a global tech play, being incorporated in Belize while the operating company is registered and based in Thailand. The slide highlights a 'Formal co-operation with Kasetsart University’s Aerospace Department' for R&D. This partnership is likely intended to provide the technical credibility that the small start-up might otherwise lack, leveraging university facilities and academic expertise to offset the risks of being a new entrant in a high-capex industry like aerospace.

Slide 5: The Plan and Milestones

Slide 5 outlines the development roadmap. The company claims that system design is complete and components/suppliers have been selected. The roadmap is divided into three phases:

Phase One: Production of a 1/10th scale model (6.3m wingspan) for aerodynamic testing and promotion, scheduled to start in H2 2015 and complete by H2 2016. · Phase Two: Production of a full-scale (63m wingspan) prototype for final testing, starting in H2 2016 and completing in H2 2017. · Phase Three: Full-scale production and fulfillment of first orders, beginning in H2 2017.

The slide indicates that the company is 'Now' in the 'Seed Funding Phase,' though it does not specify the amount of capital required to reach these milestones.

Slide 6: Further Information

The final slide in this selection provides contact information and links. It references 'Alliance LP Drones Limited' and provides a website, LinkedIn, and Facebook page. The inclusion of a project-specific URL on the Alliance LP website suggests that Hermes ATMOSAT might be a specific project under a broader corporate umbrella or a joint venture. The image on this slide shows a 3D render of the aircraft in a high-altitude environment, reinforcing the 'Atmospheric Satellite' branding.

What Works in This Deck

The deck is highly focused on the technical specifications and the competitive gap. By identifying that Google and Airbus have acquired the primary competitors, Hermes creates a narrative of a 'validated but closed' market. This is a strong hook for investors who believe in the potential of high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAVs but feel they have missed the opportunity to invest in the early pioneers. The technical specs (180 kg payload, 5-year flight) are clearly stated, providing a benchmark for performance. The roadmap is also logically structured, using a 1/10th scale model to de-risk the aerodynamics before committing to the massive 63-meter wingspan of the full-scale version.

What Is Missing

The most glaring omission is a dedicated Team slide. While a consultant is named on the cover and a university partnership is mentioned, there is no information on the founders, the lead engineers, or the management team's track record in aerospace. For a project requiring this level of technical sophistication, the 'who' is as important as the 'what.' Additionally, there is no financial data. There are no estimates for the cost of production, the expected price per unit, or the projected revenue. Most importantly, the 'Ask' is missing; an investor does not know if the company is seeking $500,000 or $5,000,000 to reach Phase One. Finally, the 'Market' slide is thin; while it mentions competitors, it does not quantify the demand for these services in sectors like telecommunications, agriculture, or maritime surveillance.

Founder Takeaways

Founders in the deep-tech or aerospace sectors can learn from the way Hermes frames its competition. Instead of claiming they have no competitors, they lean into the fact that their competitors were acquired by giants, using it as proof of market validity while highlighting a 'commercial gap' those giants won't fill. However, founders should avoid the lack of transparency regarding the 'Ask' and the team. In a seed round, especially for hardware, investors need to see a clear budget that maps to the milestones. If you are building a 63-meter aircraft, the capital requirements are massive, and a deck that doesn't address the burn rate or the total capital to get to market will struggle to gain trust. Always include a slide that introduces the human capital behind the technology.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary value proposition of the ATMOSAT compared to traditional satellites?: According to Slide 2, the ATMOSAT offers the benefits of a satellite—long-duration flight at 20 km altitude—but with the added flexibility of being ground-controlled and easily recoverable. Unlike orbital satellites, these UAVs can be landed and re-launched within 4-5 hours for repairs or payload upgrades, potentially lowering the long-term cost of atmospheric data or communication services.
How does Hermes Aerospace plan to compete with Google and Airbus?: Slide 3 argues that while Titan Aerospace (Google) and Zephyr (Airbus) are leaders, they are unlikely to make their technology commercially available to third parties. Hermes positions itself as the 'only one making its technology widely commercially available,' suggesting a B2B service model rather than a closed ecosystem owned by a tech giant.
What are the technical specifications of the proposed full-scale aircraft?: Slide 5 details that the full-scale (Phase Two) prototype will have a wingspan of 63 meters. This is a significant scale-up from the Phase One 1/10th scale model, which has a 6.3m wingspan. The aircraft is intended to carry payloads up to 180 kg, which is substantial for a solar-powered high-altitude platform.
Where is the company based and how is it structured?: Slide 4 states that Hermes Aerospace Corporation is a spin-off start-up founded in January 2015. It is incorporated in Belize but maintains its operating headquarters and registration in Thailand. This geographic choice is linked to their formal cooperation with Kasetsart University’s Aerospace Department for research and development.
What is missing from this pitch deck that an investor would typically require?: The deck is missing several standard components: a specific funding 'Ask' (it only mentions being in the 'Seed Funding Phase' on Slide 5), a detailed management team slide, financial projections, and a breakdown of the target market size (TAM/SAM). It also lacks a clear explanation of the business model beyond 'commercial availability.'

Cover slide of the Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck — Seed 2015 — Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck, slide 1 (2015)

Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck: the facts

Company: Hermes Aerospace Corporation
Year: 2015
Stage: Seed
Slides: 12
Sector: Aerospace / UAV
Deck type: Public Pitch Deck
Headquarters: Thailand (Operating), Belize (Incorporation)

Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck PDF

The full Hermes Aerospace Corporation deck is embedded on this page and can be read slide by slide in the browser — no download or account required. Each slide is covered in the breakdown above.

What the Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck was used for

This deck is the March 2015 seed pitch for Hermes Aerospace Corporation’s Hermes ATMOSAT Project, a solar‑powered high‑altitude UAV intended to act as an “atmospheric satellite” alternative to traditional low‑orbit satellites. The company positions itself as a Belize‑incorporated, Thailand‑based spin‑off working with Kasetsart University’s Aerospace Department on long‑endurance stratospheric platforms. The deck seeks seed funding in 2015 to complete a 1/10‑scale prototype (6.3 m wingspan), then a full‑scale 63 m prototype and eventual production. At the time, the strategy is framed as competing with large technology and aerospace firms pursuing similar high‑altitude connectivity and surveillance solutions.

Round: Seed
Year: 2015
Founded: January 2015
Headquarters: Operating company registered and based in Thailand; incorporated in Belize
Industry: Aerospace / high‑altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) / atmospheric satellites

Raising: USD 750,000–1,000,000 for Phase One, offering 20% equity in Hermes Aerospace Corporation for USD 750,000 according to the 2015 deck; later phases estimated at USD 10,000,000+.

Use of funds as presented: Phase One funds are allocated to production of a 1/10‑scale (6.3 m wingspan) prototype for aerodynamic and systems testing and promotional purposes, as part of a multi‑phase plan leading to a 63 m full‑scale prototype and eventual production.

What the Hermes Aerospace Corporation deck got right

Compelling problem framing versus traditional satellites. The deck clearly identifies satellite pain points—high build and launch costs, dependence on complex launch conditions, and expensive, slow repairs via manned missions—creating a strong rationale for a lower‑cost, easier‑to‑maintain atmospheric satellite alternative.
Ambitious, multi‑mission atmospheric satellite concept. Hermes ATMOSAT is presented as a solar‑powered, high‑altitude UAV capable of multi‑year continuous flight, recallable for maintenance, with applications across communications, surveillance and monitoring, aligning with broader industry interest in high‑altitude platform systems.
Diverse and clearly articulated use cases. The deck segments applications including cost‑effective internet/mobile coverage in remote regions, defense and humanitarian surveillance, weather and traffic monitoring, agricultural and mining observation, systems control for other vehicles and UAVs, and TV/radio signal relays, demonstrating broad potential demand.
Defined corporate structure and university collaboration. Corporate framing includes incorporation in Belize, operating base in Thailand, and formal cooperation with Kasetsart University’s Aerospace Department, suggesting institutional backing and access to aerospace research capabilities.
Structured, phased development plan with timelines. The plan and milestone slide lays out a phased approach (Phase One scale model in H2 2015–H2 2016, Phase Two full‑scale prototype, Phase Three production and first orders) with indicative timelines, giving investors a concrete development roadmap.
Transparent early‑stage funding requirements and equity offer. The funding slide specifies Phase One capital needs (USD 750,000–1,000,000), estimates later phases at USD 10M+, and clearly states the equity offer (20% for USD 750,000), which helps investors quickly assess dilution and capital intensity.

What could have been stronger

No externally validated customer demand or commitments. The deck does not cite any external validation (letters of intent, MOUs, pilots or customer quotes) for its target markets such as telecom operators, governments or enterprises, leaving demand for a five‑year endurance atmospheric satellite concept unsubstantiated in the materials shown.
Lack of detailed commercial model and economics. While the deck lists applications (internet coverage, surveillance, monitoring, signals relay), it does not provide a quantified business model—no pricing assumptions, unit economics, payback periods or comparison to competing solutions such as conventional satellites or other high‑altitude platforms.
Ambitious technical performance without supporting data. The technical claims (multi‑year continuous flight, five‑year endurance, stratospheric operation with 63 m wingspan and significant payload) are not backed by engineering data, test results or certification pathways in the slides available, which is a concern in a highly regulated and technically demanding domain.
Superficial competitive positioning against large incumbents. Although the deck references competitors and incumbent efforts in high‑altitude connectivity, it provides limited comparative analysis on specific technical differentiators, cost advantages, or regulatory positioning relative to major aerospace and telecom players.

How an investor would read this deck

What draws attention

Verification of the company’s current legal status in Belize and Thailand, and any continuity between Hermes Aerospace Corporation and entities marketing Hermes ATMOSAT or Hermes High Altitude Platform System atmospheric satellites.
Evidence of progress beyond the initial aerodynamic testing and design completion claimed in 2015, such as prototypes built, flight tests conducted, and any certifications pursued.
Assessment of realistic endurance, payload and cost metrics for atmospheric satellite platforms compared to both traditional satellites and competing high‑altitude UAV systems, given bold multi‑year flight claims.
Clarification of commercial strategy: target anchor customers, pricing structures, and whether the focus is telecom backhaul, surveillance contracts, or multi‑mission services.

Risks that stand out

Regulatory and certification challenges for long‑endurance stratospheric UAVs, including airspace integration and safety, which are not detailed in the 2015 deck and remain complex in current high‑altitude UAV programs.
Execution risk around delivering multi‑year continuous flight and large‑span solar platforms, given the absence of externally validated test data or program history in the materials reviewed.
Competitive risk from well‑funded aerospace and defense companies developing Hermes‑branded UAVs and other high‑altitude platforms, which may limit market share or raise IP and branding issues.
Financing risk: Phase Two and Three require significant capital (estimated USD 10M+), and there is no public evidence of prior funding or institutional investors backing Hermes Aerospace Corporation.

Questions this deck invites

What is the current corporate status of Hermes Aerospace Corporation (Belize incorporation, Thailand operating company), and how does it relate, if at all, to Alliance Lp Drones Ltd. or other entities promoting Hermes ATMOSAT atmospheric sa
What concrete milestones have been achieved since the 2015 plan (1/10‑scale model, 63 m full‑scale prototype, production), including dates, flight hours, and test results?
What certifications or regulatory approvals (aviation authorities, spectrum regulators) are required for multi‑year stratospheric operation, and what steps have been taken toward them?
Can the team provide validated cost models comparing Hermes ATMOSAT atmospheric satellites to conventional satellites and other high‑altitude UAVs, including capex, opex and maintenance scenarios?
Have any commercial agreements, pilots or funded development contracts been signed with telecom operators, governments or enterprises, and what are the terms and timelines?

What founders can take from the Hermes Aerospace Corporation deck

An atmospheric satellite concept can be framed clearly by contrasting the cost, repair complexity and launch constraints of traditional satellites with a near‑Earth, recallable UAV platform.
Specifying phased technical milestones (scale model, full‑scale prototype, production start) with target dates helps investors understand the development roadmap, even if later execution must be verified.
Articulating diverse applications—communications, surveillance, monitoring, signals relay—can highlight the multi‑mission potential of high‑altitude platforms but should be paired with concrete customer plans.
Explicitly stating incorporation jurisdiction, operating base and university cooperation (Belize, Thailand, Kasetsart University) can add institutional context, though investors will still need to confirm formal agreements.
Early‑stage aerospace pitches benefit from transparently presenting funding needs per phase and the equity offered (e.g., 20% for USD 750,000 in Phase One), which gives investors a clear view of risk‑reward at the seed stage.

Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck: common questions

What is Hermes Aerospace Corporation and what does it do?

According to the 2015 pitch deck, Hermes Aerospace Corporation is a spin‑off start‑up created specifically to undertake the Hermes ATMOSAT Project, developing a solar‑powered, high‑altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that operates as an “atmospheric satellite” for communications, surveillance and other services.

What is the Hermes ATMOSAT Project / atmospheric satellite concept?

The Hermes ATMOSAT atmospheric satellite concept is a solar‑powered, high‑altitude unmanned aerial system designed to fly in the stratosphere for extreme durations (years) while providing services typically delivered by low‑orbit satellites, such as internet and mobile coverage, communication relays, weather and traffic monitoring, and persistent surveillance.

Where and when was Hermes Aerospace Corporation founded?

In the March 2015 deck, Hermes Aerospace states that it was founded in January 2015, incorporated in Belize, with the operating company registered and based in Thailand, and formal cooperation with Kasetsart University’s Aerospace Department for research and development.

How much capital was Hermes Aerospace seeking in this deck and what did investors receive?

The funding section of the 2015 pitch deck states that Phase One requires USD 750,000–1,000,000 and offers 20% equity in Hermes Aerospace Corporation in return for USD 750,000, with later phases (Phase Two and Three) estimated at USD 10,000,000+. No external sources have been found that confirm this round was closed or that any specific investors participated.

Is Hermes ATMOSAT associated with other companies like Alliance Lp Drones or the Hermes High Altitude Platform System?

External search results show Alliance Lp Drones Ltd. marketing a Hermes ATMOSAT UAV atmospheric satellite system with similar capabilities (multi‑year endurance, high‑altitude communications and surveillance), and a LinkedIn profile describing the Hermes High Altitude Platform System in similar terms. However, these sources do not explicitly state corporate ownership or funding ties between Hermes Aerospace Corporation and Alliance Lp Drones Ltd., so any relationship remains unverified.

Sources

Funding and outcome facts on this page were researched on 2026-08-22 from the pages below.

Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck slides

Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck slide 1 of 12 — Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck — slide 1 of 12

Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck slide 2 of 12 — Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck — slide 2 of 12

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Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck slide 6 of 12 — Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck — slide 6 of 12

What each slide of the Hermes Aerospace Corporation pitch deck says

Slide 2

= *\ /' What s Wrong Wlth Satellltes? e Hugely expensive to build and launch ¢ Launches are dependent on, and at the mercy of, multiple extraneous factors e Repairs/equipment upgrades require manned space missions and are expensive and take time to arrange This means: ¢ There is a huge opportunity for an easier and lower-cost solution ¢ This will also reduce the barriers to adoption of this kind of technology by many possible users

Slide 3

The Solution ‘Atmospheric Satellites’ or ATMOSAT These are: e Purpose-Built Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) | e Solar-Powered (using the very latest a ‘Gallium Panel’ technology) oe eo Very High Altitude (c. 20 km) ; fo 1 7 e Very Long Range (can fly for 5-6 years ey. J Lg fr non-stop) 4 4 / 4 oan e Can Carry Large Payloads (up to 180 kg) i 7 4 SA JA e Ground-controlled (without needing 4 4 a other satellites for control and pA communications) A ® Easy to land and re-launch quickly i.e. v7 for repairs (within 4-5 hrs max). y:

Slide 4

ATMOSAT Applications/Uses ¢ Providing hugely cost-effective internet and mobile coverage, especially for remoter/poorer infrastructure regions of the world also e Commercial, defence/military, civilian/humanitarian and police/anti-terrorist surveillance ® Weather, sea and land traffic, agricultural, mining and other monitoring e Systems control and co-ordination for land and sea vehicles and other UAVs ¢ Boosting, relaying and providing television and radio signals

Slide 5

ge ee Ma RSS ein EE _ Titan Aerospace Zephyr ° Leaders in the sector eo Acquired by Airbus a Acquired by Google in zon ® Price estimated to be USD 10 - ® Price estimated to be USD 20 —- 4om hy eo Little news from them since e Little known about their plans or acquisition activities since acquisition e Unlikely to make technology commercially available ¢ Even so unlikely to competitive in terms of cost Hermes Aerospace Corporation will be only the 3 player in this potentially hugely lucrative market, and arguably the only one making its technology widely commercially available. It will be years ahead of any other, later entrants.

Slide 6

Who Are Alliance LP Drones? * World leader in UAVs (design, production and supply) ® Operating successfully since 2012 e Numerous major international clients e Plus a number of major corporate and defence/military clients on strictly confidential terms

Slide 7

Hermes Aerospace Corporation ¢ Spin-off, start-up business to independently undertake the Hermes ATMOSAT Project ¢ Founded January, 2015 ¢ Incorporated in Belize ¢ Operating company registered and based in Thailand * Formal co-operation with Kasetsart University's Aerospace Department for research and development purposes

Slide 9

" The Plan / Milestones e System design completed, components and e Currently undertaking initial aerodynamic testing suppliers selected, with redundancies in all cases Next Steps: 1. Phase One - Production of 1/10t" Scale Model (6.3m wingspan)Prototype for further (aerodynamic and systems) testing and for promotional purposes Phase Two - Production of Full Scale (63m wingspan) Prototype for final testing and sign-off Phase Three — Full scale production begins and first orders fulfilled /'/ NOwW SEED FUNDING PHASE H2 2015 PHASE ONE START ¥ H2 2016 PHASE ONE COMPLETE / PHASE TWO START N H2 2017 PHASE TWO COMPLETE / PHASE THREE START

Slide text above is read directly from the Hermes Aerospace Corporation deck PDF embedded on this page.