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Google-backed Indian space startup raises $100m

Indian space technology company Pixxel has raised $100m in fresh funding as it seeks to expand its satellite network and Earth-observation business, in what the company says is the largest single investment round secured by an Indian space-tech firm.

The Series C round was led by Singapore state investor Temasek and UK-based space investment company Seraphim. Existing investors Radical Ventures and growX Ventures also participated, alongside new backers 360 ONE Asset and IMM Investment. The deal brings Pixxel’s total funding to $195m.

Google-backed Pixxel was founded by Awais Ahmed and initially focused on hyperspectral satellites, which collect information about the Earth's surface across a broader range of wavelengths than conventional imagery. The company has since expanded into Earth-intelligence software and satellite systems intended for commercial and government customers.

Pixxel said the new funding would support the next generation of its Honeybee hyperspectral satellite constellation, as well as synthetic aperture radar and ultra-high-resolution optical imaging capabilities. The first Honeybee satellite is expected to launch in 2027. It also plans to expand satellite manufacturing capacity in India and the US and further develop its Aurora Earth-intelligence software.

The company says it has deployed six Firefly satellites over the past two years and has secured work involving organisations including Nasa and the US National Reconnaissance Office. It has also been selected to lead development of a 12-satellite public-private Earth-observation constellation under India's space regulator IN-SPACe.

The investment comes as India's commercial space sector grows following government moves to increase private participation. Pixxel plans to use the latest capital to connect data from different satellite sensors through Aurora, giving businesses and government agencies information that can be used for decisions based on changes observed on Earth.