Google-backed Indian space startup Pixxel has closed a $100 million Series C funding round, the largest single funding round by an Indian space technology company, as it looks to expand its satellite network and Earth intelligence business, the Reuters reported.
The round was co-led by Singapore state investor Temasek and British space technology investment firm Seraphim and saw participation from existing investors Radical Ventures and growX Ventures. New investors 360 ONE Asset and IMM Investment participated in the round.
Pixxel’s total funding now stands at $195 million following the latest investment, the company said on Monday.
The new funding will be used by Pixxel to scale up its sensing capacity via its Honeybee satellite constellation and its high-resolution optical imaging satellites. It also plans to expand its Aurora, its Earth intelligence software platform that combines satellite data to provide decision-ready insights.
Founded by Awais Ahmed, Pixxel began by developing hyperspectral satellites that could provide more detailed information about the surface of the Earth than traditional imagery. Since then, the company has expanded into satellite systems for commercial and government missions as well as Earth intelligence software.
Pixxel is one of a crop of Indian space startups that have emerged after the government opened up the sector to greater private participation. The company, which has backing from Google, wants to develop what it describes as planet-scale infrastructure that connects sensors, software and satellite systems.
