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Pixxel Closes $60M Series B Round, Plans Rapid Expansion in Space Tech

Quick Summary
  • Pixxel, an innovative Indian space tech startup, closed its Series B funding round with $60 million, including a $24 million extension.
  • Backed by investors like Google, M&G Catalyst, and others, Pixxel plans to launch a constellation of 18 hyperspectral satellites and scale its AI-driven Earth observation platform, Aurora.
  • The startup is rapidly expanding its manufacturing and operational capacities to meet growing global demand in the space sector.
Pixxel Series B funding
In a major boost to India’s space tech ecosystem, Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel has announced the successful closure of its Series B funding round, raising a total of $60 million. The latest addition of $24 million in the extension round welcomed new investors M&G Catalyst and Glade Brook Capital Partners, who now join a robust lineup of existing backers including GoogleRadical Ventures, and Lightspeed. This milestone takes Pixxel’s total funding to $95 million to date.

Driving Innovation in Space Tech

Pixxel is carving a niche in the global space tech industry with its focus on hyperspectral imaging satellites. The company aims to develop a constellation of 18 commercial hyperspectral satellites, enabling high-resolution imaging and advanced Earth observation capabilities. With this funding, Pixxel plans to accelerate the deployment of its constellation and scale its operations significantly.

Strategic Investments for Growth

The startup has outlined several strategic uses for the new capital:

  • Satellite Manufacturing: Enhancing satellite production capacity to meet the growing demand for hyperspectral imaging solutions.
  • Mission Scaling: Scaling operational capabilities for upcoming satellite launches.
  • AI-Driven Software Development: Expanding Pixxel’s Aurora platform, an advanced AI-powered Earth observation tool.

Speaking about the funding, Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Pixxel, said,
“The new infusion of capital will help us launch more satellites quicker, transforming how humanity understands and acts on the challenges of our time.”

Game-Changing Fireflies Satellite Constellation

Pixxel’s immediate focus is on the Fireflies constellation, comprising six hyperspectral satellites. These advanced satellites boast impressive specifications, including:

  • 5-meter resolution imaging,
  • 40-kilometer wide swath for capturing vast areas,
  • Daily revisit capability anywhere on the planet.

The Fireflies constellation is set to be launched using rockets from both the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SpaceX, further showcasing the global collaborations driving India’s space sector.

A Booming Indian Space Industry

Pixxel’s achievements come at a time of rapid growth for the Indian space tech industry. With strong governmental support and increasing interest from venture capitalists, the sector is poised to hit $44 billion by 2033.

Pixxel’s success story is emblematic of this upward trajectory, with the startup positioning itself as a key player in transforming Earth observation technology. Its hyperspectral imaging satellites are designed to address critical global challenges, including climate monitoring, disaster management, and resource mapping.

The Road Ahead

While Pixxel has not disclosed an exact timeline for the launch of its full constellation, the company’s ambitions are clear. The funding will support the rapid deployment of its satellites, enhance global coverage, and bolster its software offerings to provide end-to-end solutions for clients worldwide.
As the space tech industry gains momentum, Pixxel’s innovations signal a bright future for Earth observation and satellite manufacturing. With strong investor backing and a clear roadmap, the startup is set to redefine how data from space can drive actionable insights on Earth.

This funding milestone not only underscores the potential of Indian space startups but also positions Pixxel as a frontrunner in shaping the future of global space technology.

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