Google-Backed Indian Space Startup Pixxel Raises $100 Million in Series C Round

Indian space-tech startup Pixxel has raised $100 million in a Series C funding round, marking the single-largest funding round secured by an Indian space technology company. The round was co-led by Singapore state investor Temasek and British space-technology venture firm Seraphim, with participation from existing backers Radical Ventures and growX Ventures, along with new investors 360 ONE Asset and IMM Investment. The fresh capital takes Pixxel's total funding to $195 million. Google, which became an investor in Pixxel in 2023 through the company's Series B round, continues to back the startup. Founded in 2019 by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, Pixxel began with hyperspectral Earth-observation satellites capable of detecting characteristics of vegetation, soil, minerals and water bodies beyond what conventional imagery can capture. The company has since expanded into Aurora, its Earth intelligence software platform, and satellite systems for both commercial and sovereign space missions. With the new funding, Pixxel plans to develop its next-generation Honeybee constellation, extending hyperspectral observations into shortwave infrared wavelengths, with the first Honeybee satellite expected to launch in 2027. The company also plans to add Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capability, which can image the Earth's surface through clouds and in darkness, along with ultra-high-resolution optical imaging.