What is Axelspace?
Headquartered in Tokyo, Axelspace is a pioneering force in the microsatellite industry. Established in 2008, the company has developed a comprehensive ecosystem that includes the AxelLiner microsatellite service and the AxelGlobe earth observation platform. By providing high-frequency, high-resolution imagery and data, Axelspace serves a wide array of industries, enabling clients to derive actionable insights from space. The company distinguishes itself through a dual focus on technological innovation and environmental sustainability, aiming to minimize the ecological footprint of satellite production and orbital operations. With a dedicated team of approximately 160 professionals, Axelspace is effectively bridging the gap between complex space engineering and practical, commercial applications for global enterprises.
How much funding has Axelspace raised?
Axelspace has raised a total of $106.4M across 4 funding rounds:
Series A
$15.8M
Series B
$22.8M
Series C
$23.8M
Series D
$44M
Series A (2015): $15.8M with participation from SKY Perfect JSAT, Weathernews Inc., Seibu Shinkin Capital, Mitsu & Co., ITOCHU Technology Ventures Inc, Energy & Environment Investment, Global Brain Corporation, SMBC Venture Capital, and Japan Science and Technology Agency
Series B (2018): $22.8M led by Global Brain Corporation and Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd
Series C (2021): $23.8M supported by JAPAN POST INVESTMENT, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Investment Co., Kyocera, Global Brain, Sparx Innovation for Future, Mitsui Fudosan, and Mitsubishi UFJ Capital
Series D (2023): $44M featuring Keio Innovation Initiative, Global Brain, The Nanto Bank, Yamato Holdings, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mitsui Fudosan, and Seibu Shinkin Bank
Key Investors in Axelspace
Global Brain
An independent venture capital firm specializing in hands-on support for startups, managing over $2.3 billion in assets to foster global innovation across technology and healthcare sectors.
Mitsui Fudosan
A leading Japanese real estate developer that actively engages in co-creation with startups to expand its business scope and drive the development of new industrial sectors.
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
A core financial institution within the Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, providing comprehensive investment banking and corporate financial services to support high-growth technology ventures.
What's next for Axelspace?
With the successful closure of its Series D round, Axelspace is well-positioned to accelerate the deployment of its next-generation satellite constellations and enhance the analytical capabilities of its AxelGlobe platform. The strategic nature of this recent capital injection suggests a focus on scaling operations to meet increasing global demand for real-time earth observation data. Moving forward, the company is expected to deepen its integration with industrial partners, leveraging the expertise of its diverse investor base to penetrate new markets. By prioritizing sustainable growth and technological refinement, Axelspace is set to solidify its leadership in the competitive microsatellite landscape, potentially setting new standards for commercial space utility and environmental stewardship in the coming years.
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