What is I-space?
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Tokyo, I-space is a specialized aerospace engineering firm focused on the design and deployment of robotic spacecraft, including advanced landers and rovers. By positioning itself as a key service provider for both government space agencies and private sector entities, the company aims to facilitate the discovery, mapping, and utilization of lunar resources. I-space operates at the intersection of deep-tech innovation and commercial space logistics, effectively bridging the gap between terrestrial industrial capabilities and the burgeoning lunar economy. Its market position is bolstered by a diverse consortium of investors ranging from venture capital firms to major Japanese industrial conglomerates.
How much funding has I-space raised?
I-space has raised a total of $237.1M across 4 funding rounds:
Series A
$90.2M
Series B
$28M
Series C
$46M
Share Placement
$53.5M
Series A (2017): $90.2M with participation from Real Tech Fund, Shimizu Corporation, Development Bank of Japan Inc., Suzuki Motor Corporation, Konica Minolta, Japan Airlines Co., Toppan Printing, Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings, Dentsu, and KDDI
Series B (2020): $28M led by Takasago Thermal Engineering Co., Incubate Fund, Space Frontier Fund, and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co.
Series C (2021): $46M supported by Incubate Fund, Katsunori Sago, and SoftBank Group Corp
Share Placement (2024): $53.5M, investors not publicly disclosed
Key Investors in I-space
Real Tech Fund
Real Tech Fund is a venture capital company that invests in research and development technology companies.
Shimizu Corporation
Shimizu is a Tokyo-based construction company specializing in civil engineering and architecture.
Development Bank of Japan Inc.
Development Bank of Japan Inc. is a government-owned financial institution focused on supporting industrial development and economic growth.
What's next for I-space?
With the recent influx of capital, I-space is poised to scale its operational capacity and refine its robotic mission architecture. The company is expected to leverage these resources to fulfill existing mission contracts while expanding its technological footprint in the cislunar domain. As the global space industry shifts toward sustainable lunar presence, I-space remains focused on enhancing its lander reliability and rover autonomy. Future strategic milestones will likely involve the execution of complex exploration missions and the solidification of its supply chain partnerships, ensuring the firm remains a competitive leader in the international race for lunar resource utilization and infrastructure development.
See full I-space company page
