Key facts
- AI safety and research company Anthropic has raised $500 million in a Series C funding round.
- The round was led by Spark Capital.
- Funds will accelerate AI research and development, prioritizing safety and alignment.
- Anthropic aims to build reliable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems.
Indian satellite startup Pixxel has raised $100 million in a Series C funding round, the largest ever for a private space company in India. The round was co-led by Singapore's state investor Temasek and British venture capital firm Seraphim, bringing Pixxel's total funding to $195 million. Existing investors Radical Ventures and growX Ventures, along with new investors 360 ONE Asset and IMM Investment, also participated. Google is also an investor in the company.
Pixxel plans to significantly increase its satellite manufacturing capacity. The company aims to quadruple its output to 100 satellites per quarter by next year, primarily through its new Gigapixxel factory in India. Currently, Pixxel's Indian facility produces about 25 satellites annually. The company is also expanding its production capabilities in Los Angeles, aiming to build 10-15 satellites per year, including its upgraded Honeybee imaging platform.
The company has deployed six Firefly satellites and plans to deploy six more next year before transitioning to its next-generation Honeybee satellites, scheduled for deployment starting in the first quarter of 2027. These satellites capture hyperspectral data across visible, near-infrared, and shortwave infrared wavelengths with high resolution. Pixxel's expanded constellation will serve government and commercial clients in sectors such as oil and gas, mining, and agriculture.
Pixxel is also strengthening its presence in the United States, where a significant portion of its customer base resides. The company holds contracts with NASA and the National Reconnaissance Office, and is exploring opportunities with other US agencies. The first Honeybee satellite will be built in the US. Pixxel's vision extends beyond satellite manufacturing to providing Earth intelligence through its Aurora software platform, aiming to transform Earth observation data into actionable insights.