US-based space mapping and data provider LeoLabs has completed a $13m series A round co-led by aerospace manufacturer Airbus through its Airbus Ventures subsidiary.
The round was co-led by Weru Investment, the venture capital firm strategically associated with Japan’s Waseda University, and also featured angel investment group Space Angels and VC firm Horizons Ventures.
Spun out from research institute SRI International in 2016, LeoLabs is developing radar technology that can detect and track small satellites and general debris in low-earth orbit, with the data set to feed its space situational awareness (SSA) software platform.
The startup had previously received $4m in seed capital from Airbus Ventures, Horizons Ventures and SRI International in March 2017. It will use the latest funding for product development.
Julien Etaix, an investment partner at Airbus Ventures, said: “We are excited about LeoLabs’ vision and the progress they have made on both the radar network and the SSA platform.
“As new mega-constellations come online in 2019 and new generations of operational and AI-based tools are required, LeoLabs is well-positioned as the logical foundation to serve all these activities.”