SpaceX, a US-based space transportation services provider backed by internet and technology conglomerate Alphabet, secured more than $346m in funding on Tuesday, according to a regulatory filing.
The capital was supplied by 16 investors, though SpaceX has not revealed their identities. The filing shows it is looking to close the round at $350m.
The company had originally targeted $250m for the round, according to a report in February this year that was subsequently confirmed by a filing in March. The same report suggested the funding was being raised at a valuation of $36bn, though SpaceX has not confirmed that detail.
SpaceX develops and produces reusable rockets and spacecraft, providing launch services to private companies and US government agency Nasa.
The company has so far focused on cargo flights to the International Space Station but was due to transport two astronauts yesterday, in what would have been the first such launch from US soil since 2011. The flight was however moved to this coming Saturday due to adverse weather conditions.
In the long term, SpaceX aims to colonise other planets, chief executive Elon Musk having suggested Mars will represent the first port of call. It has raised more than $3.73bn in financing to date.
SpaceX had previously received $214m, likely from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan’s Teachers Innovation Platform, in July 2019, a report the previous month suggesting it was seeking $314m at a $33.3bn pre-money valuation.
Google, Alphabet’s internet-focused subsidiary, injected $900m in the company in 2015 to lead a $1bn round that also included financial services group and investment group Fidelity. Its shareholders also include Baillie Gifford, Rothenberg Ventures, Valor Equity Partners, DFJ, Capricorn and Founders Fund.
