What Starcloud does
Starcloud is a startup developing satellites that perform AI inference in orbit, according to TechCrunch.[1] The company says it is building orbital infrastructure to provide computing power for AI training and satellite data processing.[2] Starcloud says Starcloud-1 launched in November 2025 carrying an Nvidia H100 GPU.[3] Starcloud plans to launch two 8 kW Starcloud-2 compute satellites on rideshare flights in 2027, and its Starcloud-3 spacecraft is intended to fly on SpaceX's Starship, TechCrunch reported in August 2026.[1] As of August 2026, Starcloud had requested FCC permission to operate 88,000 spacecraft and had 25 employees, according to TechCrunch.[1]
Business model and customers
TechCrunch reported in August 2026 that Starcloud-2 satellites will perform orbital inference tasks for customers including U.S. government agencies.[1] Starcloud is sharing in-orbit learnings with Nvidia as the chipmaker develops its first purpose-built GPU for space, according to TechCrunch.[1]
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Company Snapshot
Starcloud is a Space company, based in Redmond, Washington, USA, founded 2023.
Recent changes
- Aug 21, 2026Aug 21, 2026Raised $250M extension TechCrunch
- Aug 21, 2026Aug 21, 2026New investor: Soma Capital TechCrunch
- Aug 21, 2026Aug 21, 2026New investor: Benchmark TechCrunch
- Aug 21, 2026Aug 21, 2026New investor: EQT Ventures TechCrunch
- Aug 21, 2026Aug 21, 2026New investor: Nvidia TechCrunch
Earlier changes (3)
- Aug 21, 2026Aug 21, 2026New investor: Cisco Investments TechCrunch
- Aug 21, 2026Aug 21, 2026New investor: NFX TechCrunch
- Aug 21, 2026Aug 21, 2026Starcloud Raises $250M for Orbital AI Data Centers Pulse story
Funding History
1 event · sources dated per row| Date | Event | Amount | Valuation | Investors | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 21, 2026 | extension | $250M | — | NvidiaCisco InvestmentsBenchmarkEQT VenturesSoma CapitalNFX776Cedar CapitalGoanna CapitalStandard Capital+1 more | TechCrunch |
How Starcloud has been funded
Starcloud raised a $170 million Series A in March, according to TechCrunch's August 2026 report.[1] In August 2026, Starcloud added a $250 million extension to that Series A, which TechCrunch reported values the company at $2.3 billion.[1] Manhattan West Ventures led the August 2026 extension, with participation from Nvidia, Cisco, Benchmark, EQT, Soma, NFX, 776, Cedar Capital, Goanna Capital and Standard Capital, TechCrunch reported.[1] A person familiar with the deal told TechCrunch that Nvidia invested $25 million in the extension.[1] Starcloud said the extension will fund a larger manufacturing facility and its Starcloud-3 spacecraft.[1]
Investors and their roles
- Manhattan West Ventures (led the Series A extension, Aug 2026)[1]
- Nvidia (participated in the Series A extension, Aug 2026; $25M per a person familiar with the deal)[1]
- Cisco (participated in the Series A extension, Aug 2026)[1]
- Benchmark (participated in the Series A extension, Aug 2026)[1]
- EQT (participated in the Series A extension, Aug 2026)[1]
- Soma (participated in the Series A extension, Aug 2026)[1]
- NFX (participated in the Series A extension, Aug 2026)[1]
- 776, Cedar Capital, Goanna Capital and Standard Capital (participated in the Series A extension, Aug 2026)[1]
Investors
Latest Pulse
- Oct 13, 2026Satlyt Raises $8M To Run AI Workloads On SatellitesSatlyt, founded by former Google and SpaceX engineer Rama Afullo, raised an $8 million seed round led by Houston's Non Sibi Ventures to build software that lets satellites share AI computing jobs in orbit.→
- Oct 10, 2026Google's Suncatcher Puts 4 AI Chips Into OrbitGoogle launched a test satellite carrying four TPU chips on a SpaceX rocket on Oct. 1, the first real test of its bid to run AI data centers in orbit alongside rival plans from SpaceX, Blue Origin and Starcloud.→
- Oct 10, 2026Google Sends 4 AI Chips Into Orbit With Project SuncatcherGoogle launched a satellite carrying four TPU chips to test whether AI data centers can eventually run in orbit, where solar power is constant and there is no water, land or grid constraint.→
- Aug 21, 2026Starcloud Raises $250M for Orbital AI Data CentersOrbital data-center startup Starcloud added a $250M extension at a $2.3B valuation, backed by Nvidia and Cisco, to build satellite-based AI compute as ground-based launch capacity tightens.→
Coverage Timeline
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Starcloud FAQ
How much has Starcloud raised?
Value Add VC tracks $420 million across two rounds for Starcloud: a $170 million Series A and a $250 million extension in August 2026, both reported by TechCrunch.[1]
Who invested in Starcloud?
Manhattan West Ventures led Starcloud's August 2026 extension, with Nvidia, Cisco, Benchmark, EQT, Soma, NFX, 776, Cedar Capital, Goanna Capital and Standard Capital participating, according to TechCrunch.[1]
What is Starcloud's valuation?
TechCrunch reported in August 2026 that Starcloud's $250 million extension values the company at $2.3 billion.[1]
Who is the CEO of Starcloud?
Philip Johnston is Starcloud's Co-Founder and CEO; Ezra Feilden (CTO) and Adi Oltean (Chief Engineer) are also co-founders.[2]
Where is Starcloud based?
Starcloud's headquarters is in Redmond, Washington, and it is building production lines in Woodinville, Washington, according to TechCrunch.[4],[1]
Is Starcloud public?
Starcloud raised a private Series A extension in August 2026, so it is privately held as of that date.[1]
References
researched 2026-10-19Sources & methodologyshow
Where these figures come from
- TechCrunchmajor outlet1 fact
Figures are labelled Reported (a source states it), Estimated, Derived (computed from other facts) or Rumored (in talks / unconfirmed). Rumors never replace a confirmed figure. Each figure keeps its own as-of date; history is preserved rather than overwritten.