The aerospace industry is entering a new era, with innovative startups securing significant investments to push the boundaries of space exploration, air mobility, and advanced aviation technologies. These 10 aerospace startups have recently raised $50M to $100M, positioning themselves to lead the way in rocket development, urban air mobility, and satellite technologies.
From reusable space vehicles to next-gen propulsion systems and air taxi solutions, these companies are revolutionizing how we travel and explore beyond Earth.
10 Aerospace Startups to Watch
Discover how these aerospace startups are driving change and shaping the future of aviation and space exploration.
Here are 10 aerospace startups that have recently raised $50M-$100M and are making a major impact!
| Company | Founded | Location | Employees | Last Funding | Last Funding Date | Total Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTI Aerospace | 2024 | Englewood, CO, USA | 11-50 | $20M | Jan 7, 2025 | $75M |
| K2 Space | 2022 | West Hollywood, CA, USA | 51-100 | $50M | Feb 13, 2024 | $65.5M |
| Muon Space | 2021 | Mountain View, CA, USA | 51-100 | $56.7M | Aug 5, 2024 | $91.7M |
| Inversion Space | 2021 | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 11-50 | $44M | Nov 20, 2024 | $54.1M |
| First Resonance | 2018 | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 11-50 | $32M | Dec 23, 2024 | $65.6M |
| Starfish Space | 2018 | Tukwila, WA, USA | 11-50 | $29M | Nov 13, 2024 | $62.95M |
| Pyka | 2017 | Alameda, CA, USA | 51-100 | $40M | Sep 23, 2024 | $88.1M |
| Portside | 2017 | San Francisco, CA, USA | 51-100 | Not Disclosed | May 30, 2024 | $67.3M |
| Space Perspective | 2019 | Merritt Island, FL, USA | 101-250 | Not Disclosed | Feb 2, 2024 | $65.1M |
| ION Storage Systems | 2015 | Beltsville, MD, USA | 51-100 | $10M | Nov 13, 2024 | $85.2M |
1. XTI Aerospace
- Founded: March 12, 2024
- Location: Englewood, Colorado, USA
- Industry: Aerospace
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $20M (Latest Round: January 7, 2025)
- Total Funding Amount: $75M
XTI Aerospace is a cutting-edge aircraft technology company pioneering the development of vertical-lift crossover business aircraft. Focused on innovation, the company aims to transform air transportation by combining efficiency, speed, and advanced aerodynamics. With a team of industry experts, XTI Aerospace is committed to revolutionizing aerospace technology through groundbreaking designs and engineering. Their mission is to provide safe, high-performance, and cost-effective aircraft solutions to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry. By leveraging years of expertise, they continue to push the boundaries of modern aviation.
2. K2 Space
- Founded: 2022
- Location: West Hollywood, California, USA
- Industry: Aerospace
- Number of Employees: 51-100
- Last Funding Amount: $50M (Latest Round: February 13, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $65.5M
K2 Space is at the forefront of space exploration, developing a new generation of launch vehicles designed to expand access to the solar system. Founded by Karan Kunjur and Neel Kunjur in 2022, the company is revolutionizing space travel with innovative engineering and cost-effective solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, K2 Space aims to make space more accessible and enable deep-space missions that were once considered unattainable. Their work is shaping the future of aerospace, paving the way for next-generation advancements in space transportation.
3. Muon Space
- Founded: 2021
- Location: Mountain View, California, USA
- Industry: Aerospace
- Number of Employees: 51-100
- Last Funding Amount: $56.7M (Latest Round: August 5, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $91.7M
Muon Space is an end-to-end space systems provider specializing in scientific-grade atmospheric, ocean, and land measurements. The company designs, builds, and operates mission-tailored low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, providing mission-critical data for various applications. Its advanced technology stack optimizes every aspect of remote sensing missions, enabling faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation performance. By combining cutting-edge engineering with a deep understanding of Earth’s systems, Muon Space delivers precise and reliable data to support environmental monitoring, climate research, and strategic decision-making.
4. Inversion Space
- Founded: January 22, 2021
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Industry: Aerospace
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $44M (Latest Round: November 20, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $54.1M
Inversion Space is a pioneering aerospace company focused on revolutionizing space logistics. It designs and builds affordable, high-cadence return vehicles to transport cargo from space back to Earth for commercial, civil, and defense applications. By developing advanced space capsules, Inversion aims to make Earth-to-space-to-Earth transportation more accessible and efficient. Their technology supports industries that rely on rapid and cost-effective space-based supply chains, helping unlock new possibilities in research, manufacturing, and defense operations.
5. First Resonance
- Founded: July 2018
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Industry: Aerospace
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $32M (Latest Round: December 23, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $65.6M
First Resonance is an innovative industrial automation company focused on transforming aerospace and advanced manufacturing. By leveraging cutting-edge software and data-driven insights, First Resonance helps manufacturers streamline production processes, enhance efficiency, and scale operations seamlessly. Their flagship platform enables companies to optimize workflows, improve traceability, and accelerate product development. With a commitment to modernizing industrial automation, First Resonance empowers next-generation manufacturers to build the future of aerospace and other high-tech industries.
6. Starfish Space
- Founded: 2018
- Location: Tukwila, Washington, USA
- Industry: Aerospace
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $29M (Latest Round: November 13, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $62.95M
Starfish Space is an innovative aerospace company focused on providing manufacturing solutions for the space industry. The company designs and develops technologies for in-orbit servicing, with a particular focus on autonomous spacecraft that can help address issues like satellite maintenance, repair, and deorbiting. Starfish Space is committed to creating sustainable solutions for space operations, empowering satellite operators to extend the life and functionality of their assets. By advancing manufacturing capabilities, Starfish Space is paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable space economy.
7. Pyka
- Founded: February 13, 2017
- Location: Alameda, California, USA
- Industry: Aerospace
- Number of Employees: 51-100
- Last Funding Amount: $40M (Latest Round: September 23, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $88.1M
Pyka is an aerospace company revolutionizing air transportation with innovative electric aircraft. Their flagship electric planes are designed to offer eco-friendly, cost-effective solutions for cargo and passenger transport. By integrating cutting-edge technology, Pyka is working to create the future of aviation—one that reduces emissions, improves efficiency, and provides sustainable transportation options. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability is driving a new era in air travel, making it greener and more accessible. Pyka’s mission is to change the way people and goods travel, reducing environmental impact while improving the speed and reliability of air transport.
8. Portside
- Founded: September 1, 2017
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
- Industry: Aerospace
- Number of Employees: 51-100
- Last Funding Amount: Non-Disclosure (Latest Round: May 30, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $67.3M
Portside is an innovative aerospace company transforming air transportation with its cutting-edge technology. Specializing in streamlining the management of aircraft fleets, Portside offers software solutions that optimize fleet operations, maintenance, and logistics. Their tools enable air carriers and operators to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the reliability of their fleets. Portside’s platform offers real-time insights into fleet performance, helping companies make data-driven decisions. With a focus on innovation and operational excellence, Portside is driving a smarter and more sustainable future for the aviation industry.
9. Space Perspective
- Founded: 2019
- Location: Merritt Island, Florida, USA
- Industry: Aerospace
- Number of Employees: 101-250
- Last Funding Amount: Non-Disclosure (Latest Round: February 2, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $65.1M
Space Perspective is an innovative space travel company focused on providing suborbital flights for astronauts and space tourists. The company is pioneering a new method of space exploration using high-altitude balloons that lift passengers into the edge of space, offering breathtaking views of Earth from above. With its cutting-edge technology and focus on sustainability, Space Perspective is making space tourism more accessible and environmentally friendly. Their mission is to democratize access to space, providing unique experiences that will change the way people see the world.
10. ION Storage Systems
- Founded: 2015
- Location: Beltsville, Maryland, USA
- Industry: Aerospace
- Number of Employees: 51-100
- Last Funding Amount: $10M (Latest Round: November 13, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $85.2M
ION Storage Systems is a pioneering battery technology company that is developing next-generation solid-state batteries. Their innovative battery solutions offer higher energy density, improved safety, and a longer lifespan compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. With applications in aerospace, defense, and other high-performance industries, ION Storage Systems aims to revolutionize energy storage by providing lightweight, reliable, and sustainable power solutions. By eliminating flammable liquid electrolytes and optimizing energy efficiency, the company is advancing the future of battery technology to meet growing global energy demands.
Conclusion
The $50M-$100M raised by 10 aerospace startups highlights the industry’s shift towards innovation in air travel, space exploration, and defense technologies. These companies are pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering with advancements in electric flight, satellite technology, and reusable rocket systems. With this funding, they are positioned to accelerate their missions, contribute to sustainability, and transform the future of air and space travel.
FAQs
Q. What trends are driving innovation in the aerospace industry?
Answer: Key trends include the rise of electric and hybrid aircraft, advancements in satellite technology, increased accessibility to space travel, AI-driven automation in aerospace manufacturing, and the push for sustainability in aviation and space missions.
Q. What role do these startups play in shaping the future of aerospace?
Answer: These startups are pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology by developing cost-effective launch vehicles, autonomous spacecraft, electric aircraft, and high-performance energy storage solutions. Their innovations will drive efficiency, sustainability, and expanded access to air and space travel.
Q. Will space tourism become more affordable in the future?
Answer: With companies like Space Perspective developing new, cost-effective ways to reach the edge of space, space tourism is expected to become more accessible over time. As technology advances and competition increases, costs may decrease, making space travel a reality for more people.