The aerospace industry is experiencing a new wave of innovation, with startups pushing the boundaries of technology in aviation, space exploration, and satellite communications. Since 2020, a fresh generation of aerospace companies has emerged, leveraging cutting-edge advancements in propulsion systems, autonomous flight, and sustainable aerospace solutions.
These startups are not just conceptualizing the future—they are actively building it. Backed by funding between $10M and $50M, they are developing next-generation spacecraft, advanced manufacturing techniques, and breakthrough aerospace technologies. Their efforts are set to reshape the industry, making air travel more efficient, space exploration more accessible, and satellite networks more powerful.
In this blog, we highlight 10 aerospace startups founded after 2020 that have secured significant funding to fuel their ambitions. These innovators are redefining the future of flight—let’s explore the companies leading the charge!
10 Aerospace Startups Soaring with $10M–$50M in Funding
The aerospace industry is evolving rapidly, and these 10 startups are at the forefront of that transformation. From next-gen propulsion systems to advanced satellite technology and space exploration initiatives, these companies are redefining what’s possible in aerospace innovation.
With funding between $10M and $50M, they are scaling their operations, refining their technology, and making bold strides toward the future of aviation and space travel.
Let’s take a closer look at the startups shaping the next era of aerospace!
| Company | Founded | Location | Number of Employees | Last Funding | Last Funding Date | Total Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turion Space | 2020 | Irvine, CA, USA | 11-50 | $20M | Dec 2, 2024 | $27.83M |
| Lumen Orbit | 2024 | Redmond, WA, USA | 1-10 | $11M | Oct 25, 2024 | $13.9M |
| Karman+ | 2022 | Denver, CO, USA | 11-50 | $20M | Dec 30, 2024 | $21M |
| Aerodome | 2023 | New York, NY, USA | 11-50 | $21.5M | May 22, 2024 | $28M |
| Arbor Energy | 2022 | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 11-50 | $7M | Oct 18, 2024 | $13.5M |
| Interlune | 2020 | Estes Park, CO, USA | 11-50 | $365K | Oct 3, 2024 | $17.72M |
| Overview Energy | 2022 | Washington, D.C., USA | 1-10 | $11.67M | Jul 2, 2024 | $18.47M |
| DeFli Networks | 2022 | New York, NY, USA | 11-50 | $15.5M | Apr 11, 2024 | $25.04M |
| Phantom Space | 2020 | Tucson, AZ, USA | 11-50 | Non-Disclosed | Mar 11, 2024 | $27.66M |
| H3X Technologies | 2020 | Louisville, CO, USA | 1-10 | $20M | Aug 6, 2024 | $24.65M |
1. Turion Space
- Founded: 2020
- Location: Irvine, California, USA
- Industry: Aerospace, Information Technology, Space Travel
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $20M (Latest Round: December 2, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $27.83M
Turion Space is an innovative aerospace company dedicated to advancing space technology and infrastructure. With a mission to revolutionize space travel, satellite servicing, and orbital debris management, Turion is at the forefront of developing next-generation space solutions. Their cutting-edge technologies focus on enabling sustainable and efficient operations in Earth’s orbit and beyond.
By leveraging advancements in AI, automation, and propulsion systems, Turion Space is shaping the future of space exploration. The company is committed to ensuring a cleaner and more accessible space environment for future generations. As a key player in the space industry, Turion is working towards making space operations more sustainable, efficient, and commercially viable.
2. Lumen Orbit
- Founded: January 2024
- Location: Redmond, Washington, USA
- Industry: Aerospace, Space Travel
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $11M (Latest Round: October 25, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $13.9M
Lumen Orbit is an emerging aerospace company focused on pioneering advanced space travel solutions. Specializing in orbital infrastructure, propulsion systems, and deep-space exploration technologies, the company aims to push the boundaries of human and robotic presence in space.
With a strong commitment to innovation, Lumen Orbit is developing cutting-edge space systems designed to enhance satellite deployment, interplanetary logistics, and sustainable space operations. Their research and development efforts focus on improving efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in the rapidly growing space industry.
By leveraging next-generation engineering and AI-driven automation, Lumen Orbit is on a mission to redefine space accessibility and sustainability, paving the way for the future of interstellar exploration.
3. Karman+
- Founded: 2022
- Location: Denver, Colorado, USA
- Industry: Aerospace, Robotics
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $20M (Latest Round: December 30, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $21M
Karman+ is an aerospace company dedicated to revolutionizing space infrastructure through cutting-edge robotics and autonomous systems. With a strong focus on sustainable space exploration, the company is developing advanced robotic solutions to support satellite servicing, in-orbit assembly, and debris removal.
By leveraging AI-driven automation and precision engineering, Karman+ aims to enhance the longevity and efficiency of space operations, making space more accessible for commercial and governmental missions. Their technology plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of Earth’s orbital environment.
With a vision to push the boundaries of space innovation, Karman+ is on a mission to create a more interconnected and efficient space ecosystem.
4. Aerodome
- Founded: April 2023
- Location: New York, New York, USA
- Industry: Aerospace, Drones, Law Enforcement
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $21.5M (Latest Round: May 22, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $28M
Aerodome is pioneering the future of drone technology with cutting-edge solutions tailored for law enforcement, security, and defense applications. The company specializes in autonomous aerial surveillance, rapid response systems, and high-precision drone operations to enhance public safety and operational efficiency.
Aerodome’s innovative drone systems are designed to provide real-time intelligence, situational awareness, and automated threat detection, making them an essential tool for law enforcement agencies. With AI-powered analytics and seamless integration into existing security infrastructures, their technology is transforming modern policing and emergency response efforts.
Committed to advancing drone capabilities, Aerodome is at the forefront of aerial innovation, ensuring safer and smarter skies.
5. Arbor Energy
- Founded: January 2022
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Industry: Aerospace, Biomass Energy
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $7M (Latest Round: October 18, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $13.5M
Arbor Energy is revolutionizing the aerospace and energy sectors by harnessing the power of biomass energy for sustainable fuel solutions. With a focus on renewable energy innovation, Arbor Energy develops cutting-edge technologies to convert organic waste into high-performance biofuels, reducing carbon emissions and advancing clean energy adoption.
By integrating aerospace engineering expertise with next-generation bioenergy solutions, Arbor Energy is paving the way for greener aviation and space travel. The company collaborates with industry leaders to optimize fuel efficiency, enhance sustainability, and promote environmental responsibility across various sectors.
With a commitment to eco-friendly innovation, Arbor Energy is leading the charge toward a cleaner and more sustainable future for energy and aerospace industries.
6. Interlune
- Founded: 2020
- Location: Estes Park, Colorado, USA
- Industry: Aerospace, Information Technology
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $365K (Latest Round: October 3, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $17.72M
Interlune is an innovative aerospace company pioneering advancements in space resource utilization and off-Earth sustainability. With a mission to revolutionize lunar and deep-space exploration, Interlune develops cutting-edge technologies to extract, process, and utilize space-based materials, enabling long-term human presence beyond Earth.
By integrating advanced information technology and aerospace engineering, Interlune is working on solutions for in-space manufacturing, resource harvesting, and sustainable energy generation. Their research focuses on making space exploration more cost-effective, efficient, and self-sustaining, reducing reliance on Earth-based resources.
With strong backing from investors and collaborations with space agencies and private enterprises, Interlune is positioned to play a key role in the emerging space economy. Their work supports the future of lunar colonization, interplanetary travel, and the broader vision of space sustainability.
7. Overview Energy
- Founded: 2022
- Location: Washington, D.C., USA
- Industry: Aerospace, Hardware
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $11.67M (Latest Round: July 2, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $18.47M
Overview Energy is an aerospace company dedicated to advancing energy solutions for space applications and sustainable Earth-based systems. By leveraging cutting-edge aerospace hardware and energy technologies, the company aims to develop next-generation power systems for satellites, space stations, and planetary exploration.
Their innovations focus on high-efficiency power generation, storage, and transmission to support deep-space missions and ensure reliable energy sources for spacecraft and extraterrestrial habitats. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, Overview Energy also explores applications of their technologies for clean energy solutions on Earth.
Backed by a solid investment portfolio, Overview Energy is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of space-based energy infrastructure, contributing to the growing commercialization of space and the development of off-world settlements.
8. DeFli Networks
- Founded: January 3, 2022
- Location: New York, New York, USA
- Industry: Aerospace, Cryptocurrency
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $15.5M (Latest Round: April 11, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $25.04M
DeFli Networks is a pioneering company at the intersection of aerospace and cryptocurrency. They are building decentralized, secure, and scalable blockchain-based solutions for the aerospace industry, aiming to revolutionize data transmission, communication, and asset management in space exploration and satellite operations.
Their platform integrates cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to provide innovative ways for managing space assets and data streams, enhancing the efficiency and security of satellite operations and missions. DeFli Networks focuses on enabling the space industry to adopt decentralized systems, transforming how data is shared, processed, and utilized.
With a strong commitment to advancing space technology through blockchain, DeFli Networks is positioning itself to be a key player in the future of aerospace and digital finance.
9. Phantom Space
- Founded: January 5, 2020
- Location: Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Industry: Aerospace, Space Travel, Transportation
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: Non Disclosure (Latest Round: March 11, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $27.66M
Phantom Space is revolutionizing the aerospace industry by making space more accessible through cost-effective, high-frequency launch services. The company focuses on building small satellite launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and space transportation solutions to support commercial, governmental, and scientific missions.
With a vision to enable “space as a service,” Phantom Space is developing reusable launch technologies that reduce costs and improve efficiency. Their engineering expertise spans rocket design, payload deployment, and in-orbit logistics, making them a key player in the emerging commercial space sector.
By streamlining the satellite launch process, Phantom Space is positioning itself as a leader in scalable, on-demand space transportation, helping clients achieve their orbital ambitions faster and more affordably.
10. H3X Technologies
- Founded: 2020
- Location: Louisville, Colorado, USA
- Industry: Aerospace, Air Transportation, Electric Vehicle
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $20M (Latest Round: August 6, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $24.65M
H3X Technologies is pioneering the future of air transportation by developing cutting-edge electric propulsion systems for aircraft. Their innovative technologies are designed to reduce emissions and provide a more sustainable approach to air travel. By utilizing advanced electric motors and propulsion systems, H3X aims to revolutionize the aerospace industry and accelerate the shift towards greener aviation.
Focused on enhancing efficiency and sustainability, the company is committed to making electric flight a reality for commercial aviation. Their work positions them as a leader in the electric vehicle and aerospace sectors.
Conclusion
The aerospace industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by a new generation of innovative startups. With funding ranging from $10M to $50M, these companies are actively developing cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of aviation, space exploration, and satellite communications. From advanced propulsion systems to autonomous flight and sustainable aerospace solutions, these startups are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
As they continue to scale their operations and refine their technologies, these companies are not just dreaming about the future—they are building it. Whether it’s making space exploration more accessible, improving air travel efficiency, or advancing satellite capabilities, the work of these rising stars is set to revolutionize the aerospace industry for years to come. Stay tuned as these startups soar to new heights and lead the charge in the next era of aerospace innovation.
FAQs
Q. How are these startups contributing to space exploration?
Answer: Many of the startups listed in the blog are working on developing next-generation spacecraft and technologies to enhance space travel and exploration. Their efforts include improving propulsion systems, creating more efficient satellite networks, and advancing new space manufacturing techniques.
Q. How do these startups compare to traditional aerospace companies?
Answer: Unlike traditional aerospace giants, these startups are more nimble and innovative, enabling them to quickly develop new technologies and solutions. They are able to experiment with cutting-edge technologies, such as sustainable propulsion and autonomous flight, which may take longer for larger companies to adopt.
Q. What challenges do these aerospace startups face?
Answer: These startups face several challenges, including technical obstacles, regulatory approval processes, and the high capital requirements for aerospace innovation. However, with substantial funding and a focus on breakthrough technologies, they are well-positioned to overcome these challenges and make lasting impacts in the industry.