The aerospace industry has always been at the forefront of innovation, with advancements in technology pushing the boundaries of flight, exploration, and connectivity. Recently, a new generation of aerospace startups has emerged, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize everything from satellite communications to electric aircraft and space exploration.
In a world where the demand for sustainable air travel, space exploration, and advanced aerospace solutions is rapidly growing, investors are flocking to promising startups that are pushing the envelope in terms of innovation and scalability. These companies are securing significant funding, ranging from $50M to $100M, to accelerate their progress and make an impact on the future of aerospace.
In this blog, we’ll introduce you to 10 aerospace startups that have recently raised between $50 million and $100 million. These companies are not just changing the way we think about air and space travel—they’re setting the stage for the next big leap in aerospace technology.
10 Aerospace Startups to Watch
The aerospace industry is evolving rapidly, driven by innovations in space technology, sustainable aviation, and satellite communications. Startups are leading this transformation, securing significant funding to develop next-gen aircraft, reusable rockets, and AI-powered satellite systems. With growing investor interest, these companies are set to redefine the future of air and space travel.
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, Air Transportation, Information Technology
- 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, Space Travel
- 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, Information Services, Information Technology
- 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, Space Travel, Transportation
- 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, Industrial Automation
- 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, Manufacturing
- 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, Air Transportation
- 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, Air Transportation
- 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, Space Travel
- 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, Battery
- 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 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 aerospace industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by groundbreaking innovations in space exploration, sustainable aviation, and advanced satellite technologies. The startups featured in this blog are at the forefront of this evolution, securing significant funding to develop next-generation aircraft, reusable rockets, AI-powered satellite systems, and other game-changing solutions.
As investor interest continues to grow, these companies are set to redefine the future of air and space travel. From revolutionizing air transportation with electric aircraft to expanding access to space through cost-effective launch solutions, their contributions are paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable aerospace ecosystem.
Whether you’re an investor, industry professional, or an enthusiast of cutting-edge technology, keeping an eye on these emerging aerospace startups is essential. Their innovations will shape the next decade of aviation and space exploration, bringing us closer to a future once thought to be the realm of science fiction.
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.