The satellite imagery providers industry in the US is vital for various sectors, including agriculture, urban planning, and defense. This industry includes companies that utilize advanced satellites to capture high-resolution images of the Earth, providing critical data for decision-making. Notably, innovative technologies have emerged, allowing for real-time applications like disaster monitoring and climate change analysis. As the integration of AI and machine learning continues to grow, the industry is anticipated to evolve further, enabling more sophisticated data analysis and insights. Interestingly, the increasing demand for remote sensing data suggests that this sector's growth is just beginning.


The investors highlighted in this list feature a mix of venture capital firms, corporate investors, and public entities, predominantly located in tech hubs across the US. Notable firms like Liquid 2 Ventures and Y Combinator represent established teams specializing in early-stage investments. The investor sizes range from small teams with just a few members to large corporate entities employing over 10,000 people. Established between 1991 and 2023, their 2024 deal counts reflect a strong commitment to innovation, with firms like Plug and Play Tech Center and DCVC participating in numerous transactions.


Top 15 Satellite Imagery Providers Investors in the US


1. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made significant investments in the satellite imagery sector, including a notable investment in Array Labs. Array Labs raised $5 million in a seed funding round aimed at developing a constellation of radar satellites to gather global 3D imagery, showcasing Y Combinator's commitment to supporting innovative technologies in the satellite domain. Additionally, Y Combinator has been involved in various funding rounds for other companies, indicating its broad investment strategy while still maintaining a focus on cutting-edge technology.


2. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has been involved in several funding rounds for Capella Space, a leading SAR satellite data provider. These transactions include a $19M Series B funding round in 2018, a $2M venture round in 2019, and a $29.4M Series B round in December 2019, culminating in a $97M Series C round in April 2022. These investments highlight the fund's active role in the satellite imagery sector, particularly in supporting innovative technologies related to satellite data.


3. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They specialize in connecting startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation across various technology sectors. In 2024 alone, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in companies like Urban Sky, which focuses on aerial data collection, and Involve Space, which raised over $2.7 million in a recent seed round. These transactions highlight their engagement with startups that are relevant to the satellite imagery industry, indicating their potential interest in this sector.


4. IQT (In-Q-Tel)

  • Website: iqt.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: in-q-tel

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a not-for-profit venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Arlington, Virginia. It specializes in investing in technology startups that can enhance U.S. national security. IQT partners with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions in technology sectors, including software and materials sciences. Notably, IQT has made significant investments in the satellite imagery sector, including a $27 million Series A investment in Pixxel, an emerging player in satellite imaging. Additionally, IQT participated in HEO's $8 million Series A funding round, which focuses on revolutionizing non-Earth imagery and satellite-to-satellite imaging. Furthermore, IQT invested in constellr, which raised nearly $9.75 million in a seed round, further emphasizing its commitment to advancing satellite imagery technologies. These transactions highlight IQT's strategic interest in the satellite imagery domain, aligning with its mission to support innovative solutions for national security.


5. Intel Capital

  • Website: intelcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: intelcapital

Intel Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductor technologies. In addition to these core areas, Intel Capital has made notable investments in companies related to aerial data collection and drone technology, which are relevant to the satellite imagery sector. For instance, they participated in multiple funding rounds for PrecisionHawk, a company that provides autonomous drone solutions for low-altitude aerial data collection and analysis, raising significant amounts in Series B, C, and D rounds. Furthermore, Intel Capital invested in Delair, a global supplier of commercial drone solutions, to support the development of the Intel Insight Platform. These transactions highlight Intel Capital's engagement in the aerial data space, making them a relevant investor in the satellite imagery providers industry.


6. Liquid 2 Ventures

  • Website: liquid2.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 91
  • LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, Liquid 2 Ventures has made significant investments in the satellite imagery sector, including a Series A investment of $48 million in Albedo, a company focused on satellite imagery, and multiple investments in Array Labs, which is developing a constellation of radar satellites to gather global 3D imagery. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting innovative companies in the satellite imagery space.


7. Space Capital

  • Website: spacecapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: spacecapital

Space Capital is a venture capital fund based in New York, founded in 2012, that specializes in early-stage investments in space technology companies. With a small team of 1-10 members, they provide capital and strategic support to startups in the space sector, helping them develop innovative technologies that can transform various markets. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to the growth of the space economy, particularly through investments in satellite imagery and data providers. Notably, Space Capital has participated in significant funding rounds for Planet Labs, which raised a total of $183 million in Series C funding, and ICEYE, a SAR data provider that raised $136 million in Series D funding. These transactions highlight Space Capital's active role in supporting companies that are integral to the satellite imagery industry.


8. Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence


Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence, a division of Hexagon AB, is a corporate investor based in Madison, Alabama, specializing in industrial technology and software solutions. Founded in 1992, Hexagon has grown to employ over 10,000 people globally. The company focuses on transforming data into actionable insights, particularly through precision sensors and geospatial tools. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Sigma Space, which enhances their capabilities in satellite data applications, and GTA Geoinformatik, which specializes in georeferenced 3D city models, supporting smart city initiatives. Additionally, their acquisition of North West Geomatics further solidifies their position in the geospatial sector, making them a significant player in the satellite imagery landscape.


9. Starburst


Starburst is a venture capital firm based in El Segundo, California, founded in 2012. It specializes in the aerospace and defense industry, providing startup acceleration, strategy consulting, and venture investments to help clients innovate in these sectors. Starburst's clientele includes startups, corporations, and government entities looking to enhance their technological capabilities. Notably, in the context of satellite imagery, Starburst has made several relevant investments, including a significant $56.5 million investment in Privateer during its Series A round in May 2024, which focuses on satellite data and analytics. They have also invested in other startups like SpaceAlpha and Reflex Aerospace, both of which are involved in aerospace technologies that may intersect with satellite imagery applications.


10. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In 2024, 500 Global has made 98 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in companies like Betterview, which focuses on property data and analytics, and Aerodyne Group, a drone-based managed solutions provider that enhances data collection capabilities. Their investment in TraceAir, which deals with construction site monitoring and data management, further emphasizes their engagement with technologies that intersect with satellite imagery. Overall, 500 Global's diverse portfolio and focus on innovative tech startups position them as a relevant player in the satellite imagery providers industry.


11. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm focuses on fostering diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy by providing capital and support to startups led by underrepresented groups. In addition to their commitment to diversity, Gaingels has been actively involved in the satellite imagery and space data sector through several key investments. They participated in funding rounds for Xplore, a space data as a service company, and blackshark.ai, which specializes in geospatial data and AI-driven mapping solutions. Furthermore, they invested in Turion Space, a startup focused on satellite servicing and space debris removal. These transactions highlight Gaingels' engagement in the satellite imagery providers industry, showcasing their interest in supporting innovative companies within this field.


12. Dcvc

  • Website: dcvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: data-collective

DCVC is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in deep tech and life sciences. The firm focuses on innovative startups that address significant global challenges, particularly in climate and healthcare. Notably, DCVC has been involved in several key transactions within the satellite imagery sector, including multiple funding rounds for Planet Labs, a leading satellite startup that provides high-resolution imagery of the globe. DCVC participated in Planet's Series A, B, and C funding rounds, contributing to a total of $183 million raised by the company. Additionally, DCVC invested in Capella Space, a specialist in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite data, during their Series C financing round, which raised $97 million. These investments highlight DCVC's active role in the satellite imagery industry, supporting companies that leverage satellite technology for various applications.


13. Lockheed Martin

  • Website: lockheedmartin.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: lockheed-martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation, founded in 1912 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, is a leading defense contractor specializing in aerospace and military technologies. The company provides advanced solutions to government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense and foreign governments, focusing on enhancing national security through innovative products. In recent years, Lockheed Martin has made significant investments in the satellite imagery sector, including a $10 million investment in HawkEye 360, a company known for its satellite-based radio frequency data collection. Additionally, Lockheed Martin announced a definitive agreement to acquire Terran Orbital for approximately $450 million, which is expected to enhance their satellite manufacturing capabilities. They also invested $100 million in Terran Orbital through convertible notes and warrants, further demonstrating their commitment to expanding their footprint in the satellite industry.


14. Sand Hill Angels

  • Website: sandhillangels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sand-hill-angels

Sand Hill Angels is an angel investment group based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2000. They focus on providing funding and mentorship to technology startups, offering access to capital, networking opportunities, and guidance throughout the startup journey. Their members are experienced investors and business leaders who actively participate in the startup ecosystem. Notably, Sand Hill Angels has been involved in several transactions relevant to the satellite imagery sector, including investments in Xplore, which raised $9 million in a seed round, and Spire Global, which is known for its satellite data services. Additionally, they have invested in Orbit Fab, which is involved in satellite servicing, further demonstrating their engagement in the satellite technology space.


15. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of satellite imagery, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions. For instance, it granted $53.7 million to Maxar Technologies in April 2018, a leading provider of satellite imagery and geospatial data. Additionally, in September 2024, the government participated in a post-IPO debt transaction for Telesat, which is involved in satellite communications. Other grants include funding for Canadian UAVs and Ideon Technologies, which, while not directly focused on satellite imagery, are related to the broader UAV and imaging technology sectors. These transactions highlight the government's active role in supporting the satellite and related industries.



Satellite Imagery Providers Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
IQT (In-Q-Tel)Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)51-200199924
Intel CapitalSanta Clara, California, United States (USA)11-50199123
Liquid 2 VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201591
Space CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020123
Hexagon Asset Lifecycle IntelligenceMadison, Alabama, United States (USA)10001+19929
StarburstEl Segundo, California, United States (USA)51-20020123
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
DcvcPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)11-50201128
Lockheed MartinBethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)10001+191219
Sand Hill AngelsMountain View, California, United States (USA)51-20020003
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137


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