SUMMARY
- XDLINX Space Labs raises $7 Mn in seed funding, led by Ashish Kacholia.
- The funds will support its first commercial mission and global expansion.
- The startup is developing the Elevation-1 mission and a 150-kg SAR satellite platform for future launches.
Hyderabad-based spacetech startup XDLINX Space Labs has raised $7 million (approximately ₹58.8 crore) in its seed funding round, led by ace investor Ashish Kacholia. The funding round also saw participation from E2MC, Mana Ventures, and an unnamed family office. The capital injection will fuel XDLINX’s ambitions of developing its first commercial satellite and expanding its space operations globally.
Founded by Rupesh Gandupalli and Karthik Govindhasamy, XDLINX Space Labs specializes in end-to-end nano and micro satellite platforms with hosted payloads. The startup is known for launching the software-designed 6U small satellite ‘JANUS-1’ aboard ISRO’s SSLV-D2 rocket in February last year. Building on this success, XDLINX is preparing for its next major project, ‘Elevation-1,’ which is slated to launch aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission. This mission aims to showcase the world’s first commercial demonstration of E-band communications using digital modulation.
The new funding will allow XDLINX to accelerate the development of next-generation payloads for defense and commercial missions. The startup is focused on cutting-edge technologies, including E-band communications, optical and RF intelligence, and the operationalization of satellite bus platforms. In a statement, cofounder and CEO Rupesh Gandupalli said, “The funding will help us accelerate the manufacturing of next-gen payloads for defense and commercial missions and expand our global presence in the US and UK.”
XDLINX is also working on a 150-kg class satellite that will combine Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and multi-spectral optical sensors on its XDSAT-M600 platform. This project is scheduled for launch in Q3 2025. Additionally, the startup is in advanced talks to build and launch a sub-meter multi-spectral imagery satellite constellation.
India’s spacetech sector has been experiencing a surge in activity, thanks to government initiatives that have opened the space sector to private players and liberalized the FDI regime. This supportive environment has enabled the emergence of over 150 spacetech startups in the country, including names like Pixxel, Agnikul, and Skyroot. According to estimates, the Indian spacetech market could reach a valuation of $77 billion by 2030.
