Starcloud, a startup developing data centers in space, has raised $250 million at a $2.3 billion valuation as it moves to expand AI infrastructure through orbital data centers.
The latest funding round comes as SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO has renewed investor interest in the space industry, including emerging segments such as orbital data centers.
Manhattan West led the latest round, which also attracted new investors Nvidia and Cisco Investments. Existing backers Benchmark, EQT, and Soma, among others, also participated.
The new funding marks a significant increase in Starcloud’s valuation. The startup was valued at $1.1 billion in March, when it raised $170 million.
With the latest capital infusion, Starcloud has now raised a total of $450 million since its founding in 2024.
The company is also working with Nvidia on the Nvidia Space-1 Vera Rubin Module. The module is designed to withstand radiation and extreme conditions in orbit, supporting Starcloud’s efforts to develop computing infrastructure for deployment in space.
Starcloud plans to use the newly raised capital to expand manufacturing capacity, deepen its engineering collaboration with Nvidia, and procure newer products.
The startup has set an ambitious target of building a constellation of 88,000 satellites and achieving 20 gigawatts of orbital compute capacity. As part of its manufacturing expansion, Starcloud is also constructing a 100,000-square-foot facility in Woodinville, Washington, for its next-generation Starcloud-3 spacecraft.
The company’s strategy reflects the growing interest in using space-based infrastructure to support computing requirements. Starcloud is positioning its orbital data centers as part of the emerging infrastructure layer for AI and other high-compute applications.
The latest investment also strengthens Starcloud’s investor base, with Nvidia and Cisco Investments joining the company’s existing financial backers. In addition, Manhattan West’s Lauren Selig has joined Starcloud’s board as an observer.
Starcloud’s latest round takes its valuation to $2.3 billion, more than double the $1.1 billion valuation recorded in March. With $450 million raised since its 2024 founding, the company is now focused on expanding manufacturing, advancing its Nvidia collaboration and developing the infrastructure needed for its planned orbital network.
