Japanese space startup Synspective secures $100 million to provides satellite data solutions using small sized SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites

Synspective, a Japanese space startup providing solutions for customers’ challenges with utilizing and integrating data from “SAR” satellite constellations and big data, has raised $100 million in funding to strengthen the its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR ) satellite development, manufacturing systems, and solutions development. The latest fundraise makes Synspective the world’s fastest and Japan’s second highest funded space startup in less than 17 months.

Backers include: Space aSTART 1 Limited Partnership, SHIMIZU CORPORATION,
JAFCO SV5 Investment Limited Partnership / JAFCO SV5-STAR Investment Limited Partnership,
Innovation Platform 1 Investment Limited Partnership, and others.

Founded in February 2018 by Motoyuki Arai, Synspective’s technology is the World’s First “High Frequency, Resolution, and Responsiveness” SAR Data Providing System. The startup provides one-stop solutions by satellite gathered geospatial data. The core technology was developed by the ImPACT program* led by The Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, building small SAR satellites and constellation, allowing frequent observation of areas of interest. Synspective uses SAR satellites to provide data and produce user-friendly information to Governments and Private Companies.

SAR satellites actively observe and acquire earth surface information by transmitting and receiving reflected microwaves. Compared to optical satellites, which depend on sunlight reflection, SAR can capture images of the ground surface in all-weather conditions and any time of the day or night.

Synspective’s Co-founder and CEO, Motoyuki Arai, commented that “Synspective’s first demonstration satellite is to be launched in 2020 and is steadily being developed. Customized solutions services have already been contracted by several companies, prior to launch. By providing objective satellite data, Synspective will contribute to the progress of the advancing world by supporting people’s decision-making and impactful actions”.