Seattle Space Tech Startup Kapta Space Secures $5 Million in Seed Funding
Kapta Space, a Seattle-based space technology startup, has emerged from stealth mode after securing $5 million in seed funding. The round was led by MetaVC Partners, with participation from Entrada Ventures and Blue Collective. This latest investment follows a previous $500,000 pre-seed funding round and a $1.8 million grant from the Department of Defense in 2023.
The company is developing cutting-edge electronically steerable, radar-based imaging technology for space applications. Unlike conventional antennas, Kapta Space’s technology utilizes electronic steering, which expands the field of view and enables faster, more precise scanning. The system can switch between different modes for varying resolutions, providing high-resolution images efficiently and potentially lowering costs per image.
Kapta Space’s innovative approach has significant implications for both commercial and defense sectors. In the commercial realm, industries such as mining, which require frequent radar data updates, stand to benefit from this technology. The company aims to launch a low-cost satellite network to enhance imaging and analytics capabilities while reducing revisit times. Additionally, the technology supports three-dimensional imaging for tracking changes in Earth’s surface.
On the defense front, Kapta Space’s radar technology has applications in tracking ground targets. The company has received a high-level security designation from the Department of Defense for future space missions and is collaborating with a prime defense contractor on a radar mission, indicating strong government interest in their capabilities.
Cofounders Adam Bily and Milton Perque bring extensive experience to the venture. Perque has over 25 years of experience in multi-function radar systems and previously worked at Echodyne. Bily, who led the antenna team at Astranis Space Technologies, also has a background at Apple.
The space radar technology market is becoming increasingly competitive, with startups like Kapta Space challenging established players such as Northrop Grumman. Another startup, Capella Space, is also developing satellite radar imagery technology for commercial and governmental use.
Looking ahead, Kapta Space plans to expand its team, focusing on business development to secure government and commercial deals. The company aims to demonstrate its technology in orbit and sees space as a new warfighting domain with potential for numerous missions enabled by their sensor technology.
As the space technology sector continues to evolve, Kapta Space’s innovative approach to radar-based imaging could potentially reshape both commercial and defense applications in the coming years.
