With $5.6 million seed funding, Indian startup InspeCity rockets ahead to extend satellite lifespans, clean up space junk, and disrupt the $14 billion global spacetech market.
Mumbai-based space tech startup InspeCity has raised $5.6 million in a seed funding round led by prominent investor Ashish Kacholia. The round also saw backing from Speciale Invest, Shastra VC, Antler India, DeVC, MGF Kavachh, and Anicut Capital.
The funds will be used to space-qualify the company’s core technologies, expand its engineering workforce, and scale international operations. InspeCity plans to strengthen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with ongoing collaborations in Taiwan and Japan.
Founded in 2022 by IIT Bombay alumni, the startup is India’s first vertically integrated platform focused on satellite servicing. Its mission is to make satellite operations more sustainable and cost-effective by extending the lifespan of in-orbit satellites and reducing space debris.
The funding validates a path to market leadership, noted CEO Prof. Arindrajit Chowdhury. He further highlighted their aim to pave the way for a cleaner orbital environment.
InspeCity is developing a range of technologies under its VEDA platform—’Vehicle for Life Extension and De-orbiting Activities’—which includes advanced propulsion systems, robotic arms, and RPOD (rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking) capabilities. A demonstration mission for VEDA is planned for 2027.
The company has already secured contracts through India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme and received an award for early-stage support.
In addition to expanding in Western and Southeast Asia, InspeCity has signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Orbital Lasers to explore laser-based solutions for debris removal.
Targeting the fast-growing $14 billion ISAM (in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing) market, InspeCity aims to offer a more affordable alternative to global competitors.
