SatLeo Labs Raises $3.3 Million in Pre-Seed Funding
SatLeo Labs, an Indian space-tech startup, has secured $3.3 million in pre-seed funding led by Merak Ventures. The funding will be used to advance the development of its proprietary thermal imaging payload technology, conduct feasibility studies, and obtain regulatory approvals. Additionally, the capital will support team expansion, infrastructure setup, and pilot testing, enabling the startup to validate its technology and strengthen industry partnerships.
Shravan Bhati, Co-founder & CEO of SatLeo Labs, stated that the funding underscores the growing confidence in the company’s vision to position India as a global leader in space-based intelligence. SatLeo Labs has already garnered strong industry interest, securing over $25 million in Letters of Intent (LOIs) from potential clients. The company, which includes former ISRO scientists among its team members, collaborates with ISRO and IN-SPACe.
Sheetal Bahl, Partner at Merak Ventures, said that the investment is rooted in the belief that thermal imagery from space is underutilized and has growing commercial applications. The startup aims to launch its first thermal imaging satellite soon, further solidifying India’s position in commercial space technology while targeting global markets.
The funding round was led by Merak Ventures, with participation from Huddle Ventures, GVFL, Java Capital, IIMA Ventures, PointOne Capital, and angel investors Manish Gandhi and Dheer Baldua. SatLeo Labs’ technology promises to transform space data into real-world resilience by detecting risks before they result in significant losses, such as crop failures and wildfires.
