InspeCity, a Thane-based spacetech startup, has raised ₹100 crore in a pre-Series A funding round co-led by Ashish Kacholia and Speciale Invest. The fresh capital will support four in-orbit missions over the next 12 to 18 months and accelerate the commercial deployment of its propulsion and robotic systems.
- Raised ₹100 Cr ($10.4M) led by Ashish Kacholia and Speciale Invest
- Plans four in-orbit satellite missions within 18 months
- ISRO-certified propulsion system ready for flight integration
What happened
InspeCity secured ₹100 crore in a pre-Series A round with participation from Antler India, Shastra VC, and existing investors. The funding will enable the startup to undertake four space missions and progressively qualify its in-space propulsion and servicing technologies for commercial use. The capital will also support team expansion to accelerate development.
Founded in 2022 by Arindrajit Chowdhury and Tausif Shaikh, InspeCity specializes in in-orbit servicing and deorbiting technologies. Their mission portfolio includes tasks such as rendezvous, proximity operations, and robotic manipulation, involving both single satellites and coordinated chaser-target deployments.
Why it matters
The funding and upcoming missions mark a key milestone for InspeCity to demonstrate critical in-space servicing capabilities backed by certifications from ISRO labs. This positions them to become a significant player in India’s rapidly growing spacetech ecosystem, which benefits from supportive policies, engineering talent, and increasing investor confidence.
India's spacetech sector is witnessing rapid growth, with several startups attracting substantial investments, including Skyroot Aerospace reaching unicorn status recently. The broader domestic space economy is projected to reach a $44 billion market by 2033, underscoring substantial long-term opportunities for players like InspeCity.
What to watch next
Key developments to monitor include the execution and outcomes of the four planned missions, as they will validate InspeCity’s propulsion, robotic, and rendezvous technologies under real in-orbit conditions. Successful demonstration could open doors for commercial contracts and government-backed projects.
Additionally, growth in InspeCity’s workforce and further rounds of funding will be critical indicators of their scaling potential. The broader Indian spacetech funding environment also merits attention, with new funds and increasing interest from institutional and strategic investors poised to accelerate sector development.