Microsoft leads $40 million funding for Starlink networking startup

TAMPA, Fla. — Armada has raised an extra $40 million through a Microsoft-led funding round to develop mobile data centers tailored for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network, the San Francisco-based startup announced July 11.

The venture, which said it has received around $100 million from investors after emerging from stealth six months ago, is first focusing on deploying artificial intelligence computing tools designed to empower remotely connected devices.

Microsoft is offering these software tools on its Azure cloud computing marketplace following the investment by its venture capital arm M12. The software includes Armada’s digital platform for managing Starlink terminals and other connected assets such as sensors and drones.

Ultimately, Armada aims to offer ruggedized data centers the size of shipping containers for its cloud computing ecosystem called Galleons, which would enable customers to process data faster and more efficiently on-site — known as edge computing.

Armada said Galleons would be integrated with satellites in low Earth orbit thanks to a deep collaboration with Starlink, but did not provide details. SpaceX has not responded to requests to comment on the startup.

Satellite-connected Galleons would enable off-the-grid customers to process data in real-time, according to Armada, and use generative artificial intelligence services typically confined to areas with terrestrial connectivity. 

The startup said its technology has been deployed in 43 countries by customers, including global oil and gas conglomerates, entertainment companies and state government agencies.

“M12 has witnessed the swift progression of edge AI infrastructure towards practical use through years of investments,” M12 managing partner Michael Stewart said in a statement, adding: “We are confident that Armada will pioneer a definitive guide for implementing edge AI across various challenging sectors.”

Founders Fund, an early SpaceX investor, led Armada’s previous $55 million funding round.

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