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Starcloud raises $250 million for orbital data centers as launch options dry up

AnnouncementFundingAug 21, 2026

Starcloud told TechCrunch it added a $250 million extension to its $170 million Series A, valuing the in-orbit AI inference startup at $2.3 billion. The round was led by Manhattan West Ventures, with Nvidia contributing $25 million. CEO Philip Johnston said the funds will support a larger manufacturing facility and the Starcloud-3 spacecraft, intended to fly on SpaceX's Starship. The company plans to launch two Starcloud-2 satellites in 2027 and has requested FCC permission to operate 88,000 spacecraft.

Receipt № 15032 sources · independently confirmed ✓

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2sources· 1 independent confirmation

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Citation chain · 2 sources

TechCrunchCompanySpaceXCompanyBlue OriginCompanyStarcloudCompanyULACompanyPhilip JohnstonPerson
Canonical: https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/21/starcloud-raises-200-million-for-orbital-data-centers-as-launch-options-dry-up/