Satellite imagery is now widely available, but many businesses and governments struggle to use this data effectively. The tools can be complicated, prices are often unclear, and specialised teams are usually needed to work with geospatial information.
As the need for real-time intelligence grows in fields like defence, finance, energy, and agriculture, this issue is becoming harder to ignore. Based in Austin, SkyFi is developing a solution to this problem.
The company has raised $12.7 million in a Series A round, which was oversubscribed and co-led by Buoyant Ventures and IronGate Capital Advisors. New investors include DNV Ventures, TFX Ventures, Beyond Earth Tech, Nova Threshold, and angel investor Chris Morisoli.
Existing backers RSquared VC and J2 Ventures also joined the round. To date, the company has raised over $30M in total funding across multiple rounds.
Making satellite imagery easier to use
Led by Luke Fischer, SkyFi is a self-service Earth Intelligence Platform that allows users to run built-in geospatial analytics, task satellites, and access archived imagery. The dual-use platform supports both civilian and defence use cases, with flexible ordering options, transparent pricing, and API access for large-scale workflows.
Fischer tells TFN, “SkyFi came from a clear market need and some personal frustration. The Earth observation space was stuck with outdated sales processes, long contracts, and high barriers to entry. When I met Bill Perkins, we saw the same problem: customers shouldn’t need a lengthy negotiation or a big commitment just to get satellite imagery. We built SkyFi to fix that, making high-quality data accessible to anyone with a simple platform, transparent pricing, and no gatekeepers. It’s about democratizing access to this powerful tech so industries can use it faster and smarter to get the answers they need to power government and business decisions. “
Customers can use SkyFi’s web platform, mobile app, or developer APIs to manage Earth observation projects without needing contracts or in-house GIS teams. The company’s goal is to make satellite imagery and analytics easier to access, understand, and act on, without the need for in-house GIS experts or long-term contracts.
At present, the company works with more than 50 imagery partners, offering access to optical, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), hyperspectral, and aerial imagery.
SkyFi saw strong growth in 2025. The company launched custom-built platforms for major satellite operators, including Vantor (formerly Maxar Intelligence), ICEYE US, and Planet, giving customers faster access to high-resolution imagery and analytics.
SkyFi was also selected for the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) 2026 Challenge Programme. The company was chosen from more than 3,600 applicants across 24 NATO countries, placing it among 150 companies working on next-generation defence and dual-use technologies.
“SkyFi is changing how people access geospatial data by making satellite insights more affordable and intuitive,” said Laura Katzman, partner at Buoyant Ventures. “Their platform supports critical use cases in energy, agriculture, climate monitoring, disaster response, and defence.”
Hamlet Yousef, managing partner at IronGate Capital Advisors, said access to timely intelligence is no longer optional. “From natural disasters to supply chain disruption and geopolitical risk, organisations need fast, actionable data. SkyFi provides a platform that delivers that intelligence on demand.”
Currently, SkyFi has a diverse team of about 60 employees with a wide range of backgrounds in engineering, geospatial, business development, and government relations. The company’s main competitors include UP42, a company owned by Saudi Arabia, and SkyWatch, a Canadian company.
Integration with Vantor
The funding announcement comes a few days after the company announced an integration with Vantor (formerly Maxar Intelligence), bringing Vantor’s satellite tasking, imagery, and spatial content directly into the SkyFi platform.
Through the integration, SkyFi users can access high-resolution satellite imagery, more than 20 years of archival data, 3D terrain models, and global basemaps on demand. The connection allows customers to task satellites and analyse imagery directly inside SkyFi, without separate contracts or complex procurement processes.
“Integrating Vantor into the SkyFi platform is a major step in making Earth observation data simpler and more accessible,” said Luke Fischer, CEO of SkyFi. “By bringing industry-leading satellite content into an easy-to-use platform, we are lowering the barrier for organisations that need reliable geospatial insights.”
What about diversity?
When we asked about diversity, Fischer says, “SkyFi has a diverse team of about 60 employees with a wide range of backgrounds in engineering, geospatial, business development, and government relations. That mix helps us deliver leading solutions to clients and partners across commercial, defence, and global markets.”
What’s next?
The new funding will be used to improve the company’s platform, including its user interface and analytical tools.
The company also plans to expand partnerships with satellite operators to grow its on-demand data and AI-driven analytics for commercial and government customers worldwide.
“This funding shows there is strong demand for a simpler way to use Earth observation data,” said Luke Fischer, CEO and co-founder of SkyFi. “Geospatial intelligence is not just for defence. It is critical for supply chains, insurance, energy, agriculture, and environmental protection. We want to make insights from space available to far more people.”
