Apex - Space Tech
Overview
Apex - Space Tech is a rapidly growing satellite manufacturing company based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2022 by Ian Cinnamon and Max Benassi, Apex aims to streamline the production of satellite buses, which are the essential platforms used for satellite operations. The company has raised over $300 million in funding, with notable investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Point72 Ventures, and 8VC. Apex specializes in providing standardized, high-rate configurable satellite bus platforms, seeking to revolutionize the spacecraft manufacturing industry by reducing production timelines and costs.
Recent Developments
- April 29, 2025: Apex raised $200 million in a Series C funding round, mainly led by Point72 Ventures and 8VC, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz, Washington Harbour Partners, and StepStone Group. The funds are intended to scale up production and support vertically integrated manufacturing processes.
- February 12, 2025: Apex secured a significant $45.9 million contract from the U.S. Space Force. The contract involves the delivery of multiple satellites by 2032 to support various orbital missions.
- March 2024: Apex successfully launched its first operational satellite, Aries SN1, on SpaceX’s Transporter-10 mission, marking the company's entry into active satellite operations.
- June 2024: The company completed a $95 million Series B funding round, enabling it to enhance its production capabilities and focus on developing new satellite models like the Nova and Comet platforms.
- 2024: Apex announced the construction of Factory One, their 50,000-square-foot production complex in Los Angeles, which will streamline the manufacturing of their satellite bus platforms.
- Partnerships: In recent years, Apex has formed strategic alliances with defense firms like Anduril Industries to integrate AI-powered systems for enhanced space awareness and missile tracking capabilities.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2022 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Founders | Ian Cinnamon, Max Benassi |
| Revenue | Undisclosed |
| Profits | Undisclosed |
| Key Investors | Andreessen Horowitz, Point72 Ventures, 8VC, Washington Harbour Partners, StepStone Group |
| Industry | Space Technology, Satellite Manufacturing |
| Number of Employees | Approx. 150 (as of latest reports) |
Early History
Apex was founded in 2022 with the vision of transforming the satellite manufacturing industry. Recognizing the bottleneck in traditional satellite bus production, founders Ian Cinnamon and Max Benassi set out to develop a productized approach that would enable faster and more cost-effective manufacturing. Their backgrounds in AI and aerospace engineering allowed them to swiftly design and build standardized bus platforms, leading to the creation of Apex’s flagship models: Aries, Nova, and Comet. Within its first year, Apex completed its initial Aries model and began securing significant funding to expand their production capabilities.
Company Profile and Achievements
Apex leverages a unique business model focused on high-rate manufacturing of standardized satellite bus platforms. By offering off-the-shelf solutions, Apex reduces the time and cost associated with satellite bus production, helping customers focus on advancing their payload technologies. Key achievements include:
- Launch of Aries SN1: The successful orbital deployment of their first model established Apex's capability in satellite operations.
- Factory One: Their state-of-the-art production facility aimed at supporting rapid delivery and scaling of manufacturing.
- Defense Contracts: Significant contracts with the U.S. Space Force underscore the company's strategic value in national defense.
- Series C Funding: Over $300 million raised to date, including a recent $200 million Series C round, highlights investor confidence in Apex’s approach.
Current Operations and Market Position
Apex continues to expand its market presence, focusing on delivering high-rate satellite bus platforms both for commercial and governmental sectors. Their agile production capabilities position them as a formidable player in the space industry, enabling swift deployment of satellite capabilities. Apex competes by offering flexibility in their product lines and by maintaining lower costs and quicker delivery times compared to traditional manufacturers.
Conclusion
Apex - Space Tech has quickly established itself as a leader in configurable satellite bus manufacturing. Its innovative approach to production and strategic partnerships position it well within the rapidly growing space technology sector. With substantial funding and an ambitious growth strategy, Apex is poised to play a crucial role in the advancement of space infrastructure and the proliferation of satellite technology, ensuring its significance in the industry for years to come.