Apex Space
Overview
Apex Space, established in 2022 and based in Los Angeles, California, is a leading spacecraft manufacturer focused on creating standardized satellite bus platforms. Ian Cinnamon and Max Benassi co-founded the company to streamline satellite production, offering versatile and configurable satellite bus platforms for commercial and government applications. As of 2025, Apex Space has raised over $400 million, with its latest Series D round led by Interlagos bringing the company to a valuation exceeding $1 billion.
Recent Developments
- September 2025: Apex Space successfully closed a $200 million Series D funding round led by Interlagos, boosting its valuation beyond $1 billion. This funding aimed to expand its manufacturing capabilities and enhance its role in burgeoning defense space projects like the US Pentagon's Golden Dome missile defense initiative.
- April 2025: The company raised $200 million in a Series C round to accelerate production of its satellite buses and enhance vertical integration, responding to increased demand for rapid satellite deployment.
- March 2025: Celebrated the one-year anniversary of their first satellite 'Call to Adventure' being operational in orbit, marking a milestone for Apex's reliability and performance in the field.
- January 2025: Apex was highlighted as one of the most innovative companies in the space industry due to its rapid production processes and its unique approach to manufacturing off-the-shelf satellite buses.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2022 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Founders | Ian Cinnamon, Max Benassi |
| Revenue | Not disclosed |
| Profits | Not disclosed |
| Key Investors | Interlagos, Andreessen Horowitz, Point72 Ventures, 8VC |
| Industry | Aerospace, Satellite Manufacturing |
| Number of Employees | Estimated at several hundred |
Early History
Apex Space was founded with a vision to revolutionize the satellite manufacturing industry by providing scalable and standardized spacecraft designs. Ian Cinnamon's experience with Synapse, which he sold to Palantir, informed the company's vision of addressing long lead times associated with custom-built satellite buses. By leveraging experiences from aerospace giants like SpaceX, where Max Benassi previously worked, the company's foundational strategy involved introducing a streamlined supply chain and vertical integration to ensure quicker deployment of satellite buses. The Los Angeles-based startup quickly attracted significant investment and partnered with key players in the satellite and defense sectors, paving its way as a disruptive force in satellite manufacturing.
Company Profile and Achievements
Apex Space's business model revolves around creating productized satellite buses that reduce the complexity and cost associated with traditional satellite manufacturing. Their approach allows for faster turnaround in satellite deployment by offering configurable base models that can be easily adapted to specific mission needs.
- 2022: Founding year with an immediate focus on developing scalable satellite bus solutions.
- Late 2022: Secured initial funding to kick-start production capabilities in Los Angeles.
- 2023: Launched first satellite, setting a record time from design to deployment.
- 2024: Introduced Aries, their first production model satellite bus.
- 2025: Completed significant Series C and D funding rounds totaling $400 million, expanding their production facility to increase capacity by 50%.
Current Operations and Market Position
As of 2025, Apex Space is heavily involved in supplying satellite buses for governmental defense projects as well as commercial clients needing rapid deployment for constellation missions. The company is recognized for its ability to drastically shorten production cycles, a critical advantage in the fast-evolving aerospace industry. Apex's strategic investments into vertical integration enhance scalability and reliability of its products, making it a preferred partner in ongoing and upcoming space missions. They have secured contracts and expressed interest for participation in the US Pentagon's Golden Dome initiative.
Conclusion
Apex Space's emergence as a leader in the standardized satellite bus market showcases its potential transformative role in the aerospace industry. With a strong foothold in defense and commercial space operations, the company leverages its innovative production strategies to meet growing market demands efficiently. As they continue to expand operations and develop new technologies, Apex Space is positioned to significantly impact satellite manufacturing trends and support expansive space initiatives globally.