SatLeo Labs
Overview
SatLeo Labs is a space technology startup based in Ahmedabad, India, focused on the development of high-resolution thermal and optical imaging systems for earth observation from Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Founded in 2023 by Shravan Bhati, Ranendu Ghosh, and Urmil Bakhai, the startup aims to transform various sectors such as agriculture, urban infrastructure, and energy through actionable thermal and optical data. As of 2025, SatLeo Labs has raised $3.3 million from a pre-seed funding round led by Merak Ventures, with several other investors, marking a major step in its growth and expansion strategy.
Recent Developments
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April 30, 2025: SatLeo Labs announced it secured $3.3 million in its pre-seed funding round. Merak Ventures led the round, joined by investors such as Huddle Ventures, GVFL, Java Capital, and others.
- The funding will be used to develop a proprietary thermal imaging payload, secure regulatory approvals, and expand the team.
- SatLeo Labs also plans to establish strategic partnerships and scale infrastructure for technological validation.
- They aim to launch their first thermal imaging satellite to enhance their earth observation capabilities.
- Strong industry interest was underscored by securing $25 million in Letters of Intent from potential clients.
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Use of Technology: The company focuses on dual-band, high-resolution thermal payloads, designed for multispectral imaging applicable in fields such as agriculture for risk detection related to climate change and urban planning, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions by potentially 2 gigatons annually.
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Strategic Comments: Sheetal Bahl from Merak Ventures remarked the investment is based on the underutilized potential of thermal imagery in space and its commercial applications, which promise to become increasingly significant, making the data more accessible and affordable.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2023 |
| Headquarters | Ahmedabad, India |
| Founders | Shravan Bhati, Ranendu Ghosh, Urmil Bakhai |
| Revenue | ₹27.9 Lakhs (as of March 2024) |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Merak Ventures, Huddle Ventures, and others |
| Industry | Space Technology |
| Number of Employees | Data not publicly available |
Early History
Founded in 2023, SatLeo Labs was initiated by three co-founders with backgrounds in technology and space research. Their vision was to leverage satellite technology to offer comprehensive thermal and optical data streams to address challenges in sectors such as agriculture and urban planning. This approach was timely, given the accelerated impacts of climate change and the increasing demand for reliable data to prevent and mitigate associated risks. Early milestones included initial feasibility studies and securing partnerships with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and IN-SPACe to bolster their research capabilities.
Company Profile and Achievements
SatLeo Labs' business model revolves around capturing thermal and optical imagery from satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to provide actionable data for a variety of applications in agriculture, climate monitoring, and national security. Their technological advancements include:
- Developing a Dual-Band Thermal Imaging Payload: This system combines both thermal and visible spectrum data which enhances earth observation and data accuracy.
- Strong Industry Collaborations: Collaborations with leading organizations like ISRO and securing over $25 million in Letters of Intent (LOI) from major industry players.
- Advanced Technology Initiatives: Implementing edge computing to facilitate faster data analytics.
- Strategic Vision: Aspiring to launch a thermal imaging satellite to enhance its data delivery and expand its market reach, bolstering India's position in global space technology.
Current Operations and Market Position
SatLeo Labs is currently operational in the spacetech sector, with a strong emphasis on leveraging thermal and optical imaging for earth observation. They have positioned themselves as pioneers in multispectral imaging, aimed at offering sustainable and practical solutions across climate-sensitive sectors. Their competitive edge lies in their advanced imaging payloads and the ability to deliver high-resolution data at low latency. The company plans to launch its first satellite soon, anticipating a significant enhancement in its operational capabilities as well as market reach.
Conclusion
SatLeo Labs embodies a forward-looking approach to spacetech innovation, with significant implications for earth observation and analytics. The company's robust strategic partnerships and focused investment in sustainable technology position it for significant growth in the global space intelligence industry. As it moves forward, SatLeo Labs is poised to make thermal imagery an indispensable tool in responding to global challenges such as climate change and resource allocation, underpinned by their commitment to technological excellence and real-world applications.