Reliance Industries in Advanced Talks to Lead $50 Mn Funding Round in Spacetech Startup Digantara
Reliance Industries is reportedly in advanced discussions to lead a $50 million (approximately INR 430 crore) funding round in Bengaluru-based spacetech startup Digantara, signaling a major push into India’s rapidly evolving space technology sector. Existing investors, including Peak XV Partners, are also expected to participate in the round.
According to a report by the Economic Times, a person familiar with the matter stated, “Reliance has evaluated multiple startups in the spacetech segment. It is looking at companies building novel solutions in the sector. Its talks with Digantara are at an advanced stage.”
Digantara’s Vision: Building a Safer Space Environment
Founded in 2018 by Anirudh Sharma, Rahul Rawat, and Tanveer Ahmed, Digantara is pioneering efforts in space situational awareness (SSA). As the space ecosystem becomes more crowded with satellites and debris, Digantara aims to tackle a pressing global challenge — space debris management.
The startup’s core product, Space-MAP (Mission Assurance Platform), offers a comprehensive solution to track and monitor space debris in real-time. By integrating data from multiple sources — including ground-based sensors and in-orbit assets — Space-MAP helps space operators and government agencies ensure mission safety and longevity.
Satellite Constellation Plan by 2026
With this fresh round of funding, Digantara plans to allocate a significant portion of the capital towards capital expenditure (capex). The primary goal is to launch and operate a constellation of 12–13 surveillance satellites by the end of 2026. Notably, the company has already launched three satellites, laying the foundation for its larger orbital network.
These satellites will be key to providing continuous and accurate tracking of space debris, aiding in orbital traffic management, collision avoidance, and long-term sustainability of space missions.
Reliance’s Growing Interest in Spacetech
This potential investment reflects Reliance’s broader strategy to diversify into cutting-edge technologies, including satellite communication, 5G, and advanced data infrastructure. By backing a promising spacetech venture like Digantara, Reliance is positioning itself to be a key player in India’s space economy, which is estimated to reach $13 billion by 2025.
India’s spacetech sector has gained momentum following policy reforms that encourage private participation, and companies like Digantara are capitalizing on this opportunity. With Reliance’s backing, Digantara could scale its operations faster and tap into both domestic and international markets.
Conclusion
If the deal is finalized, this will mark one of the largest investments in an Indian spacetech startup and could pave the way for more significant private capital inflow into the sector. With its innovative space debris tracking technology and ambitious satellite deployment plans, Digantara is well on its way to becoming a global leader in space safety solutions.
As Reliance Industries ventures further into the new space economy, its partnership with Digantara may redefine how India contributes to the future of space exploration and orbital sustainability.
