Apolink, a Y Combinator-backed space technology startup founded by 19-year-old entrepreneur Onkar Singh Batra, has successfully raised $4.3 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round, achieving a post-money valuation of $45 million. The company aims to establish a real-time connectivity network for satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), addressing a longstanding challenge in space communications.
Addressing Persistent Connectivity Challenges
Satellites in LEO often experience communication blackouts during certain phases of their orbit due to dead zones—periods when they are not within the line of sight of ground stations. Traditional solutions, such as relay satellites and extensive ground station networks, have only partially mitigated this issue. Apolink seeks to provide a comprehensive solution by offering continuous, 24/7 connectivity to LEO satellites. Each orbital ring in their proposed network is designed to support 256 users at a data rate of 9.6 kbps.
The Strategic Advantage of LEO
Operating in LEO offers distinct advantages over higher orbits. The proximity to Earth simplifies the communication link between customer satellites and Apolink’s constellation, reducing power requirements and enhancing compatibility. This strategic positioning allows for more efficient and reliable satellite communications.
The Visionary Behind Apolink
Onkar Singh Batra’s journey into space technology began at the age of 14 in 2020. By 2022, while still in 12th grade at a defense school in Jammu, India, he developed InQube, recognized as India’s first open-source satellite. His passion for space led him to teach space ecosystems to engineering students as a guest professor at IIT Jammu between 2022 and 2023.
During his work on InQube, Batra identified the critical issue of intermittent satellite connectivity. He observed that existing solutions lacked backward compatibility and required specialized hardware for network access in orbit. Apolink addresses these challenges through a hybrid RF-optical architecture that eliminates the need for user terminals, ensuring seamless integration with existing satellite systems.
Industry Context and Future Prospects
The space industry is witnessing a surge in investments aimed at enhancing satellite connectivity. For instance, Toronto-based Kepler Communications closed a $92 million Series C funding round in April 2023 to expand its real-time satellite data relay network. Similarly, Paris-based Skynopy raised €15 million in June 2025 to build a real-time ground network for LEO satellites. These developments underscore the growing demand for continuous and reliable satellite communications.
Apolink’s innovative approach positions it as a key player in this evolving landscape. By providing uninterrupted connectivity for LEO satellites, the company aims to support a wide range of applications, from Earth observation to global broadband services. The successful seed funding round will enable Apolink to accelerate the development and deployment of its satellite constellation, bringing the vision of 24/7 LEO connectivity closer to reality.
