TAMPA, Fla. — San Francisco-based startup Armada said on July 11 that it has raised an additional $40 million in a Microsoft-led funding round to develop customized mobile data centers for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network.
The venture, which emerged from stealth six months ago and said it had raised about $100 million from investors, is initially focused on deploying artificial intelligence computing tools designed to power remotely connected devices.
Microsoft, with investment from its venture capital arm M12, is offering the software tools on its Azure cloud computing marketplace, which include Armada’s digital platform for managing connected assets such as Starlink terminals, sensors and drones.
Ultimately, Armada aims to provide ruggedized data centers the size of shipping containers for the cloud computing ecosystem, called Galleons, that will enable customers to process data more quickly and efficiently on-site, a process known as edge computing.
Armada said it would work closely with Starlink to integrate Galleon with its low-Earth-orbit satellites, but did not provide details. SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment on the startup.
Armada says the satellite-connected Galleon ships will allow off-grid customers to process data in real time and take advantage of generative artificial intelligence services that are typically limited to areas with terrestrial connections.
The company says its technology is deployed in 43 countries by customers including global oil and gas conglomerates, entertainment companies and state government agencies.
“Through our years of investment, M12 has witnessed edge AI infrastructure rapidly advance towards practical use,” M12 managing partner Michael Stewart said in a statement, adding, “We are confident Armada will pioneer the definitive guide for implementing edge AI in a variety of challenging verticals.”
Founders Fund, an early investor in SpaceX, led Armada’s previous funding round of $55 million.
