Interstellar Technologies secures additional 8.9 Billion JPY in Series F Funding Round

• Interstellar has raised an additional 8.9 billion JPY  (61.8 million USD) for its Series F funding round.
• The new investors are: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Space Frontiers Second Fund  (operated by SPARX Asset Management), and Japanet Holdings

Tokyo (Japan), July 10, 2025 – Interstellar Technologies  (“Interstellar”), a leading space infrastructure company, is proud to announce the successful additional raising of 8.9 billion JPY (61.8 million USD*1) funding for its Series F round. This includes a 6.5 billion yen ($45.1 million) equity financing by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation,  one of the world’s top financial institutions; Space Frontiers Fund II, one of Japan’s largest space-focused funds operated by SPARX Asset Management; Japanet Holdings, a prominent mail-order and regional revitalization company in Japan, and existing investors. An additional 2.4 billion JPY (16.7 million USD) was secured through debt financing.

In a significant milestone, Interstellar has also entered a business alliance agreement with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation to help build and strengthen supply chains within Japan’s growing space industry. This represents the bank’s first-ever equity investment in a space-related startup.

As Japan’s leading private space transportation company, Interstellar is advancing the vertical integration of its launch vehicle and satellite communications businesses. The company is developing its orbital launch vehicle, ZERO, and was selected for Phase 3 of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, one of only three companies to pass the first-stage screening.

Following a capital and business alliance with Woven by Toyota*2, a Toyota Group company, in the initial close of this Series F round, Interstellar will leverage their expertise in mass production to scale ZERO’s manufacturing for high-frequency, cost-effective launches.

On the satellite side, Interstellar is developing communications satellites that benefit from the company’s own launch capabilities. Backed by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and JAXA’s Space Strategy Fund, the company is building a vertically integrated model, similar to SpaceX’s approach with Starlink.

Funds from this round will accelerate the development of ZERO and advance R&D for satellite systems, fueling growth across both divisions.

Comments from the new Series F investors

“As part of our current medium-term management plan, the SMBC Group has identified ‘creating social value’ as one of its basic policies. Through this investment, we aim to support the growth of Japan’s space industry by helping Interstellar accelerate the development of supply chains and industrial clusters, leveraging its in-house technological capabilities.”– Spokesperson, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

 “We recognize that the rocket and satellite communication services being developed by Interstellar are vital components for Japan’s future space infrastructure. These efforts are aligned with Japan’s Basic Plan on Space Policy and will significantly contribute to the essential positioning and communication infrastructure for next-generation mobility society, such as autonomous driving and smart logistics. We are pleased to support Interstellar’s ambitious challenges and the broader growth of Japan’s space industry through this investment opportunity.” -Tadashi Kito, Head of Space Investment Team, SPARX Asset Management 

 “Interstellar Technologies’ initiatives—both in advancing the domestic space industry through satellite launches and in driving regional revitalization in Taiki, Hokkaido—resonate with JAPANET’s own regional revitalization efforts aimed at creating new industries in local communities. Since we connected with their vision, we decided to invest in Interstellar Technologies. We hope to contribute to the development of Japan’s future through supporting both regional revitalization and the growth of the space industry.” – Akito Takata, President and CEO, Japanet Holdings

Comment from Interstellar Technologies

“Interstellar has been at the forefront of private space transportation in Japan, becoming the first domestic private company to reach space. As we look to expand our rocket and satellite communications businesses globally from our base in Taiki, Hokkaido, working with the best partners is essential. We are honored to form a capital partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, and deeply value its support in helping us strengthen supply chains across the space industry. We are equally proud to welcome SPARX Asset Management, a prominent investor in the space sector, and Japanet Holdings, a recognized leader in regional revitalization, as new partners. We are also sincerely grateful for the continued strong support from our existing shareholders, whose belief in our mission enables us to take bold steps toward making space more accessible.” – Takahiro Inagawa, Director of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Interstellar Technologies

*1 All USD amounts are approximate, based on an exchange rate of USD 1 =  JPY144.
*2 Interstellar Reached Agreement on Capital and Business Alliance with Woven by Toyota to Become a Leading Space Infrastructure Provider: https://www.istellartech.com/en_news/9675