According to the San Francisco-based business Armada, which was founded on July 11, it has acquired an additional $40 million in a funding round backed by Microsoft to create mobile data centers specifically designed for SpaceX’s Starlink internet network.
The company, which came out of stealth six months ago and stated it had raised about $100 million from investors, is first concentrating on implementing artificial intelligence computing solutions intended to enable remotely connected gadgets.
After receiving funding from its startup capital arm M12, Microsoft is now making these software solutions available on its Azure cloud computing marketplace. The program consists of Armada’s online platform for controlling Starlink terminals together with other networked devices like drones and sensors.
In the end, Armada hopes to provide ruggedized data centers for its cloud computing ecosystem called Galleons that are the size of shipping containers. This would allow clients to handle data more quickly and effectively on-site, a process known as edge computing.
Armada indicated that a close partnership with Starlink will enable Galleons to be connected with low-Earth orbit satellites, but it did not elaborate. Requests for comments on the startup have not received a response from SpaceX.
Off-grid users will be able to employ generative artificial intelligence technologies that are usually limited to places with terrestrial connectivity and process data in real-time thanks to satellite-connected Galleons, according to Armada).
Customers including international oil and gas giants, entertainment firms, and state government agencies have reportedly used the startup’s technology in 43 countries.
Through years of investments, M12 managing partner Michael Stewart said in a statement, “We have witnessed the swift progression of edge AI infrastructure towards practical use. We are confident that Armada will pioneer a definitive guide for implementing edge AI across various challenging sectors.”
Leading Armada’s previous $55 million fundraising round was Founders Fund, an early SpaceX investor.