Startup Hubble Reaches Unicorn Status for Space-Based Bluetooth

Satellite startup Hubble Network raised $200 million in a new funding round, taking the company’s valuation to $1.6 billion as it works to enable global Bluetooth connectivity through a network of spacecraft.

The Seattle-based company, helmed by Life360 Inc. co-founder Alex Haro, is building a system of 60 satellites in low-Earth orbit to connect with Bluetooth-enabled devices globally. The service, which utilizes both satellites and a ground-based network, can be used to monitor objects embedded with a Bluetooth chip, including packages, vehicles and pharmaceuticals.

“You can have a full solution that allows you to keep track of that package, literally from the warehouse all the way to your door and be able to track it in real time,” said Chief Executive Officer Haro, adding that the system offers more visibility than existing cellular trackers.

Smith Point Capital led the round, with participation from Seraphim Space, Carthona Capital and RPM Ventures.

The company, which has now raised $300 million since its founding in 2021, has six satellites in orbit and expects to fully deploy its network by 2030.

Hubble’s efforts mark one of the first approaches to enable Bluetooth connectivity from space, offering the potential to cut the infrastructure costs around tracking items.

Monitoring objects with Hubble’s combined terrestrial and satellite networks requires a roughly 50-cent Bluetooth chip and a $4 monthly subscription, a price point that can allow customers to monitor less valuable assets such as a new pair of shoes, said Haro.

The network is available for use for customers today, but will deliver data faster as the company deploys more spacecraft, according to Hubble. The company is working with Muon Space Inc. to build the satellites and has teamed with pilot customers including software company Samsara Inc.