The San Francisco-based firm Armada said on July 11 that it has raised an additional $40 million through a funding round headed by Microsoft to construct mobile data centers specifically designed for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband 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 to low-Earth orbit satellites, but it did not elaborate. Requests for comments on the startup have not received a response from SpaceX.
According to Armada, satellite-connected Galleons would allow off-grid users to process data in real-time and utilize generative artificial intelligence applications that are normally limited to locations with terrestrial access.
The startup said that its customers, which included international oil and gas corporations, entertainment businesses, and state government agencies, had implemented its technology in 43 different nations.
“We are confident that Armada will pioneer a definitive guide for implementing edge AI across various challenging sectors,” M12 managing partner Michael Stewart said in a statement. “M12 has witnessed the swift progression of edge AI infrastructure towards practical use through years of investments.”
The early SpaceX backer Founders Fund spearheaded Armada’s prior $55 million fundraising round.