The Biggest Fundraises of H1 2026
This is a case where a rising rocket lifts all payloads, around the world. The post The Biggest Fundraises of H1 2026 appeared first on Payload.
We’ve officially closed out the first half of 2026—and investments in the space industry are blasting off.
More than $6.6B has been invested in the space industry in the first half of the year, according to data compiled by our friends at Payload Pro.
Look back: If rounds that used to raise eyebrows now seem commonplace, it’s not your imagination.
The largest round raised in 2025 was Stoke Space’s $510M Series D. In just the first half of 2026, at least six companies have brought in $500M or more in funding—and Stoke added another $350M to its mega round.
Spread the wealth: The funding isn’t concentrated in one sector of the space industry, or one geographical location. This is a case where a rising rocket lifts all payloads, around the world.
- Some of the biggest rounds in the half were raised by companies working on launch, infrastructure, space stations, communications, propulsion, orbital compute, bus building, and EO.
- Significant rounds were raised by companies in the US—but also in Finland, Germany, Spain, and China.
- There’s also diversity in the pool of investors putting money into the space industry, with no one VC firm dominating the market.
Big ticket: Some of the biggest rounds of the half include:
- iSpace’s $729M fundraise
- True Anomaly’s $600M Series D
- Sierra’s $550M Series C
- ICEYE’s $520M Series F
- Impulse Space’s $500M Series D
- Vast’s $500M funding influx, which included a $300M Series A
What’s next: Will the momentum continue into the second half of 2026? While government investment in space—and a clear demand signal—is expected to remain high, we’ll be watching to see if things change post-SpaceX IPO.
Related Stories
Startups • Technology • VC/PE
Sophia Space Raises $7M, Taps Apex for 2027 Demo Flight
The orbital-compute startup today announced new fundraising—as well as a demo flight with Apex. Both initiatives are aiming to position the company to begin deploying its edge compute hardware in-orbit.
International • Startups • VC/PE
Ubotica Raises $11M for Satellite-Based AI Tech
The Dublin-based space AI company raised $11M today to accelerate the commercialization of its AI-powered intelligence platform for maritime security.
International • Startups • VC/PE
ElevationSpace Closes $40M Series B
The Japanese satellite reentry startup raised a $40M Series B, bringing the company’s total amount raised to $63.5M.
Instinct Space Unveils Plans for Low-Cost Lunar Landers
Instinct Space announced a significant pivot today from helping lunar surface missions find their way to getting in on the surface action itself.
More Stories
Latitude announced an agreement with Oman’s Etlaq Spaceport this week, giving the French launcher clearance to stage the debut launch of its rocket from Omani shores in late 2027.
While the international partnership stands out in an era of increasing focus on European launch sovereignty, it’s just the latest in a growing number of partnerships between space organizations in Europe and the Middle East.
Changes in latitude, changes in attitude: Latitude’s choice to launch from Oman was strictly an economic decision, according to Olivier Zarrouati, chair of Latitude’s strategic committee.
Load More
Payload in your inbox
Payload _Our daily flagship newsletter_
Payload Pro _Weekly, curated insights, analysis, and data_
Payload Europe _Our weekly deep dive into EU space news_
Polaris _Our weekly look at policy news_
Marketing & Events _Periodic emails about company news and events_
Sign Up
You are now subscribed to our list.
Be sure to add us to your contacts, so we don’t end up in your spam folder!
!Payload Pro
In-depth research, exclusive data, and expert analysis on the business and policy of space. Get ahead of the competition.
Popular Stories
Aetherflux Rebrands, Pivots Business—and Raises $275M
May 11, 2026May 11, 2026
Exclusive: LEAP Launches its First Rocket
May 13, 2026May 13, 2026
Lt. Gen. Schiess Nominated to Lead Space Force
May 4, 2026May 4, 2026
Anduril Names Its SBI Team For Golden Dome
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
Business • Equities • Technology
York Space Systems to Acquire Solestial
May 19, 2026May 19, 2026
Upcoming Events
live event
Salt Lake City Happy Hour
Poplar Street Pub, Salt Lake City, UT
25Aug
Thanks for signing up
Check your inbox for an email from general@payloadspace.com. Make sure to check your spam folder and add us to your Safe Senders list. Please allow up to 48 hours for the messages to
come through. Still don't see it? Send us a note
×