Near Space Labs
Category: AI in Analytics & BI
Near Space Labs provides high-resolution, frequent, and affordable Earth imagery using autonomous, zero-emission stratospheric balloons. Near Space Labs was founded in 2017. The company is led by Rema Matevosyan. Based in New York, USA. Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: $40M+. Latest round: Series B. Key investors include Bold Capital Partners, USAA, Climate Capital, Gaingels, RiverPark Ventures, Crosslink Capital, Third Sphere, Draper Associates, Leadout Capital, Wireframe Ventures, Toyota Ventures, URBAN-X.
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- New York, USA
- Team size
- 11-50
- Total funding
- $40M+
Value proposition
Delivering frictionless, high-quality imagery refreshed every 90 days to enable risk mitigation, faster claims processing, and improved competitiveness across various industries.
Products and solutions
Swift stratospheric robots for aerial imagery, High-resolution imagery (7-10 cm per pixel), API for instant image access
Unique value
Near Space Labs uses zero-emission high-altitude balloons (stratospheric robots) to capture high-resolution imagery, uniquely combining high resolution, high frequency, and cost-effectiveness compared to satellites and airplanes.
Target customer
Businesses and government organizations needing high-resolution and frequently updated geospatial data.
Industries served
Insurance, Government, Urban Planning, Conservation, Utilities, Transportation, Energy
Technology advantage
Their proprietary Swift stratospheric robots can be deployed daily with customizable capture capabilities, enabling very high-resolution imagery at a lower cost and environmental impact than traditional aerial or satellite systems.
How they differentiate
Utilizing zero-emission, high-altitude balloons to deliver high-resolution imagery more affordably and environmentally friendly than satellites, with more scalability and timeliness than drone imagery.
Main competitors
Planet Labs, Capella Space, Urban Sky
Key partnerships
Betterview, UP42
Notable customers
Insurance Australia Group (IAG), United States government agencies, Various insurance and financial services companies
Major milestones
Raised $13 million Series A funding in 2021, Expanded fleet of zero-emission stratospheric robots called 'Swiftys', Developed 10 cm resolution imagery capability, Provided critical imagery for disaster response after Hurricane Ian, Established partnerships with leading insurance and government organizations
Growth metrics
Completed over 150 flights and expanded coverage across the U.S.; increased demand from insurance and government sectors for disaster response and monitoring.
Market positioning
Provider of timely, high-resolution, affordable geospatial data targeting insurance, government, and conservation sectors with focus on infrastructure monitoring, disaster response, and environmental conservation.
Geographic focus
Headquartered in New York, primarily serving the United States with expanding coverage focused on disaster-prone regions.
About Rema Matevosyan
Rema Matevosyan has extensive experience in aerospace and technology, having founded Near Space Labs in 2017 to develop stratospheric aerial imaging technology that delivers frequent, high-resolution imagery for various industries.
Official website: https://nearspacelabs.com/