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Apolink, a Y Combinator-backed space-tech startup, has raised $4.3 million in seed funding to establish a real-time connectivity network for LEO satellites. Founded by Onkar Singh Batra, the company addresses the issue of satellite downtime due to dead zones, offering 24/7 connectivity.
Apolink's solution involves a constellation of 32 satellites using lasers and radios to provide connectivity without requiring specific hardware on user satellites. The startup aims to launch its initial demo mission in Q2 2026 via SpaceX and plans to roll out its commercial constellation in 2028, with full deployment by 2029.
The company has already secured over $140 million in letters of intent from various sectors and is backed by investors including Y Combinator and 468 Capital. Apolink aims to offer nearly 99% uptime with low latency, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving space communications landscape.
Apolink, a Y Combinator-backed space-tech startup, has raised $4.3 million in seed funding to establish a real-time connectivity network for satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Founded by Onkar Singh Batra, the company aims to address the issue of satellite downtime caused by dead zones.
Apolink's solution involves a constellation of 32 satellites equipped with lasers and radios, ensuring 24/7 connectivity for LEO satellites. The company's technology is backward-compatible and doesn't require specific hardware on the user end.
Apolink plans to launch its initial demo mission in Q2 2026 via a SpaceX rideshare, with a commercial constellation rollout expected in 2028. The startup has already secured over $140 million in letters of intent from various companies.
The seed round was supported by investors including Y Combinator, 468 Capital, Unshackled Ventures, and several angel investors.
Recruit Holdings, parent company of Indeed and Glassdoor, is laying off approximately 1,300 employees as part of a restructuring plan.
The restructuring involves integrating Glassdoor's operations into Indeed and increasing the focus on using AI to streamline hiring processes.
The job cuts will primarily affect R&D, tech, HR, and sustainability divisions in the U.S., but will impact all functions across all countries.
Glassdoor's CEO, Christian Sutherland-Wong, is departing, as is LaFawn Davis, Indeed's chief people and sustainability officer.
The move aligns with a broader trend of tech companies cutting jobs and re-evaluating sustainability initiatives to invest in AI integration.
Tesla has applied to test and operate autonomous vehicles in Arizona, aiming to expand its robotaxi service to the Phoenix Metro area. The company contacted the Arizona Department of Transportation to begin the certification process, expressing interest in both testing with and without a driver. A decision is expected by the end of the month. Tesla's move follows the launch of a limited robotaxi service in South Austin. The company is also seeking regulatory approvals to launch robotaxis in the Bay Area. Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, already operates a driverless robotaxi service in the Phoenix Metro area and holds the necessary permits in Arizona and California.