Transcelestial has raised an additional US$9.7 million, increasing its total funding to US$34.7 million. The new funds will be used to expand the company’s laser communication technology in Japan.
Transcelestial has received new investment from MPower Partners, along with additional support from SEEDS (the investment arm of SG Growth Capital) and Kickstart Ventures.
These investors join a strong group of existing backers from Japan, including NTT Finance (the investment arm of Japan’s oldest telecom company, NTT Group), Golden Egg Ventures, and Paspalis Capital, a leading deeptech investor from Australia.
The new funding will help Transcelestial speed up the rollout of its laser communication technology in Japan, focusing on key areas such as reliable emergency connectivity during earthquakes and typhoons, secure defence networks that can’t be jammed, and advanced space communication systems connecting to ground stations, HAPS, and Orbital Data Centers.
“Japan’s need for resilient communications is immediate, and we’re seeing that reflected in conversations with national telcos and early pilots already in motion. Whether it’s proving our systems at major public gatherings or exploring defence-grade trials, our lasers are demonstrating how quickly they can deliver secure, high-capacity connectivity where fiber falls short,” said Rohit Jha, CEO and Co-Founder of Transcelestial.
Japan’s communication systems often face challenges because of frequent natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. Transcelestial’s laser technology helps restore important connectivity within hours instead of days, allowing emergency services, hospitals, and essential businesses to keep running during disruptions.
This laser-based system offers a strong and reliable solution that works independently of traditional ground cables and towers, making it ideal for Japan’s disaster-prone environment.
“At Kickstart, we invest in technologies that strengthen and complement our LPs’ strategic capabilities and drive solutions that improve access to goods, services, and information. We’ve seen Transcelestial’s laser technology deployed in the Philippines with our LP, Globe Telecom, where it strengthens networks in hours instead of months– critical during typhoons, major events, or hard-to-reach communities. As they expand into Japan with partners like MPower, NTT Finance, and Golden Egg Ventures, we’re proud to continue our support for a company that builds the optical backbone for a more resilient, inclusive, and connected Asia,” said Joan Yao, General Partner at Kickstart Ventures
“SEEDS is delighted to continue supporting Transcelestial in advancing its pioneering work in laser communications. As an early investor in its seed round, our further investment reflects SEEDS’ commitment to backing Singapore-based innovators developing deep technology solutions that address real-world challenges with sizeable market opportunities. With a growing international footprint, Transcelestial exemplifies how local deep-tech ventures can scale from Singapore to the world, delivering resilient connectivity solutions where they are needed most — in Japan, the USA, and beyond,” said Kaixin Tan, General Manager at SEEDS.
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