# Aetherflux

**Type:** Space infrastructure company (SBSP + ODC dual-use)
**Founded:** 2024
**Founder:** Baiju Bhatt (Robinhood co-founder)
**Status:** Series B fundraising (2026)
**Domain:** Space development, energy

## Overview

Aetherflux develops dual-use satellite infrastructure serving both orbital data centers (ODC) and space-based solar power (SBSP) applications. The company's LEO satellite constellation collects solar energy and transmits it via infrared lasers to ground stations or orbital facilities, while also hosting compute infrastructure for AI workloads.

## Technology Architecture

- **Constellation:** LEO satellites with solar collection, laser transmission, and compute capability
- **Power transmission:** Infrared lasers (not microwaves) for smaller ground footprint and higher power density
- **Ground stations:** 5-10m diameter, portable
- **Dual-use platform:** Same physical infrastructure serves ODC compute (near-term) and SBSP power-beaming (long-term)

## Business Model

- **Near-term (2026-2028):** ODC—AI compute in orbit with continuous solar power and radiative cooling
- **Long-term (2029+):** SBSP—beam excess power to Earth or orbital/surface facilities
- **Defense:** U.S. Department of Defense as first customer for remote power and/or orbital compute

## Funding

- **Total raised:** $60-80M (Series A and earlier)
- **Series B (2026):** $250-350M at $2B valuation, led by Index Ventures
- **Investors:** Index Ventures, a16z, Breakthrough Energy

## Timeline

- **2024** — Company founded by Baiju Bhatt
- **2026-03-27** — Series B fundraising reported at $2B valuation, $250-350M round led by Index Ventures
- **2026 (planned)** — First SBSP demonstration satellite launch (rideshare on SpaceX Falcon 9, Apex Space bus)
- **Q1 2027 (targeted)** — First ODC node (Galactic Brain) deployment

## Strategic Positioning

Aetherflux's market positioning evolved from pure SBSP (2024) to dual-use SBSP/ODC emphasis (2026). The company frames this as expansion rather than pivot: using ODC revenue to fund SBSP infrastructure development while regulatory frameworks and power-beaming economics mature. The $2B valuation on <$100M raised reflects investor premium on near-term AI compute demand over long-term energy transmission applications.

## Sources

- TechCrunch (2026-03-27): Series B fundraising report
- Data Center Dynamics: Strategic positioning analysis
- Payload Space: COO interview on dual-use architecture