Hubble Network, a Seattle‑originated satellite Bluetooth venture, closed a $200 million Series C round on Wednesday, lifting its overall valuation to $1.6 billion. The financing round was led by Smith Point Capital and included participation from Seraphim, Carthona Capital, Earthshot Ventures, Y Combinator and RPM Ventures.
Funding goals and expansion plans
The new capital brings Hubble’s total funding to $300 million. Company executives said the money will be used to grow the satellite constellation from the six low‑Earth‑orbit units currently in service to 60 satellites by 2030. This expansion is intended to broaden global coverage for devices that rely on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radios.
Technology that leverages existing hardware
Hubble’s core technology enables standard BLE radios—already embedded in billions of smartphones, wearables and IoT devices—to transmit location and sensor data worldwide via a simple firmware update. The approach eliminates the need for cellular modems, GPS chips or dedicated satellite hardware, potentially lowering costs for manufacturers and expanding connectivity options for consumers.
Strategic partnerships
The company highlighted its partnership with semiconductor leader Texas Instruments, which will help integrate Hubble’s software into a broader range of chips. In addition, smart‑label maker Reelables is collaborating with Hubble to embed the connectivity solution into its product line, showcasing early commercial interest.
Founder background
Hubble was founded by Alex Haro, who previously co‑founded Life360, a location‑based connectivity platform that enables families to share their whereabouts. Haro’s experience in building family‑focused location services underscores Hubble’s potential to support safety‑critical applications, such as parental‑monitoring tools and emergency‑response devices.
Market implications
Analysts note that Hubble’s model could disrupt traditional satellite communication markets by offering a low‑cost, low‑power alternative for global data transmission. The ability to retrofit existing devices with satellite connectivity may accelerate adoption across sectors ranging from logistics and asset tracking to personal safety and health monitoring.
Looking ahead
With the Series C round now secured, Hubble plans to begin general availability of its service this week, inviting developers and manufacturers to integrate the technology into upcoming products. The company’s roadmap includes scaling the constellation, expanding partnership ecosystems, and pursuing regulatory approvals needed for worldwide operation.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.