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Hubble Network raises $70M for Bluetooth satellites

Seattle-based Hubble Network says it has raised $70 million in additional investment to accelerate the growth of its satellite-powered Bluetooth network.

“Our vision has always been to connect billions of devices seamlessly and cost-effectively, without requiring hardware or infrastructure,” Alex Haro, the company’s co-founder and CEO, said today in a news release. “This round confirms the strong demand for scalable, low-power, global IoT connectivity.”

The Series B funding round builds on $30 million in previously announced investments. This round was led by Ryan Swagar, co-founder of Swagar Capital. Other investors include Tom Gonser, co-founder of DocuSign; Mike Farley, co-founder of Tile; Marc Weiser, managing director and founder of RPM Ventures; Tuff Yen, founder and managing partner of Seraph Group; and Y Combinator.

“Hubble is doing what many thought was impossible, making space accessible for everyday devices,” Swagar said. “Their unique architecture, strong technical execution and proven customer demand position them to define the future of global connectivity.”

In July, Hubble Network unveiled a system that uses satellites and low-power Bluetooth signals to monitor devices and sensors around the globe. The network relies on a technology called Bluetooth Low Energy, also known as BLE, plus proprietary enhancements that make it possible for Bluetooth signals to be picked up by phased-array antennas on Hubble Network’s satellites.

The company has no connection to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Instead, Hubble Network’s name plays off the idea that its network can serve as a hub for BLE transmissions. It currently operates seven satellites but plans to grow that constellation to 60 satellites by 2028.

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Hubble Network can track your devices from orbit

A Seattle space startup called Hubble Network is unveiling a system that uses satellites and low-power Bluetooth signals to monitor devices and sensors around the globe.

The system, known as the Hubble BLE Finding Network, can open the way for applications ranging from locating lost pets to monitoring supply chains and watching out for wildfires, Hubble Network CEO and co-founder Alex Haro said.

“Agriculture, oil and gas, mining, defense … There are all these important verticals and industries where there is need for this very battery- and cost-efficient network that can have global accessibility,” Haro told me.