Spanish startup Xoople raises $130M to map Earth for AI

Spanish space data startup Xoople has closed a $130 million Series B led by Nazca Capital, bringing its total funding to $225 million. The company, founded in 2019, is building a satellite constellation to collect high-precision optical data for AI and deep learning applications, with CEO Fabrizio Pirondini claiming unicorn status. Xoople has partnered with defense contractor L3Harris to build sensors for its spacecraft and is targeting enterprise clients across agriculture, infrastructure, and government sectors. Its strategy of embedding into platforms like Microsoft and Esri before launching its own satellites sets it apart, though it faces stiff competition from established players like Planet, BlackSky, and Airbus.