# NeuralSat raises €2.9M pre-seed to build a 72-satellite orbital data relay network

- Published: 2026-11-13 06:49 UTC
- Section: Industry & People › Start-ups
- Tags: NeuralSat, orbital data relay, in-space data processing, 72-satellite constellation, pre-seed round, Capnamic Ventures, Bayern Kapital, ESA BIC, optical inter-satellite links, hosted payload
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-fdb25e3f5798f35b29fb9d9d_neuralsat_raises_2/

**German startup plans an in-orbit data relay and processing constellation; a demonstration mission is set for 2027, first operational satellites for 2028.**

![NeuralSat raises €2.9M pre-seed to build a 72-satellite orbital data relay network](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/28b913d04a0df184.jpg)
*Payload*

German startup NeuralSat announced a €2.9M ($3.2M) pre-seed round to develop a 72-satellite in-space data relay and processing network, Payload reports. [1] The round was led by Capnamic Ventures and Bayern Kapital. ZOHO.VC, Robin Capital, KIEMIS Holding and Mission E Capital also took part. [1] NeuralSat is a member of ESA's Business Incubation Center (ESA BIC) and the NVIDIA Inception Program.

## Shared compute and relay in orbit

Unlike startups that pitch orbital data centers as a replacement for terrestrial ones, NeuralSat is focused on the data that is gathered and distributed in space today. [1] ESA projects about 100,000 satellites in orbit by 2030, up from 10,200 in 2024. As the number grows, the volume of collected data is starting to hit bottlenecks on its way to Earth. [1]

Under the proposal, satellite operators would share compute and communications resources. They would send data to NeuralSat nodes, which process it and downlink it to available ground stations. [1] Satellites give up some self-sufficiency but free up space and power for their core payloads. [1]

The constellation is to have two core capabilities. The first is a data relay network using optical and high-frequency radio links, targeting data rates of up to 50 gigabits per second. The second is a distributed computing network that lets operators use shared processing power in orbit. [1] NeuralSat also plans to offer hosted payloads, so customers can integrate their own payloads into its satellites.

## Timeline and a similar project

The company will use the funds for an in-orbit demonstration mission in 2027 to validate the core elements of its relay and processing architecture, according to the announcement. [1] After the demonstration, NeuralSat expects to begin deploying its first operational satellites in 2028. [1]

CEO Mohd Bilal said in a statement: "Just as the internet transformed how computers interact on Earth, we intend to transform how intelligence is connected and delivered in space."

A similar project was announced the same day by Luxembourg-based OwlO Cloud, which emerged from stealth with plans for a European orbital-cloud network. The company plans to have at least 10 orbital cloud nodes operational by 2030. Each node will carry data processing and storage hardware and optical communications technology, provided largely by European suppliers. [1]

## Sources

1. [Payload](https://payloadspace.com/neuralsat-raises-e2-9m-to-build-orbital-data-relay-network)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-fdb25e3f5798f35b29fb9d9d_neuralsat_raises_2/