HawkEye 360 Inc., a global leader in defense technology specializing in space-based radio frequency (RF) data and analytics, has successfully raised $58 million in new funding. The investment will drive the development of cutting-edge space systems and expand analytics capabilities to support critical defense missions. Leading the Series D-1 funding round were funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, alongside participation from Manhattan Venture Partners and existing investors such as Insight Partners, NightDragon, Strategic Development Fund (SDF), Razor’s Edge, Alumni Ventures, and Adage Capital.
As the company continues to revolutionize RF analytics and address maritime, environmental, and national security needs, HawkEye 360 CEO John Serafini emphasized the significance of this funding. He highlighted the company’s track record in delivering data to the most demanding customers and expressed the commitment to drive innovation in the field of RF geospatial intelligence. The confidence shown by renowned investment firms underscores the critical role of RF technology in defense.
Matt Singer, Managing Director at BlackRock, highlighted their investment strategy of supporting innovative startups with proven technology. He emphasized the increasing demand from governments and commercial customers for improved intelligence, with HawkEye 360 leading the way in the RF space-based data category, offering a full chain of control from orbit to analytics.
With 21 satellites already in orbit, HawkEye 360 plans to advance its satellite architecture with the new Block 3 architecture starting from Cluster 14 and beyond. The company will also focus on further investments in artificial intelligence, data fusion, and multi-intelligence orchestration to enhance the extraction of value from the vast amount of RF data being collected. The goal is to streamline analysis processes for customers and simplify the utilization of the acquired insights.
Jared Carmel, Managing Partner and General Partner of Manhattan Venture Partners, praised HawkEye 360 for disrupting the traditional defense intelligence landscape by successfully serving the intelligence needs of the U.S. and its allies. He emphasized that the company has created a growing market with government customers, highlighting the role of private-sector innovation in ensuring global stability, peace, and deterrence.
WilmerHale and Goodwin Proctor LLP served as legal counsels for HawkEye 360 and BlackRock, respectively, in connection with the transaction, further strengthening the strategic partnership in advancing defense technology and RF analytics.
