EON Raises $10.75M to Build Laser-Based Space Data Network
Endeavor Optical Networks (EON), founded in May 2023, has successfully secured $10.75 million in seed funding from venture firms General Catalyst and Andreessen Horowitz. The company aims to create a satellite-based network utilizing laser technology for data communication between data centers, presenting an alternative to traditional undersea fiber optic cables. Under the leadership of CEO Charlie Horowitz and CTO Tyler Presser, EON plans to deploy about 20 satellites, targeting a total bandwidth capacity of 2.4 terabits per second. Key routes include connections from France to Australia and Africa to South America, with a demonstration satellite anticipated by late 2027.
Key facts
- EON founded in May, emerged from stealth with $10.75M seed funding.
- Funding from General Catalyst and Andreessen Horowitz.
- Goal: laser-equipped satellite network to link data centers from orbit.
- Initial throughput target: 2.4 terabits per second.
- Plan: ~20 satellites, each providing dedicated link between two continents.
- Demo satellite launch targeted for end of 2027.
- Target customers: hyperscalers and AI labs.
- Competitor: Blue Origin's TeraWave network (5,048 satellites, up to 6 Tbps).
Entities
Artists
- Charlie Horowitz
- Tyler Presser
- Michael David Francois
- Wesley Baxter
- Ian Cinnamon
- Jeannette zu Fürstenburg
- Caleb Henry
Institutions
- Endeavor Optical Networks
- General Catalyst
- Andreessen Horowitz
- NASA
- York
- Kepler
- Cailabs
- Apex Space
- Amazon
- Blue Origin
- Quilty Space
- TechCrunch
Locations
- France
- Australia
- Africa
- South America