Apolink , a space technology startup, announced a $4.3 million seed funding round in July 2025 . The company was valued at $45 million post-money. This funding supports Apolink's mission to create a satellite relay network.
Startup Solves Satellite Connectivity Gap
Founded in 2024 , Apolink addresses a critical issue in low Earth orbit (LEO). Satellites in LEO can lose contact with ground stations. This happens when they move out of sight.
Apolink is building a network to provide continuous, real-time connectivity for these satellites. The system uses radio-frequency (RF) and optical inter-satellite links. This hybrid design aims for broad compatibility with existing satellites.
Y Combinator described Apolink as a data-relay network for low-latency LEO communication.
Founder's Early Journey
Onkar Singh Batra, now 20, founded Apolink. His tech journey began at age seven when he built his first website. He was recognized as the world's youngest male webmaster at that age.
By 12, Batra authored a book. He started his first company at 13. His interest later shifted to space technology.
In-Orbit Demonstration
While still a student in Jammu, Batra developed InQube . This was an open-source satellite project. It highlighted the problem of lost satellite communication.
Batra moved to the United States to build Apolink in Palo Alto. The company joined Y Combinator's Fall 2024 cohort.
In July 2026 , Apolink launched its first demonstration satellite, IPoS . The launch occurred via SpaceX's Transporter-17 mission. IPoS tests Apolink's backward-compatible RF relay technology in LEO.
Via Satellite magazine recognized Apolink as one of its "10 Smallsat Startups to Watch in 2026." The IPoS launch was noted as a key company milestone.
Looking Ahead
Apolink remains in an early stage. The company's progress showcases a childhood interest in coding developing into a solution for a space engineering challenge.
Batra's work aims to build communication infrastructure. This infrastructure is intended to improve the function of other technologies in space.
