Tomorrow.io Secures $175 Million to Launch First AI-Driven Weather Satellite Constellation
Tomorrow.io Inc., a pioneering satellite constellation company, has raised an impressive $175 million in funding, positioning itself as a formidable player in the weather intelligence sector. The investment, led by Stonecourt Capital and HarbourVest, will expedite the launch of DeepSky, the world’s inaugural artificial intelligence-native weather satellite network.
Formerly known as ClimaCell, Tomorrow.io aims to redefine weather forecasting by blending proprietary radar satellites with advanced AI and IoT data. The company’s objective is to provide proactive insights rather than relying solely on conventional forecasting methods. Often referred to as the “SpaceX of weather,” Tomorrow.io plans to deploy a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-resolution, real-time weather data.
The DeepSky constellation intends to eliminate the limitations faced by existing AI-powered forecasting systems, which are often hampered by insufficient atmospheric observations. Traditional satellite infrastructure also fails to provide the immediate data necessary for accurate forecasts, a gap that DeepSky seeks to fill. Currently operating a modest fleet of 13 satellites, Tomorrow.io plans to significantly expand this network to enhance data frequency and coverage in underrepresented areas.
With a current 60-minute global revisit rate, Tomorrow.io’s satellites can pass over any point on Earth once an hour. However, the company intends to improve this timeliness and sensing capabilities, bolstering its forecasting models with close-to-real-time data.
According to co-founder and CEO Shimon Elkabetz, weather profoundly influences daily life, business operations, and national security. “By fundamentally changing how we observe the planet, we can transform decision-making at all levels. Our AI-native space infrastructure coupled with real-time intelligence will create a groundbreaking weather technology platform,” he stated.
Currently, Tomorrow.io provides atmospheric intelligence to over 250 organizations worldwide, aiding numerous applications, from supply chain optimization to climate adaptation. A key collaborator is Amazon Web Services Inc., which utilizes Tomorrow.io’s weather insights to enhance operational resilience. Additionally, Amazon’s Alexa devices rely on this data for its primary weather application, Big Sky.
Nikhil Ahuja, senior director at Amazon, emphasized the significance of treating atmospheric data as a mission-critical resource, asserting that the enhancements DeepSky offers will lead to more adaptive and localized decision systems.
HarbourVest Managing Director Peter Lipson highlighted Tomorrow.io’s unique position at the convergence of space, data, and decision-making: “The company is a rare blend of innovative technology, genuine commercial success, positive global impact, and a dedicated management team that consistently pursues an ambitious vision.”
In summary, Tomorrow.io’s robust funding marks a significant leap forward in its mission to revolutionize weather forecasting through AI and satellite technology, making waves in the industry and attracting attention from major corporations worldwide.
