Starcloud Raises $250 Million at $2.3 Billion Valuation to Scale AI with Orbital Data Centers

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 21, 2026--

Starcloud, the company pioneering data centers in space, today announced a $250 million Series A extension funding round at a $2.3 billion post-money valuation. The round was led by Manhattan West, with participation from existing investors Benchmark, EQT, Soma, NFX, 776, and others, alongside new investors NVIDIA, Cisco Investments, Cedar Capital, Goanna Capital, Standard Capital, and others. The funding brings Starcloud's total capital raised to $450 million since its founding in 2024.

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Starcloud’s collaboration with NVIDIA began when the company flew the first NVIDIA H100 GPU to orbit aboard its Starcloud-1 satellite in November 2025. As announced in March 2026, the two companies are now working together on NVIDIA's Space-1 Vera Rubin Module.

"Last November we put the first NVIDIA H100 in orbit. Today this fresh capital empowers us to build the infrastructure to launch many more of NVIDIA's most advanced GPUs into space.”
— Philip Johnston, Co-Founder and CEO, Starcloud

The NVIDIA Space-1 Vera Rubin Module is built for extreme conditions in space, where cooling is primarily via large radiators and components must withstand radiation exposure. Starcloud's satellites are expected to serve as an early flight platform for space-rated hardware, building on the flight data gathered since Starcloud-1's successful H100 deployment in November 2025.

Since launching Starcloud-1, the company has delivered a string of orbital computing firsts. It trained the first AI model in space. It ran the first version of Google's Gemini in orbit. It demonstrated high-powered inference and fine-tuning on flight hardware. It also evolved operations and general procedures for running high-performance GPUs on orbit.

Starcloud is progressing toward its vision of a constellation of 88,000 satellites and 20 gigawatts of orbital compute capacity. Development of production lines for its next-generation Starcloud-3 spacecraft is underway at a new 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Woodinville, Washington.

Cisco joined the round as a new investor, adding networking, optical, and AI infrastructure expertise to Starcloud's roster of backers.

“Cisco has long been a leader in secure data center infrastructure and looks forward to bringing that expertise to the emerging world of orbital data centers,” said Aleem Rizvon, vice president, Cisco Investments. “Cisco Investments is excited to invest in Starcloud as they expand data centers into space.”

Ken Abdalla and Lauren Selig led the round from Manhattan West, and Lauren Selig joins as a board observer. The additional capital will fund continued buildout of manufacturing capacity, engineering work in collaboration with NVIDIA, as well as procurement of future launch allocation.

About Starcloud

Starcloud is building data centers in space to solve the AI energy bottleneck. Starcloud launched its first satellite, Starcloud-1, in November 2025. It featured the first data center-grade GPU on board, approximately 100x more powerful GPU compute than had previously been in orbit, and was the first to train an AI model in space. Founded in 2024, Starcloud is headquartered at 2517 152nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052.

Starcloud founders from left: Ezra Feilden (CTO), Philip Johnston (CEO), Adi Oltean (Chief Engineer)

BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 21, 2026--

Walmart celebrated the opening of its 100th company-owned and operated electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging site at the Walmart Supercenter located at 16218 Jackson Creek Parkway in Monument, CO.

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Walmart is building its network around a simple goal: bring fast, dependable charging to the places customers already shop, at prices they can count on. Walmart EV Chargers are now available at 100 stores across 20 states.

“By expanding EV fast charging at Walmart locations across the country, we’re giving drivers a dependable way to charge while they’re in the store,” said Shayne Wahlmeier, Senior Vice President, Walmart Energy. “Reaching 100 sites is an important milestone, and our broad footprint positions us to make EV charging more accessible for communities while expanding the ways we serve our customers.”

A charging experience built around the customer

Walmart's network is designed around the customer. Charging stalls are located steps from the store, and the charging experience is integrated into the Walmart app, making it easy for customers to charge while they shop.

Most Walmart EV charging locations feature 8 to 16 fast-charging stalls, with chargers capable of delivering up to 400 kW of power. With both CCS and NACS connectors, the network is compatible with most EVs on the road today, allowing many customers to add meaningful range during a typical shopping trip.

“When a customer pulls into a Walmart to charge, we want the experience to feel as reliable and effortless as the rest of their shopping trip,” said Adam Happel, General Manager, Walmart Retail EV Charging. “We're proud to reach 100 sites, but our focus remains on building a network customers can count on every time they charge with us.”

Walmart+ members receive discounted charging rates for additional savings. Customers can start and pay for charging sessions through the Walmart app, with additional payment options planned as the network expands.

What's next

Walmart will continue expanding its network in markets where customers need greater access to convenient, dependable fast charging, working closely with local utilities and partners to bring new sites online. Customers can find current and upcoming EV charging locations on the Walmart EV Charging website and in the Walmart app. Open locations are also available on major mapping platforms including Apple Maps, Google Maps, PlugShare, Chargehub, and Chargeway.

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (Nasdaq: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 280 million customers and members visit more than 10,900 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2026 revenue of $713 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X at x.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.

An EV charging station in Bentonville, Arkansas