Japanese startup Interstellar Technologies announced on January 6 that it has secured a 7 billion yen ($44 million) investment from Woven by Toyota, the mobility technology arm of the automobile giant Toyota. The partnership aims to bolster Interstellar's capacity for rocket and satellite manufacturing, in response to the growing global demand for launch vehicles and satellite communications.
Takihiro Inagawa, CEO of Interstellar Technologies, expressed confidence in the strategic partnership, stating, “Woven by Toyota, a leader in driving mobility transformation within the Toyota Group, is the ideal partner to help us evolve our rocket production from one-of-a-kind manufacturing to a scalable supply chain.
The collaboration will focus on the vertical integration of satellite launch services, manufacturing, and communications, positioning Interstellar in a similar vein to companies like SpaceX and its Starlink venture. Interstellar, initially known for its development of the Zero rocket, has been working with Toyota since 2020 to optimize its manufacturing processes by reducing costs and production timelines. With Toyota's guidance, Interstellar will look to establish a more efficient mass production system.
Hajime Kumabe, CEO of Woven by Toyota, noted the potential of the collaboration, saying, “Now, we are excited to collaborate with Interstellar Technologies on the mass production of rockets. This business alliance will leverage the Toyota Group's extensive manufacturing capabilities and combine our expertise to advance rocket production and further drive mobility transformation.
The new investment is part of Interstellar's Series F funding round, following its $21 million Series E round in August 2024. Woven by Toyota has contributed to the first close of the Series F round, with additional funding expected by June, when the second round is scheduled to close. As part of the deal, a representative from Woven by Toyota will also join Interstellar's board of directors.
Woven by Toyota, founded in 2021, is exploring a range of mobility challenges, from autonomous logistics to aerial transportation. The venture has expanded its focus to rocket technology as part of its broader vision for the future of mobility. As Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda explained at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 6, “The future of mobility shouldn't be limited to just earth — or just one car company for that matter.