Los Angeles-based satellite manufacturing startup Apex has just secured a massive $200 million in Series C funding. The company is racing to ramp up satellite production, betting big on surging demand driven by U.S. defense priorities, including the Pentagon’s upcoming Golden Dome missile defense program.
The new funding round was led by Point72 Ventures and co-led by 8VC, with returning investor Andreessen Horowitz and new backers Washington Harbour Partners and StepStone Group joining in. With this fresh capital, Apex’s total fundraising now tops $300 million since its 2022 launch.
Apex plans to use the new investment to supercharge operations at its 50,000-square-foot Los Angeles facility. The startup aims to hit a production rate of up to 12 satellite buses per month, a significant leap for the young company. But Apex isn’t just building to order — it’s building ahead of demand.
Betting on Demand Before It Arrives
In an industry known for long lead times and custom-built hardware, Apex is turning the model on its head. CEO Ian Cinnamon says customer interest has skyrocketed fivefold over the past year. Instead of waiting for orders, the team is mass-producing standardized spacecraft platforms now — a move designed to cut delivery times from years to just days or weeks.
“We’re building satellites ahead of demand,” Cinnamon said. “So if you need one, it’s ready to go.”
That approach is bold, but it could pay off big. Apex’s off-the-shelf satellite buses offer an immediate solution for commercial operators, government agencies, and defense contractors alike — especially those racing to deploy systems in support of national security efforts.
Part of the $200 million will go toward buying critical components in advance and building dozens of spacecraft before they’re even sold. The company sees it as a smart, strategic risk — especially given the U.S. government’s growing interest in space-based defense infrastructure.
Positioning for the Golden Dome Opportunity
While Apex hasn’t officially secured contracts for the Pentagon’s Golden Dome initiative, the company is moving fast to be ready. Golden Dome, which could receive up to $27 billion in congressional funding, is a sweeping missile defense program involving satellites and interceptors. Apex is aligning itself as a foundational supplier.
“We’re positioning Apex to be the backbone platform provider for Golden Dome and its associated capabilities,” Cinnamon explained.
Founded by Ian Cinnamon and Max Benassi, Apex has gained attention for breaking records in satellite development. Its first satellite bus went from design to orbit in record time, showcasing the team’s ability to move fast without sacrificing reliability.
Fast Company recently named Apex one of 2025’s most innovative space companies to watch, recognizing its vision for high-volume, reliable satellite manufacturing. Backed by top-tier investors and driven by the urgency of global demand, Apex is quickly becaoming a go-to partner for scalable space hardware.
As the world shifts toward rapid deployment of space-based assets — especially in defense — Apex’s model could redefine the industry standard. If Golden Dome funding clears, Apex may already have the satellites in stock to support it.
