SkyFi®
SkyFi (Optisense, Inc.) is an Austin-based Earth intelligence platform aggregating 40+ to 150+ commercial satellite and aerial providers into a self-service gateway for tasking, archive search, AI analytics, and ATAK tactical edge delivery, serving defense, government, and commercial customers across 179 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersAustin, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What SkyFi® does
SkyFi® (legal entity Optisense, Inc.) is a private, Austin, Texas-based Earth intelligence platform founded circa 2021-2023 and co-founded by hedge fund manager Bill Perkins ("Cowboy of Wall Street"), with CEO Luke Fischer. The company aggregates commercial satellite and aerial imagery from 40+ (consumer-facing) to 150+ (defense-facing) providers into a single self-service gateway, accessible via web, iOS/Android mobile apps, and a developer API, and supports tasking, archive search, and analytics across optical, SAR, multispectral, hyperspectral, aerial, and maritime AIS data with resolutions down to 7.5 cm and imagery delivery within 24 hours. The platform reports usage in 179 countries by 10,000+ companies, with named customers spanning professional services (PwC, KPMG, EY), technology (Google), aerospace and industrial (Honeywell, Jacobs, Hermeus, Axiom), agriculture and energy (Nutrien, Bayer, NextEra), and financial services and real estate (Macquarie, CBRE).
The product architecture pairs a Modular AI Analytics framework (object detection, change detection, NDVI, vessel detection, AIS spoofing, hyperspectral signature analysis, commodity stockpile measurement) with a SkyFi Plugin for the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) for tactical edge delivery, and a Sovereign Intelligence Platform (SIP) module for in-country allied deployment. Revenue is generated through a mix of transaction-based imagery purchases (archive images from $15, tasking images from $200), analytics add-ons (from $5), freemium Open Data, Pro subscriptions, marketplace commissions routed through 14+ satellite-operator partnerships, and government/defense contracts including USSOCOM (ATAK prototype) and U.S. Space Force TacSRT taskings.
SkyFi is SOC 2 Type II compliant and holds CAGE 9HVN6 and UEI D1U2DPA3JQK4 for government contracting. As of January 2026 the company had raised approximately $19.7M in disclosed equity (a $7M seed in May 2023 led by Balerion Space Ventures, a $7.15M round in Feb 2022, an oversubscribed $12.7M Series A in Jan 2026 co-led by Buoyant Ventures and IronGate Capital Advisors, plus a previously undisclosed ~$14.2M round in Aug 2025), along with NATO DIANA grant funding (€100K initial + up to €300K via Mission Track). The company was selected for the NATO DIANA 2026 Challenge Programme (1 of 150 from 3,600 applications across 24 NATO countries) and advanced to its Mission Track (1 of 5 from 150), validating its dual-use commercial-and-defense positioning.
SkyFi® firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SkyFi®
- Legal name
- Optisense, Inc.
- Website
- https://www.skyfi.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- SkyFi (Optisense, Inc.) is an Austin-based Earth intelligence platform aggregating 40+ to 150+ commercial satellite and aerial providers into a self-service gateway for tasking, archive search, AI analytics, and ATAK tactical edge delivery, serving defense, government, and commercial customers across 179 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SkyFi® industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Earth Intelligence / Geospatial Analytics
- NAICS
- Satellite Telecommunications (51741), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Satellite Mobility Connectivity (Maritime, Aviation, Rail, Land Mobile) (HDAIAJAD)
Keywords
Where SkyFi® is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Austin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
SkyFi® business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Transaction-based imagery purchases: Pay-per-image model for single archive images (starting at $15) and single tasking images (starting at $200), ordered via web, mobile, or API with transparent pricing.
- Analytics add-on purchases: Built-in geospatial analytics (object detection, change detection, hyperspectral analysis, commodity stockpile measurement, AIS analytics) sold as add-ons starting at $5, expanding order value.
- Subscription plans (Pro / recurring): Monthly or annual subscriptions for advanced functionality with automatic renewal; SkyFi offers Pro tier with API access and customizable features (per the Vantor Connect integration).
- Freemium / Open Data program: Free open satellite data tier provided to broaden analytics use cases and feed top-of-funnel adoption in agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management.
- Marketplace / virtual constellation distribution: SkyFi aggregates and resells data from 40+–150+ satellite and aerial partners, taking a cut on transactions routed through its platform and expanding satellite operators' reach into new commercial/government markets.
- Government / defense contracts: Contract-based revenue from defense and government customers including USSOCOM contract for ATAK imagery plugin (value undisclosed) and U.S. Space Force TacSRT taskings for time-sensitive missions.
- API / developer access: Revenue from programmatic API access for large-scale enterprise and partner workflows, including enterprise Pro users via Vantor Connect.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Single Archive Image — high-resolution optical image starting at $15 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Single Tasking Image — newly tasked high-resolution optical image starting at $200 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Analytics add-ons starting at $5 |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Open Data — free satellite data program |
| Subscription | Monthly | Subscription (Pro) for advanced functionality |
| Subscription | Annual | Annual subscription option |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels8 records
SkyFi® product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SkyFi operates a self-service Earth Intelligence Platform that aggregates optical, SAR, multispectral, hyperspectral, aerial, and Maritime AIS data from a virtual constellation of 40+ (commercial) to 150+ (defense) satellite and aerial providers. Users can task satellites, search archives, run AI-driven analytics, and access imagery via web, iOS/Android mobile, or developer API with transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing and no required contracts.
Product overview
SkyFi is a platform-plus-modules architecture rather than a single unified product. The core is the self-service Earth Intelligence Platform — a unified gateway to 40+ (consumer-facing) / 150+ (defense-facing) commercial satellite sources for tasking, archive search, and AI-enabled analytics — available via web, mobile (iOS/Android), and developer APIs. Built on top of this core are several product offerings and sub-brands: Commercial Imagery (tasking and archive orders, starting at $15), Open Data (free program), Analytics (object detection, change detection, hyperspectral analysis, starting at $5), and Maritime AIS Data (vessel tracking and dark-ship analytics). SkyFi also operates branded sub-products that aggregate partner constellations: Vantor and Vantor Connect (powered by SkyFi) for Maxar/Vantor WorldView imagery, Planet Select for Planet SkySat, and ICEYE US Direct for SAR imagery. The SkyFi Plugin for ATAK extends the platform to tactical Android devices for defense and first-responder use cases, while the Sovereign Intelligence Platform (SIP) is a defense-specific deployment module supporting NATO DIANA and SOCOM missions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Vantor Connect: On-demand access to Vantor's full constellation and 3D models powered by SkyFi for mission-critical workflows.
- ICEYE US Direct
- Planet Select
- SkyFi Plugin for ATAK
Products and services
- Earth Intelligence Platform Self-service Earth Intelligence Platform that provides a unified gateway to 40+ (commercial) / 150+ (defense) commercial satellite and aerial providers for satellite tasking, archive search, and AI-enabled analytics; available via web, iOS/Android mobile, and developer APIs.
- Analytics AI-driven analytics module that transforms raw satellite and aerial imagery into actionable answers using object detection, hyperspectral signature analysis, NDVI vegetation health, change detection, vessel detection, and commodity stockpile measurement; add-on starting at $5.
- Commercial Imagery Allows users to task satellites to capture new imagery of an area of interest, set up recurring orders, or purchase existing images from the SkyFi archive across optical, SAR, multispectral, stereo, and aerial sensors; archive images start at $15 and tasking images at $200.
- Open Data Free open-data program providing free satellite data (including free SAR data via Umbra) for agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management use cases.
- Vantor On-demand access to Vantor's (formerly Maxar Intelligence) WorldView constellation, global basemaps, and 3D terrain models directly through SkyFi, supporting tasking of new Vantor imagery.
- Vantor Connect On-demand access to Vantor's full constellation and 3D models through Vantor Connect, powered by SkyFi; supports new tasking at 30 cm or 50 cm resolution, decades of Vantor archive imagery, and Vantor 3D models; designed for mission-critical workflows.
- Maritime AIS Data Unified global Maritime AIS data product merging satellite, terrestrial, and shipborne AIS feeds; delivers worldwide vessel visibility, anomaly detection, dark-ship tracking, and historical AIS data back to 2018.
- SkyFi Plugin for ATAK Plugin for the U.S. government-owned Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) that delivers high-resolution, CAC-free commercial satellite imagery and live tasking/analytics to tactical operators and first responders, with offline cached overlays for comms-denied environments.
- ICEYE US Direct Self-service platform powered by SkyFi providing direct, on-demand access to ICEYE US Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery for 24/7 all-weather Earth observation; users can search SAR archive or task satellites.
- Planet Select SkyFi-powered access to the Planet SkySat constellation for both tasking and archive satellite imagery; supports high-frequency optical data for agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental intelligence.
- Sovereign Intelligence Platform (SIP) Defense-focused sovereign intelligence platform providing data sovereignty and custody of the intelligence chain, with in-country deployment, secure access controls, and a unified gateway to 150+ commercial satellites plus sovereign space programs; supports battle damage assessment, border security, operational planning, and situational awareness.
Quantifiable outcome
- Selected as 1 of 150 companies from 3,600 applications across 24 NATO countries for NATO DIANA 2026 Challenge Programme
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use SkyFi®
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments10 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
SkyFi® technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration15 records
AI capability9 records
Feature7 records
SkyFi® partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered strategic partner, flagship partner and core partner.
- Synspectivestrategic partnerStrategic partnership to integrate Synspective's SAR satellite tasking capabilities into SkyFi's platform, expanding high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar access; Synspective plans a constellation of 30+ SAR satellites by 2028.
- U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)flagship partnerContracted SkyFi to develop and test a Phase I prototype web-based platform delivering unclassified commercial satellite imagery directly to warfighters via ATAK; links SOCOM users to ~150 satellite providers; contract value undisclosed.
- Planetflagship partnerPartnership integrating the Planet SkySat® constellation for both tasking and archive satellite imagery through SkyFi's Planet Select platform — high-frequency optical data for agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental intelligence.
- Vantor (formerly Maxar Intelligence)flagship partnerDistribution partnership integrating Vantor's satellite tasking, imagery, 20+ years of archival imagery, 3D terrain data, and 2D global basemaps into SkyFi's Earth Intelligence Platform; makes SkyFi the largest virtual constellation of satellite assets globally; powers SkyFi's Vantor and Vantor Connect subdomains.
- NATO (DIANA)flagship partnerSelected for NATO DIANA 2026 Challenge Programme (Data Assisted Decision Making); receives contractual funding and access to 16 accelerator sites and 200+ test centres across 32 NATO nations; advancing platform for validation at NATO test centers and coalition interoperability.
- ICEYE USflagship partnerLaunched "ICEYE US Direct" — a SAR self-service platform powered by SkyFi providing direct, on-demand access to ICEYE's Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery for 24/7 all-weather Earth observation. Powers the ICEYE US subdomain on SkyFi.
- Ursa Space Systemscore partnerExpanded partnership to provide broader commodity insights via SkyFi's platform.
- GalaxEye Spacecore partnerPartnership to integrate GalaxEye's multi-sensor imagery into SkyFi's Earth observation platform.
- Umbracore partnerSAR satellite imagery partner offering tasking, archive, and open SAR data access through SkyFi's platform.
- Satellogiccore partnerPartner providing 99 cm resolution satellite imagery to SkyFi's marketplace; supports applications including earthquake, flood, wildfire, and hurricane monitoring.
- Vexcelcore partnerProvides high-resolution orthoimagery and aerial data to SkyFi; Vexcel's Gray Sky program captures post-disaster aerial imagery (e.g., Hurricane Milton / Tropicana Field).
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SkyFi® competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Planet Labs: Operates the high-revisit SkySat and PlanetScope constellations; competes head-to-head with SkyFi in self-service imagery and analytics for agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental intelligence, while also serving as a SkyFi data partner via Planet Select.
- ICEYE: Owns a large commercial SAR constellation and a direct self-service channel; SkyFi distributes ICEYE US imagery via ICEYE US Direct, making it both a partner and direct competitor in the SAR tasking market.
- Synspective: Building a 30+ SAR satellite constellation and offering analytics; competes in the same SAR tasking market where SkyFi is both a partner and a competing self-service gateway.
- Satellogic: Operates a sub-meter resolution Earth observation constellation and sells imagery directly into agriculture, disaster response, and government markets that SkyFi also targets.
- Umbra: Provides high-resolution SAR imagery and open-data programs; competes with SkyFi in SAR tasking and is simultaneously a SkyFi partner for both tasking and open data.
- Maxar Intelligence (Vantor): Owns the WorldView constellation and 20+ years of archive imagery that powers SkyFi's Vantor Connect sub-brand; the closest direct competitor in tasking, archive, and high-resolution optical imagery, and also a flagship SkyFi partner.
- Capella Space: Commercial SAR operator offering on-demand tasking for defense and commercial customers; overlaps directly with SkyFi's SAR product line and target verticals.
- BlackSky: Provides on-demand high-revisit satellite imagery and AI-enabled analytics, with a strong defense and intelligence customer base overlapping SkyFi's government and ATAK segments.
Emerging players
- Descartes Labs: Geospatial analytics platform that combines commercial imagery, AI, and ML for agriculture, energy, and government; overlaps with SkyFi's Analytics add-on in functional benefits even though it does not operate its own sensor constellation.
- Ursa Space Systems: Provides satellite-Imagery-derived analytics for commodity intelligence, financial services, and defense; both a SkyFi partner (commodity insights) and a competitor in satellite-derived analytics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SkyFi® social profiles
Digital presenceSkyFi® compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
SkyFi® financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SkyFi® leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
SkyFi® funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds5 records
Investors13 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SkyFi® M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SkyFi®
What does SkyFi® do?
SkyFi operates a self-service Earth Intelligence Platform that aggregates optical, SAR, multispectral, hyperspectral, aerial, and Maritime AIS data from a virtual constellation of 40+ (commercial) to 150+ (defense) satellite and aerial providers. Users can task satellites, search archives, run AI-driven analytics, and access imagery via web, iOS/Android mobile, or developer API with transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing and no required contracts.
Is SkyFi® a public or private company?
SkyFi® is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was SkyFi® founded?
SkyFi® was founded in 2021. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SkyFi® based?
SkyFi® is headquartered in Austin, United States, in the North America region.
How does SkyFi® make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Transaction-based imagery purchases are the primary driver. The others are analytics add-on purchases, subscription plans (Pro / recurring), freemium / Open Data program, marketplace / virtual constellation distribution, government / defense contracts and API / developer access.
Who are SkyFi®'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Planet Labs, ICEYE, Synspective, Satellogic, Umbra, Maxar Intelligence (Vantor), Capella Space and BlackSky. Emerging players are Descartes Labs and Ursa Space Systems.
Does SkyFi® have an API?
Yes. SkyFi offers a developer API for large-scale geospatial workflows. Per the homepage and TOS, customers can use SkyFi's web platform, mobile app, or developer APIs to manage Earth observation projects. Enterprise Pro users receive additional API access and customizable features (e.g., for Vantor data). Maritime AIS data can be downloaded as CSV or connected via API. The AIS blog notes 'No subscription required' for API access. The API is referenced via the site footer link '/en/api' and is described as supporting integration of SkyFi's solutions into daily workflows for imagery ordering, analytics, and AIS data retrieval. Specific protocol type (REST/GraphQL), authentication method, rate limits, versioning, and sandbox availability are not detailed in the source material. Developer documentation is at skyfi.com/en/api.
What industry is SkyFi® in?
SkyFi®'s product category is Earth Intelligence / Geospatial Analytics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAMANAM, Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms, with a secondary code of HDAIAJAD, Satellite Mobility Connectivity (Maritime, Aviation, Rail, Land Mobile). Its NAICS code is 51741 and its SIC code is 3812.