Kepler raises $5m to launch IoT satellite network
Toronto-based Kepler Communications has raised $5m in seed funding which it will use to start building a satellite network through which internet of things (IoT) devices can communicate. Kepler says that its CubeSats will be smaller and less expensive than traditional satellites.
“Since our satellites are small they’re significantly cheaper and can be replaced with newer technology every two to three years,” according to Kepler CEO Mina Mitry. “Compared to conventional satellites that would operate for eight years or more with dated technology.”
The CubeSats are designed to relay a range of information, and key applications will include asset tracking.
On its website, Kepler has argued that its technology could play a significant role in “intelligent shipping” and tracking for the parcel delivery industry: “Imagine a world where you knew the exact position of your recent online purchase from its point of departure in Shanghai to arrival at your doorstep in New York. Now consider a world in which every one of the more than 50 million parcels that are shipped each day are tracked. This type of mass information would greatly improve the logistics of shipping companies, reducing delivery times, and improve fuel efficiency. It also has the potential for providing information on package damage en route, or environmental conditions for temperature-sensitive medical devices.”
Kepler has indicated that it expects to launch its first two satellites at the end of 2017.
