Skywatch

About Skywatch

Skywatch operates as a digital infrastructure provider for the distribution of Earth observation (EO) data. The company was founded in 2014 by James Slifierz, Dexter Jagula, and Roland Sing. The founding team's journey began at the NASA Space Apps Challenge, where they developed software to give astrophysicists near real-time data from space observatories, earning them a win at the global challenge. This experience shifted their focus toward the broader potential of democratizing access to Earth observation data. Co-founder and CEO James Slifierz has dedicated his career to expanding the commercial space economy. Co-founder Dexter Jagula brings a background in software engineering and space studies to his role.

The company's business model centers on aggregating and distributing satellite data, positioning itself as a marketplace that connects data providers with consumers. Skywatch serves two primary client types through two core products. For data consumers, such as application developers and organizations in sectors like agriculture, insurance, and government, Skywatch offers EarthCache. This platform provides a single API to access and integrate imagery from a vast network of satellite providers, simplifying what was once a complex and expensive procurement process. For satellite operators, Skywatch provides TerraStream, an integrated platform that handles the data management, monetization, processing, and distribution of their satellite data. This allows satellite companies to focus on their core technology while leveraging Skywatch's infrastructure to reach customers and generate revenue. Revenue is generated through pay-as-you-go pricing for data consumers and subscription services for data providers on the platform.

The company's key offerings are EarthCache and TerraStream. EarthCache is a data delivery platform that allows users to programmatically search, order, and integrate satellite imagery from numerous providers into their own applications and workflows. It is designed to abstract the complexities of dealing with multiple satellite operators, file formats, and licensing models. TerraStream serves satellite data providers by offering a comprehensive, hands-off solution for data storage, cataloging, ordering, and delivery, effectively acting as a 'Shopify for satellites'. In December 2021, Skywatch launched the TerraStream Certified Solutions Provider program, creating a network of trusted partners in areas like ground stations and data processing to offer satellite operators end-to-end solutions. The company has secured significant funding, including a $17.2 million USD Series B round in June 2021, to scale its technology globally.