Japanese company Tenchijin raises ¥700M Series B funding for satellite-powered land evaluation platform

Japanese space-tech startup Tenchijin has raised approximately ¥700 million ($4.8M) in Series B funding from 10 investors including Development Bank of Japan, Shinkin Capital, and SG INCUBATE, as the JAXA-backed company scales its satellite data-driven land evaluation platform across agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental sectors.

Founded as Japan's first company to receive investment from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tenchijin has developed the COMPASS platform that combines satellite imagery, ground-sensor data, and AI algorithms to assess land characteristics and potential. CEO Yasuhito Sakuraba leads the Tokyo-based company that employs JAXA professionals working concurrently at both organizations.

The platform addresses critical challenges in land evaluation by aggregating multisource data from satellites, weather systems, soil sensors, and historical records, then using proprietary algorithms to generate instant land suitability maps. Unlike traditional geographic information systems requiring extensive expertise, COMPASS enables users without satellite data experience to conduct sophisticated land analysis.

Recent developments include the KnoWaterleak system for water infrastructure monitoring and partnerships with major corporations like Aisin for joint ventures. The company has also been selected for Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry programs focused on Global South partnerships.

The funding will accelerate product development and international expansion as Tenchijin continues optimizing human activity through space data analysis and AI technology.

Founder: Yasuhito Sakuraba (CEO)

Sources: Crunchbase, Tenchijn, SpaceDaily, European Business Magazine, Taiwan News