Swarm Technologies Builds IoT Satellite Network Before SpaceX Acquisition
Swarm Technologies operates a low Earth orbit satellite constellation designed to connect Internet of Things devices through a store and forward system. The company currently functions as a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX after facing early regulatory hurdles.
Swarm Technologies operates as a subsidiary of SpaceX and focuses on providing low Earth orbit satellite communications specifically for Internet of Things devices. The company utilizes a store and forward design to facilitate low bandwidth data transfers across its constellation of small spacecraft. Backed early on by investors like Social Capital and Craft Ventures, Swarm also receives support from In-Q-Tel, the venture capital arm of the CIA.
The company gains historical notoriety as the first United States business found to have deployed satellites without regulatory approval. In 2018, Swarm launched four picosatellites on an Indian PSLV rocket despite the Federal Communications Commission refusing its license request. Following this regulatory misstep, the startup successfully raises a 25 million dollar Series A funding round in 2019 to continue expanding its operations.
Swarm offers specialized hardware known as the Swarm Tile, which serves as a low-energy, two-way satellite data modem designed to embed directly onto third-party product circuit boards. However, the company ceases all new device sales in July 2023 and officially shuts down its service entirely in March 2025. The original Swarm website now simply redirects users to the direct-to-device information page for SpaceX.