Skyroot Aerospace became India’s first space-tech unicorn on 7 May 2026 after raising about 60 million at a valuation of 1.1 billion. The company is based in Hyderabad and works in the private space-launch sector in India.
Funding Round and Investors
The funding round was co-led by Sherpalo Ventures, the venture capital firm founded by Ram Shriram, and GIC, the sovereign wealth fund of Singapore. Other participants included the founders of Greenko Group, Arkam Ventures, funds managed by BlackRock, Playbook Partners, and the Shanghvi Family Office.
Vikram-1 Orbital Launch Vehicle
Vikram-1 is Skyroot Aerospace’s orbital launch vehicle under development for satellite launches into Earth orbit. The company planned to use the fresh capital for Vikram-1 launches, manufacturing expansion, team growth, and technology development. As of 29 April 2026, Vikram-1 was in the final stages of integration and testing, with a launch from Sriharikota planned in the coming weeks. The Integrated Electrical Test Campaign, Phase 3, was completed on 24 April 2026, and it combined the vehicle, ground software, and electrical interfaces into one system.
Private Spaceflight in India
Skyroot Aerospace aims to make Vikram-1 India’s first privately developed orbital rocket. In 2022, the company launched Vikram-S, which became India’s first privately built rocket to reach space.
Important Facts
- A unicorn is a privately held startup valued at $1 billion or more.
- GIC is Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund.
- Sriharikota is India’s spaceport on the east coast of Andhra Pradesh.
- Vikram-S was launched in 2022 and reached space as India’s first privately built rocket.