Singapore-based wireless laser communications technology firm Transcelestial has expanded its total funding to $34.7 million with an additional close of its latest round of $9.7 million.
The firm announced in a statement on Tuesday the new backing from MPower Partners and expanded support from SEEDS (investment arm of SG Growth Capital) and Kickstart Ventures.
This adds to the list of strategic backers from Japan including NTT Finance (investment arm of NTT Group, Japan’s oldest telecommunication company) Golden Egg Ventures and Paspalis Capital (leading Australia deeptech investor).
The fresh injection will accelerate Transcelestial’s deployment of its laser communications solution across Japan’s most urgent needs: resilient emergency connectivity during earthquakes and typhoons, secure non-jammable defence networks, and space capabilities (optical links to ground, HAPS and Orbital Data Centers).
“Japan’s need for resilient communications is immediate, and we’re seeing that reflected in conversations with national telcos and early pilots already in motion,
“Whether it’s proving our systems at major public gatherings or exploring defence-grade trials, our lasers are demonstrating how quickly they can deliver secure, high-capacity connectivity where fiber falls short,” said Rohit Jha, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Transcelestial.
It is noted that Transcelestial’s response to these challenges encompasses three initiatives that will revolutionize Japan’s approach to emergency communications while advancing its defense and space capabilities.
Firstly, breaking through disaster recovery barriers with rapid-deploy laser solutions.
Japan’s communications infrastructure faces unique challenges due to its susceptibility to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons.
Transcelestial’s laser technology enables critical connectivity services to maintain operations within hours, not days: empowering emergency services, healthcare providers, and essential businesses to operate through any disruption.
The firm’s laser communication technology is poised to address this crucial need, offering a resilient solution that can operate independently of traditional ground-based infrastructure.
Secondly, advancing national security with next-generation laser capabilities.
This breakthrough extends to strengthening Japan’s defense infrastructure through the self-defence Force.
Transcelestial’s non-jammable laser communication systems will secure critical communications across land, sea, and air operations, creating a resilient network that operates where traditional systems cannot reach.
Thirdly, pioneering Japan’s space communication frontiers.
Completing this vision, Transcelestial aims to collaborate with JAXA to advance laser communication applications for High Altitude Platform Stations and Low Earth Orbit satellites.
This groundbreaking initiative will enhance both disaster recovery capabilities and deep space communications, positioning Japan at the forefront of space-based laser technology.
“We invested in Transcelestial because Japan urgently needs resilient, high-capacity communications that can be deployed in hours, not months,
“Its laser links deliver fiber-class throughput without trenching, keeping cities, hospitals, and businesses online during earthquakes and typhoons, while enabling secure, non-jammable networks for public safety and defense,” said Kathy Matsui, General Partner at MPower Partners
“We’re equally excited by the roadmap from ground to HAPS and LEO—foundational for space-based optical connectivity and future orbital data centers,
“With early pilots under way and strong alignment with telcos and government, Transcelestial is both commercially compelling and nationally important for Japan’s digital resilience,” she added.
Joan Yao, General Partner at Kickstart Ventures, also said that the firm invests in technologies that strengthen and complement its limited partners strategic capabilities and drive solutions that improve access to goods, services, and information.
“We’ve seen Transcelestial’s laser technology deployed in the Philippines with our LP, Globe Telecom, where it strengthens networks in hours instead of months– critical during typhoons, major events, or hard-to-reach communities,” she added.
Kaixin Tan, General Manager at SEEDS, also said the firm’s further investment reflects SEEDS’ commitment to backing Singapore-based innovators developing deep technology solutions that address real-world challenges with sizeable market opportunities.
“With a growing international footprint, Transcelestial exemplifies how local deep-tech ventures can scale from Singapore to the world, delivering resilient connectivity solutions where they are needed most — in Japan, the USA, and beyond,” she added.
Chikashi Sakurada, Executive Manager at NTT Finance, said this investment reflects the firm’s focused commitment to advancing Japan’s communication infrastructure.
“Transcelestial’s laser connectivity is not just innovation for innovation’s sake—it addresses a very real challenge in urban density, high-speed data transmission, and infrastructure resilience,
“Together, we aim to set new benchmarks for what advanced connectivity can deliver in our communities,” he added.
Harley Paroulakis, Chief Executive Officer of Paspalis Capital, also said Transcelestial’s laser communications technology is exactly the kind of innovation Paspalis looks for—practical, resilient, and ready to scale.
“By collaborating with key institutions in the Territory, we’re helping to close infrastructure gaps, improve remote connectivity, and support long-term economic growth,” he added.
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