Akash Systems announced the start-up has raised $14.5 million in Series A funding, including $10 million in new equity funds and $4.5 million converted from prior convertible notes. Akash plans to use the capital to scale its transmit/receive radio modules and power amplifier business, moving it closer to profitability. Investors in the round include Khosla Ventures, Founders Fund, ACME Capital, Sriram Krishnan and Correlation Ventures.

Akash manufactures GaN on diamond power amplifiers and radio modules for satellites using high efficiency, high frequency power amplifiers. Akash has designed its transmit/receive radio modules to integrate with ground station and satellite infrastructure for all satellite markets. The company plans to commercially release its radio products during the fourth quarter of 2019.

“The successful close of this funding round marks an important next step in fulfilling Akash’s mission statement. Our aim is to be the RF communications link for every satellite in space.” — Cofounder and CEO Felix Ejeckam

Using GaN on diamond, the heat from the transistor flows through a synthetic diamond material, the most thermally conductive material made. This efficiently transports the heat generated by the power amplifier, a key design requirement for satellites to ensure reliability. Using GaN on diamond also reduces power amplifier and satellite size, weight and operating cost. Akash says the company’s products provide “impressive performance not yet seen on the market.”

“It’s rare to see a young company with such transformative technology already approaching commercialization. Akash’s business lies squarely at the intersection of major trends like global connectivity, high performance telecommunications and space-based infrastructure. Their foundational technology will underpin other solutions across these industries.” — Alex Fayette of ACME Capital

“What Akash has been able to achieve in its first few years is remarkable, as it has already attracted major customers across the ecosystem. The company is quickly shaping trends in global telecommunications. It’s one of the most exciting companies we’ve seen in a while.” — Angel investor Sriram Krishnan

“Akash Systems is playing a critical role in meeting the growing and vital need for improved satellite communications infrastructure. We’re proud to be part of Akash’s journey as a critical enabler and accelerant in global communications.” — Delian Asparouhov of Founders Fund