SkyFi is building a simpler, faster, and more scalable way for organizations to access geospatial data and analytics. Its mission is to close the gap between what happens on Earth and humanity’s understanding of it by connecting government and enterprise customers with Earth Intelligence through a single, easy-to-use platform.
Through a virtual constellation of more than 150 sensors and integrated analytics capabilities, SkyFi enables customers to task new imagery collections, access historical data, and run analytics that turn geospatial data into actionable answers faster. As part of the NATO DIANA accelerator, the company is bringing this technology closer to mission-critical defence and dual-use applications across the Alliance.
SkyFi was founded by Luke Fischer and Bill Perkins. Fischer, the company’s CEO and Co-Founder, began his career as a U.S. Army Special Operations aviator before holding leadership roles at Uber, Joby Aviation, and Shield Capital, where he focused on space, autonomy, AI, and cyber. Perkins, SkyFi’s President and Co-Founder, is a hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, film producer, author of Die with Zero, and founder of several ventures.
We spoke with Mike Panos, COO of SkyFi, about the company’s mission, the challenges of transforming a legacy industry, and where SkyFi is heading next.
How did you come up with the idea to create a startup?
SkyFi was born out of the frustration of trying to access up-to-date geospatial data for hedge fund analysis – a process that was historically fragmented, slow, and manual.
The team set out to build a simple, intuitive platform to bridge that gap. Since then, SkyFi has evolved from a marketplace into a primary access layer for Earth Intelligence, serving global enterprises and governments, including Fortune 100 companies.
What has been the biggest challenge and the biggest win so far?
One of SkyFi’s biggest challenges has been pushing a legacy industry to evolve in line with modern customer expectations. Today’s users expect fast delivery, advanced capabilities, and competitive pricing, while many existing systems in the geospatial sector remain complex and slow-moving.
As industry outsiders, the SkyFi team is challenging traditional approaches and helping the sector keep pace with current and future customer needs.
The company’s biggest win has been the speed at which it has scaled adoption among government and enterprise customers. SkyFi started as an easier way to buy satellite imagery, but has since expanded its capabilities significantly to meet the demands of large organizations with real-world needs for geospatial data and analytics.
What sets your startup apart from competitors?
SkyFi differentiates itself by prioritizing user experience and scalable software architecture over legacy geospatial complexity.
While many competitors build tools primarily for specialists, SkyFi is engineered by technology and business veterans to provide integrated analytics, intuitive licensing, and a seamless interface. This enables decision-makers to access Earth Intelligence without unnecessary friction.
Why did you choose NATO DIANA Estonian accelerator?
SkyFi chose NATO DIANA to accelerate the adoption of its dual-use technology into mission-critical defence applications across the Alliance.
The NATO DIANA programme provides an unparalleled gateway to better understand the diverse requirements of member states. It allows SkyFi to refine the interoperability of its platform and directly support NATO’s evolving geospatial intelligence needs.
Where do you see your startup in 12 months or 5 years?
In one year, SkyFi aims to have expanded its international footprint by integrating its Earth Intelligence platform into the command-and-control systems of allied partner nations, strengthening their operational capabilities.
In five years, SkyFi’s ambition is to become the preeminent global access layer for Earth Intelligence. The company plans to achieve this by leveraging a comprehensive analytics suite, the world’s largest virtual constellation, and multi-modal data sources to provide secure sovereign deployments globally.
Who will be the next defence or dual-use unicorn?
SkyFi is certainly aiming for that milestone. But if the team had to place a bet on the next breakout company, their money would be on Havoc AI.
Havoc AI is building autonomous maritime systems that bring software-first agility to the ocean. Their ability to deploy low-cost, high-intelligence surface fleets represents exactly the kind of attritable technology that could define the next decade of global security.
Which books, podcasts, and influencers in your field do you follow and recommend to other aspiring entrepreneurs?
SkyFi recommends The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz as essential reading for entrepreneurs. For podcasts, the team follows How I Built This and Acquired. Recommended newsletters include Per Aspera, Tectonic, and Payload.
As for influencers in the field, SkyFi highlights its own co-founder, Bill Perkins, whose wide-ranging experience across finance, entrepreneurship, and media brings a unique perspective to building ambitious companies.
The NATO DIANA Estonian accelerator is implemented by Tehnopol together with Sparkup Tartu Science Park.
