Endeavor Optical Networks (EON) is aiming to reshape how massive amounts of data move between continents by replacing some reliance on undersea fiber with space-based laser links. The startup has emerged from stealth with $10.75 million in seed funding from General Catalyst and Andreessen Horowitz.
Founded by CEO Charlie Horowitz and CTO Tyler Presser, EON plans a constellation of around 20 satellites designed to create dedicated optical connections between data centers on different continents. The company says its early network could deliver 24-hour coverage and target routes where capacity is limited, expensive, or difficult to build on the ground.
The technical ambition is high: EON is targeting throughput of 2.4 terabits per second, far above the speeds typically demonstrated by current satellite communication systems. The startup will focus on solving the challenge of atmospheric distortion, especially when clouds interfere with laser transmission, while building ground stations in carefully selected regions.
Initial customers are expected to include hyperscalers and AI labs, which move enormous volumes of data and need more control over transit routes. EON is prioritizing long-haul links such as Europe to Australia and connections between regions with less existing infrastructure.
The company plans to use its funding to expand its optics lab, hire engineers, and complete ground testing before a demo satellite launch targeted for late 2027. Its team includes specialists with experience at NASA, Google, and Amazon's satellite efforts, adding depth to the project's engineering base.
As optical communications mature, projects like EON suggest a future where orbital infrastructure could become a practical layer of the global internet, expanding the reach and resilience of digital networks.
