29th January , 2026: Bengaluru-based spacetech startup The Guild, formerly known as EtherealX, has raised $20.5 million in a Series A funding round, bringing its total funding to date to $25.5 million. This marks a major leap for the company, which is developing the world’s first fully reusable medium-lift rocket, designed to revolutionize orbital access for commercial and government customers.
The Guild’s flagship project, the Razor Crest Mk-1, is a medium-lift launch vehicle that aims to bring down the costs of space launches by offering full reusability. The rocket is designed to carry up to 24.8 tonnes into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and up to 10.8 tonnes into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). By reusing both the upper and lower stages of the rocket, the company intends to lower launch costs and significantly improve efficiency, a crucial development in the emerging commercial space industry.
Indian SpaceTech Firm The Guild Eyes Cost-Effective Space Launches
“We’re excited to have TDK Ventures backing us as we take this next step,” said Manu Nair, Co-Founder and CEO of The Guild. “Their expertise in avionics and hardware optimization is crucial to pushing the Razor Crest Mk-1 towards rapid development and flight qualification.”
The funding will help accelerate the testing and development phases for the Razor Crest Mk-1. The Guild plans to begin engine and stage-level tests, including validation of the 1.2 MN booster stage of its Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (TDV). The TDV will be powered by the Stallion, which the company claims is the world’s most powerful reusable semi-cryogenic engine.
A key part of The Guild’s future plans includes the launch of BASE-002, a new testing facility in Space City, Andhra Pradesh. This facility will focus on integrated stage and engine firing, booster and upper-stage qualification, and refurbishment activities, complementing the existing BASE-001 facility in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. These facilities will support both domestic and international launch needs, positioning The Guild as a key player in the global space race.
“TDK Ventures is thrilled to back The Guild in its mission to reshape the medium-lift space launch industry,” said Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures. “Their vision of reducing launch costs to $500 per kilogram aligns perfectly with our commitment to transformative innovation in the space sector.”
With India’s rich aerospace expertise and cost-effective manufacturing capabilities, The Guild is poised to become a significant player in the space industry. The next phase of development promises to be a crucial one as The Guild prepares to take its cutting-edge technology to the skies.
The round, led by TDK Ventures and BIG Capital, also saw participation from notable investors including Accel, Prosus, Yournest, Campus Fund, BlueHill, and Riceberg. With this new injection of capital, The Guild’s valuation has surged 5.5x to $80.5 million.
Following the fundraise, the Bengaluru-based company’s valuation has increased 5.5x to $80.5 million.
