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36-Year-Old Sci-Fi ‘Nerd’ Quits Banking Job to Launch Deep Space Startup, Raises $24 Mn

Rohit Jha’s passion for technology, space, and science fiction led him to found deep space and communications technology startup, Transcelestial.

By Ishita Ganguly
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Transcelestial founder Rohit Jha

Transcelestial founder Rohit Jha

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A journey that started with coding games on a secondhand computer, 36-year-old sci-fi 'nerd' Rohit Jha’s passion for technology, space, and science fiction led him to found deep space and communications technology startup, Transcelestial.

From banking to founding deep space startup

After graduating from university, Jha joined the banking sector working in high-frequency trading. It was while working he discovered a crucial problem - the limitations of traditional fibre optic cables in delivering internet connectivity. Jha realised that the existing infrastructure was costly, prone to bottlenecks, and left many underserved areas without access to the internet. Determined to solve the issue, Jha decided to leave banking and launch his own startup

“On day one, I met Danesh and he was exactly the person I needed,” Jha said. “So we went to an [Indian restaurant], and we had an early biryani meal, we kept discussing, we had a second biryani meal, kept discussing, and then eventually it was clear that we wanted to start this company together.” [Source: CNBC]

In 2015, he founded Transcelestial with his co-founder Mohammad Danesh. The startup aimed at transforming internet connectivity by developing a network of lasers that can transmit data between cell towers, street-level poles, and more, creating a fibre-like communications network.

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Raising $24 million funds

Despite facing challenges along the way, Transcelestial managed significant funding, with investments totalling $24 million from prominent backers such as Airbus Ventures, Wavemaker, and In-Q-Tel. The startup's innovative approach to space technology and communication captured the attention and support of key players in the industry.

Rohit Jha's vision for Transcelestial goes beyond creating a successful business - it's about shaping the future of connectivity for future generations. By utilising cutting-edge technology and a passion for innovation, Jha and his team are working towards a world where internet access is fast, reliable, and accessible to all, regardless of geographic location or economic status.

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Tags: #Startup