Toyota Invests US$44 Million to Boost Rocket Production

Toyota, through its mobility technology arm Woven by Toyota, has invested 7 billion yen (US$44 million) in Japanese aerospace startup Interstellar Technologies. The strategic partnership aims to scale rocket and satellite production and explore telecommunications solutions for autonomous systems. 

The investment, announced on Jan. 6, marks the first close of Interstellar's Series F funding round. A representative from Woven by Toyota will join Interstellar's board of directors, signaling deeper integration between the two entities. 

“This business alliance will leverage the Toyota Group’s extensive manufacturing capabilities and combine our expertise to advance rocket production and further drive mobility transformation,” said Hajime Kumabe, CEO, Woven by Toyota.

“Woven by Toyota is the ideal partner to help us evolve our rocket production from one-of-a-kind manufacturing to a scalable supply chain,” said Takahiro Inagawa, CEO, Interstellar.

Interstellar Technologies, known for its Zero rocket, aims to establish a vertically integrated operation encompassing satellite launch, manufacturing, and communications. The partnership builds on efforts since 2020, during which Toyota personnel collaborated with Interstellar to streamline production processes and reduce costs.

At CES 2025, Toyota’s Chairman Akio Toyoda framed the investment as part of the company’s broader mobility vision. “When it comes to what is possible when you work together, the sky's the limit. The future of mobility should not be limited to just Earth — or just one car company,” Toyoda stated.