Pixxel Is Indian-Owned And Controlled, Says Founder Amid Backlash Over US Foray

Bengaluru-based spacetech startup Pixxel's founder and CEO Awais Ahmed has clarified that despite recent backlash, the company remains Indian-owned and controlled, despite the launch of its US subsidiary, Pixxel Federal. Ahmed insisted on X that Pixxel is "Indian-HQed, Indian owned, Indian-managed and Indian-controlled," stating that its primary Indian entity was established in 2018, preceding any of its international entities.

He emphasized that the Indian entity does not serve as a subsidiary of a US company and continues to oversee Pixxel's Indian government, space, and defence projects. Pixxel Federal's board and CEO would have jurisdiction over the US subsidiary and its operations, with no authority over the company's Indian government programs or domestic business.

The founder cited targeted social media attacks, anonymous emails to government customers, and efforts to undermine its ownership, technology, and credentials as catalysts for the clarification. Ahmed also revealed that Indian investors, including the founders, hold the majority share of Pixxel by percentage, followed by investors from Singapore, the UK, and the US, with no international investor having unilateral control.

He reiterated that intellectual property developed for Indian government projects remains under Indian ownership and control, executed through Indian entities and governed by Indian laws.