Planet Watchers
Remote sensing platform for crop insurance data capture and claims validation
Overview
Planet Watchers is a data and analytics solutions provider for crop insurers, using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imagery and machine learning to automate policy data capture and claims validation. The platform serves carriers and reinsurers operating in the crop insurance market, with a primary focus on North American agriculture.
The company delivers three categories of services: acreage reporting, claims validation, and custom analytics. Its SAR-based approach works in all weather conditions -- including cloud cover and at night -- enabling continuous global crop monitoring without ground-level field assessments. The platform is built on Google Earth Engine in partnership with Woolpert Digital Innovations and applies data fusion techniques combining SAR and optical imagery with machine learning algorithms for planting detection, crop classification, and damage event identification.
Customers underwriting 45% of US crop insurance acres have adopted the platform as of December 2022. PlanetWatchers raised USD 11M in a Series A round in September 2022 co-led by Seraphim Space and Creative Ventures, bringing total funding to approximately USD 14.5M. The company was founded by Roi Shilo, Ariel Smoliar, and Shay Lev, who bring expertise in remote sensing, big data, and signals intelligence technology.
Products & Services
Acreage Reporting Services
Three-phase satellite-based crop reporting service covering the full policy lifecycle -- from pre-sales intelligence through post-reporting validation.
Key Features
- Forecasted acreage reports for the pre-sales period
- Automated July 1st delivery with plant date detection, crop identification, and acreage measurement
- Post-July 15th discrepancy identification between reported and satellite-detected acreage
Target Users: Crop insurers, underwriters
Claims Validation Services
Suite of post-loss assessment services using SAR and optical satellite imagery to verify crop damage claims.
Key Features
- Wind damage analysis: satellite detection of crop damage from wind events
- Prevented planting assessment: verification of fields unable to be planted due to weather
- Flood detection: inundated field identification and flood extent mapping
- Forensic analysis: time-series multi-source review for complex or disputed claims
Target Users: Claims adjusters, crop insurance carriers
Innovation and R&D Services
Custom analysis and new methodology development for insurers with specialized data requirements.
Key Features
- Custom satellite analysis tailored to specific crop types or geographies
- New detection methodology development
- Integration with existing insurer data workflows
Target Users: Carriers, reinsurers with advanced analytics needs
At a Glance
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdom
- Employees
- 11-50
- Funding
- Series A
Category & Focus
- Category
- Data & Analytics
- Subcategories
- Remote Sensing Claims Validation Risk Data Acreage Reporting
- Insurance Verticals
- Specialty/E&S P&C Commercial
- Target Customers
- Carriers, Reinsurers
Customers
- ProAg -- 97.9% data accuracy achieved; 90% planting date accuracy (+14% vs. manual), 98% crop acres (+9%), 96% crop classification (+5%)
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Last updated: 2026-06-05