SpaceFounders

🌍 It Takes a Village: Building the Future of Space Innovation Together 🚀 At SpaceFounders, we believe that connecting the space ecosystem is essential to driving innovation, and “The Overview: European Space Investors Day” was the perfect proof. This event brought together visionaries, innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs from across Europe to showcase the incredible strides we’re making in space technology. Here’s a look at the key players who made this night one to remember: ⭐ Emma Gatti: Our dynamic moderator, a Cambridge-educated scientist and founder of Monnalisa Bytes, expertly guided the discussions. ⭐ Fabrizio B. as opening speaker representing the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana and setting the stage for the evening. ⭐ Philippe Baptiste from Centre National d'Études Spatiales shared insights on France’s contributions to space exploration. ⭐ Rodrigo da Costa from EUSPA - EU Agency for the Space Programme emphasized Europe’s growing influence in space technology and innovation. ⭐ Guillaume de La Brosse from European Commission, DG DEFIS provided a strategic perspective on the importance of space for Europe's future. ⭐ Herve DERREY announced exciting developments from Thales Alenia Space, further strengthening Europe's leadership in the sector. ⭐ Geraldine Naja representing the European Space Agency - ESA shared key updates on ESA’s forward-thinking space initiatives. The insightful panel discussion on how space can enable the green transition with ⭐ Piera Di Vito led a thought-provoking panel on space’s role in supporting the green transition. ⭐ Matteo Cascinari from Primo Ventures brought valuable insights from venture capital on sustainable space technologies. ⭐ Stefania Ascione from Intesa Sanpaolo provided expert commentary on the intersection of space technologies and environmental sustainability. The event culminated with the pitches and the Jury Announcement, led by ⭐ Stella Tkatchova, Programme Manager for Space Systems at European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) ⭐ Gianluigi Baldesi, Head of Ventures and Financing Office at ESA, lent his expertise in evaluating innovative space startups. ⭐ Véronique De La Casa provided insights as a key jury member. ⭐ Andreas Heitmann representing SpaceFounders. ⭐ Stefan Schneider from EUSPA contributed his knowledge on space entrepreneurship. ⭐ Vincent C. from Thales Alenia Space helped assess the cutting-edge technologies presented by the startups. It takes a village to build the future of space, and this night was proof of the power of connection within Europe’s thriving space ecosystem. Thank you to all who contributed! Space is the answer.

🚀 A night to remember: "The Overview" - European Space Investors Day at #IAC in Milan 🌌 On October 15th, the Centro Congressi Fondazione Cariplo in Milan was full for a remarkable evening at “The Overview: European Space Investors Day”, where European space startups and investors came together to shape the future of the industry. 🗓 Event Highlights: ⭐ The event kicked off at 5:30 PM with a warm welcome from the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, followed by engaging insights from our moderator, Emma Gatti—a Cambridge-educated scientist, chief editor of SpaceWatch.Global and founder of Monnalisa Bytes | Scientific Storytelling. Emma's expertise and passion for space exploration brought a dynamic energy to the evening, guiding the event with her knowledge in planetary sciences and space communication. ⭐ 28 innovative European startups from SpaceFounders cohorts took the stage, presenting 3-minute pitches on cutting-edge technologies including satellites, space AI, propulsion systems, and more. The startups highlighted the promising future of the European space sector and sparked deep discussions. 🍸 Networking & Reception: Following the presentations, guests enjoyed networking opportunities during a cocktail reception in the beautiful gardens of Fondazione Cariplo, making the most of the Milanese evening. 💼 CASSINI Matchmaking Sessions: The “CASSINI Matchmaking sessions” ran alongside the startup pitches, offering investors and entrepreneurs the chance to connect, exchange ideas, and set the stage for future collaborations. 🙏 Big Thanks to Our Co-Hosts, Sponsors and Partners: A heartfelt thank you to European Commission, EUSPA - EU Agency for the Space Programme European Space Agency - ESA, Centre National d'Études Spatiales, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, Thales Alenia Space, Intesa Sanpaolo, CASSINI Initiative for their unwavering support in making this event a success. We appreciate everyone who attended and helped make this evening a milestone for space innovation in Europe. Here’s to continued growth and exploration! To the stars and beyond 🌍✨

🚀 SpaceFounders at Airbus: A Day of Pitching, Insights, and Innovation ✨ "Always end on a high note" is the saying. So, the 5th SpaceFounders cohort closed Toulouse week with a visit to Airbus, where each startup got to pitch their groundbreaking ideas for five minutes—right in front of top executives and experts from Airbus Defence and Space. It was a rare and invaluable chance for our startups to showcase their vision to some of the most influential decision-makers in aerospace! 🙌 As Matthieu Lys, Head of Innovation Management, puts it, "Airbus is deeply committed to fostering innovation, and we are always eager to share our knowledge and collaborate with visionary startups. By supporting programs like SpaceFounders, we not only empower new technologies but also create opportunities to learn, grow, and innovate together for the future of aerospace." 💡✨ A big thank you to Matthieu Lys and all the Innovation team at Airbus Defence and Space, for hosting us and making this experience possible. It’s not every day that startups get to pitch directly in front of the people shaping the future of aerospace, and the 5th cohort certainly lived up to that promise. 🌌✨ 🚀 Highlights of the Day: - 5-Minute Startup Pitches: Each of our cohort startups delivered concise, powerful five-minute pitches, gaining direct feedback from top-level Airbus executives and experts. This was an invaluable opportunity to refine their narratives and get on the radar of potential partners. 🎤💡 - Engaging Discussions: From deep tech to future opportunities in defence and space, the day was full of insightful conversations, valuable connections, and potential pathways for collaboration. 🤝✨ The exchange of ideas and feedback between the startups and Airbus highlighted just how pivotal innovation is to the future of aerospace. The dedication to pushing boundaries, exploring new frontiers, and driving sustainable solutions was clear throughout the day. 🚀✨ Thank you once again to Matthieu Lys and the Airbus team for opening your doors and giving our startups this fantastic opportunity! 🙏🌠 #SpaceFounders #Airbus #Innovation #StartupPitch #Cohort5 #FutureOfSpace #OpenInnovation #AerospaceIndustry #DefenseAndSpace #Entrepreneurship #Partnerships

🚀 Lessons for Startups from Safran: SpaceFounders Cohort Visit Recap 🌌🔧 The 5th SpaceFounders cohort had an incredible opportunity to visit Safran, one of the world leaders in space equipment and solutions. The visit offered us some truly invaluable insights into how Safran - Space drives innovation in space technology and drives cooperation and investment via Safran Corporate Ventures —and there are powerful lessons for startups aspiring to make an impact in aerospace and beyond. Key Takeaways for Startups: 🔍 1. Master End-to-End Expertise Safran's success is built on providing comprehensive solutions for every aspect of a space mission—from propulsion to communication. 👉 Lesson for Startups: Diversify capabilities and aim to provide holistic solutions. Mastering end-to-end expertise makes your startup indispensable. 🌿 2. Commit to Sustainability Safran is investing heavily in sustainable technologies like hydrogen fuel, hybridization, and advanced recycling. 👉 Lesson for Startups: Sustainability isn’t optional. Innovate with low-carbon solutions and embed sustainable practices to resonate with partners, investors, and customers. 🛰️ 3. Think in Terms of Security & Sovereignty Safran emphasizes security, sovereignty, and resilience with electric propulsion and critical communication solutions. 👉 Lesson for Startups: Build products that enhance resilience and security. As aerospace intersects with national security, trusted, secure solutions can be a key differentiator. It was truly inspiring for our startups to learn from Safran’s approach to innovation and leadership in the aerospace sector. A huge thank you to MICHEL Grégoire, Open Innovation Manager at Safran and Nathanaël Gibert, SVP Strategy and Innovation Space, for hosting us and sharing these insights. Safran’s commitment to sustainability, advanced technologies, and strategic focus is a powerful blueprint for any startup aiming to make its mark in the aerospace industry. 🚀✨ #SpaceFounders #Safran #StartupLessons #Innovation #SpaceTech #Cohort5 #OpenInnovation #FutureOfSpace #Industry4.0 #Sustainability #AerospaceStartups #Entrepreneurship

🚀 What you missed: SpaceTech Night Recap! 🌌✨ After the impressive cohort 5 startups each delivered their one-minute pitches ⏱️ and we enjoyed a space quiz 🎉, former astronaut Philippe Perrin took the stage to share his unique perspective of seeing Earth from space 🌍. No worries if you couldn't make it—we've got you covered! Check out the article below to explore Philippe's insights on sustainability, preparation, and what space taught him about protecting our fragile home. 🌱 Big thanks to SPACEELEVATOR and District by Aerospace Valley for being such a fantastic host and enabling this! 🙌🎉 #newspace #SpaceTech #Sustainability #AstronautInsights #StartupPitches #Innovation #Cohort5 #LaCité #FutureOfEarth #LessonsFromSpace #PhilippePerrin

If you're looking to raise capital, you need to pitch. It sounds simple, but like many things that appear effortless from the outside, it’s much more challenging when you're the one doing it. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is exactly what you need. Not medical help, but advice from the self-proclaimed "Pitch Doctor," Christoph Sollich 👨⚕️ , might give you the right prescription for success. 💊 No secrets here, but we’ll leave you with this thought: like everything in life, it starts with you. If you want to convince others of how awesome you are, you need to believe it yourself first. 💪 So if you want to join the startups: Take a minute to think about—and explain—what makes you awesome. Sometimes, it's all about knowing the right connections (insider joke: the "mafia"). 🔫 After a successful pitch, the next step (hopefully) is securing investment. 💸 That’s where long-term supporters like Charlotte Voisin from @Toulouseteaminvest came in. With her guidance, the incredible opportunities that Toulouse offers—both to French and international companies—come into focus🚀. What´s left to say? Awesome. 🙌 Merci to all those involved in making this possible. 🙏 #pitching #newspace #Europeannewspace #newspaceecosytem #spacetech #spacetechaccelerator #space #Europespacetech

Loft Orbital and SpaceFounders have a special bond. 🤝 Emmanuelle Meric, the first CEO of SpaceFounders France, is now part of Loft, managing their European headquarters. Loft, as a poster child of the European NewSpace ecosystem 🚀, continues to make its mark in the industry. This made the networking event at Loft particularly unique 🌍. Pierre-Damien Vaujour, Co-Founder & CEO of Loft, shared invaluable insights from his entrepreneurial journey. Having co-founded Loft in San Francisco in 2017, Pierre-Damien reflected on the company’s evolution, from its humble beginnings to raising over $150 million in capital 💰 and expanding into a 250-person global operation. For all of you: Vaujour’s Three Pillars of Success for Space Startups: 💫 1. Establish a Strong Company Culture Early On One of the most important things Vaujour emphasizes is the need to build a strong company culture from the start. “We didn’t build a culture based on what it’s supposed to be. We built one that reflected who we truly are,” he noted. Loft’s deliberate focus on a supportive, international, and collaborative culture 🌐 has played a pivotal role in attracting and retaining talent. He added that, especially in early-stage startups, the first 20 hires shape the culture, and beyond that, it becomes difficult to change. 🔑 💫 2. Be Honest About Your Goals Another key piece of advice from Vaujour is to be clear about company goals from the start. He encouraged founders to be honest with themselves about the kind of company they want to build—whether it’s a global $10 billion enterprise 💼 or a smaller, more focused operation. “There’s no wrong answer,” he said, but aligning your goals with the right investors and staying true to your vision is critical for long-term success. 🎯 💫 3. Focus on Customers Finally, Vaujour stresses the importance of focusing on customers, especially in the space industry. Startups often focus too heavily on fundraising, but real success comes from prioritizing customers. “If you don’t have customers, you’ll struggle with fundraising, securing high-quality investors, or scaling your product,” he explained. This customer-centric approach allowed Loft to grow quickly while maintaining product-market fit 📈, even as they balanced product development with customer needs. Vaujour’s entrepreneurial mindset took shape during his time at NASA 🌌, where he realized he wanted to work on faster-paced projects with more tangible results. “I want to move faster. I want to do things where I can see the product of my work,” he said. This drive led him to start Loft, which has since grown into a major player in the space industry, including launching a $100+ million joint venture satellite production facility in Abu Dhabi. A big thank you to Loft for hosting SpaceFounders and for being a true visionary and role model in the space industry. Merci also to Marion Fontana 🙏 #newspace #spacetech

The connection between Thales Alenia Space and SpaceFounders has been strong from the very beginning. In fact, the site visit to Thales Alenia Space is a non-negotiable part of every cohort’s experience. Why? Because it offers a rare opportunity to be immersed in world-class infrastructure, gain insights into industry standards, and access a powerful network 🚀. The day kicked off with a keynote by Nicolas Gaume, Co-Founder & CEO of Space Cargo Unlimited. Nicolas, a serial entrepreneur with a remarkable journey, shared stories from his career, which spans nine companies across different industries. Few can say what he can: “I’ve built nine different companies in very different areas. I was a millionaire, I was a billionaire, I was bankrupt, I was a millionaire again." His brutally honest reflection on particularly the role of ego —one that resonates deeply, yet is rarely discussed in the startup world 💡. Next a panel on innovation at Thales Alenia Space. The discussion centered around their mission to not just prepare for the future but to actively shape it. With cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking partnerships, Thales Alenia Space is driving an ambitious and sustainable space future🌍. Central to this effort is the Space Business Catalyst, an accelerator born from Thales Alenia Space’s Innovation Cluster. By connecting with startups, they are blending the best of both corporate and startup worlds to build a mutually beneficial ecosystem, positioning Thales Alenia Space as a spearhead of NewSpace 🌌. After all the food for thought — it was time for some food for lunch, of course 🍽️. And then from theory to practice: the industrial site tour. We visited their fablab, inspected the production lines, and got an in-depth look at the quality standards that drive large-scale space production. Seeing what it takes to scale ideas into reality is always a game changer ⚙️. Next highlight: The hotseat discussion, where startups had the unique opportunity to ask anything about innovation, the role of the CTO, and procurement processes. This open exchange revealed how Thales Alenia Space truly walks the talk of collaboration. As Vincent C., Director of the Space Business Catalyst, put it: "At Thales Alenia Space, we believe that the future of space is being built through collaboration. That’s why we invite accelerators like SpaceFounders—it aligns perfectly with our mission to empower startups and foster disruptive innovation. The Space Business Catalyst accelerator goes as far as a platform where the next wave of space entrepreneurs can scale, supported by our expertise, network, and resources." Mission accomplished ✅. The visit gave a glimpse into how the future of space is being shaped and opened up new avenues for collaboration. Huge thanks to Thales Alenia Space and Vincent Clot for the warm hospitality and for creating this invaluable experience. Merci also Cedric Balty and Guilhem Garrel. Looking forward to future collaborations! 🙌

The philosopher Wittgenstein once said, "The limits of my language mean the limits of my world." There’s always something just beyond what words can capture—an emotion, a connection, a moment. This is why we turn to pictures. 📸 This was the first day in Toulouse. But what you can’t see in the pictures is the true goal for this week: creating an open and trusting environment where relationships can truly grow. 🌱 At SpaceFounders, it’s all about people. The mission is clear: to build an atmosphere where trust, collaboration, and innovation come together to shape the future of the European space ecosystem. 🚀 Over the next three months, participants will connect with hundreds of key players—suppliers, buyers, consortiums, think tanks—each conversation designed to drive meaningful business outcomes. 🤝 While the space industry is competitive and often politically driven, SpaceFounders fosters openness and genuine connection. Confidentiality is key 🔐, ensuring a safe space for honest discussions and the formation of strong, lasting partnerships. Scaling from pre-seed to Series A is more than just about funding—it’s about evolving. 🌍 The road ahead requires a shift in strategy, a readiness to question what worked in the past, and the courage to challenge yourself. SpaceFounders is the bootcamp for that transformation. The connections startups make here—whether business partnerships, future customers, or trusted confidants—are the ones that will help push them forward. 🚀 What you can see in the pictures: The food's pretty amazing too. 🍷🍽️ #SpaceFounders #ToulouseWeek #ScalingUp #newspace #Europeannewspace #spacetech #newspacetech #newspacestartups

Yesterday, the startups kicked off Toulouse Week by presenting themselves with elevator pitches. We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce them to you as well, because these 15 space tech companies are definitely ones to watch. So, meet Batch 5: Fifteen startups shaping the future of space tech 🚀 🌍 SpaceLocker (Toulouse, France): Making space more accessible with shared space missions for a sustainable orbital future. 🛰️ Astradyne (Bary, Italy): Pioneering lightweight, foldable deployable solutions using advanced FRET-technology, revolutionizing aerospace applications. 🧠 Blackswan Space (Vilnius, Lithuania): Building software for time-critical space missions, paving the way for autonomous in-space infrastructure. 📡 connected (Coimbra, Portugal): Bringing affordable, universal connectivity to everyone and everything, unlocking new IoT possibilities and bridging the digital divide. 🚀 DeltaOrbit (Munich, Germany): Developing agile in-space mobility platforms powered by Methalox engines, delivering rapid responsiveness and key business advantages. 🖥️ Galeio (Paris, France): Making satellite data analysis robust and affordable with AI-driven geospatial models for innovative remote-sensing intelligence. 🤖 KINETIK Space (Wessling, Germany): Creating cutting-edge robotic solutions for satellite servicing, space debris removal, and sustainable space operations. ⚡ Kreios Space (Barcelona, Spain): Innovating electric propulsion systems for Very Low Earth Orbits, enabling better satellite imaging and telecommunications. 🔄 Kurs Orbital (Turin, Italy): Democratizing in-orbit servicing with its ARCap module, enabling spacecraft to autonomously perform rendezvous and docking, even with non-cooperative targets. 🌍 Marble Imaging (Bremen, Germany): Building Europe’s first satellite constellation for daily, high-resolution Earth monitoring, critical for decision-making in food security, climate, and energy. 🧠 Neurobus (Paris, France): Leveraging AI and neuromorphic processors to boost spacecraft power efficiency and performance for space and defense applications. 📡 Northern Waves AB (Stockholm, Sweden): Innovating aerospace communications with advanced additive manufacturing for 5G/6G and automotive radar systems. 💡 OLEDCOMM (Vélizy-Villacoublay, France): Leading in LiFi technology, offering secure, high-speed optical communication for space and defense applications. 🌐 Skynopy (Paris, France): Providing an end-to-end connectivity solution for LEO satellite operators, ensuring data sovereignty and security through a hybrid ground antenna network. 🔐 Snowpack (Orsay, France): Specializing in cybersecurity with their patented VIPN technology, making users and infrastructure invisible online. Check them out. These space innovators should be on your watchlist 🚀 #SpaceFounders #newspacestartupstowatch #SpaceTech #Innovation #newspace #Entrepreneurship #SpaceIndustry