Afleveringen
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Luca is the founder and CEO of D-Orbit, which is revolutionizing space logistics by providing transportation and servicing solutions for satellites in orbit.
In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Luca shares his journey from being rejected by the astronaut program to building a company that raised more than $200M to create what he calls 'the DHL of space' or 'Space Taxi'. Luca explains how D-Orbit helps satellites reach their optimal positions faster and is working toward an interplanetary logistics infrastructure that will connect Earth, Mars, the Moon, and beyond.
Get intro to Luca: https://brdg.app/s/q10wiq
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Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction to D-Orbit and space logistics
(01:35) - What is D-Orbit: Space taxi
(02:53) - From wanting to be an astronaut to space founder
(05:16) - The accident that got Luca to Silicon Valley
(06:47) - Silicon Valley reality: Investor walks out of meeting
(09:12) - Early struggles: 4:30 AM breakfasts and rebuilding the business plan
(11:33) - NASA internship: Working alongside the future Planet Labs founders
(15:18) - First funding: €300K for 44% - "Buying a lottery ticket"
(18:33) - Creating a new market: "Like selling pens to people using pencils"
(20:23) - Founding team story: How Renato arrived just in time for the pitch
(26:29) - First prototype: Using €300K to build the decommissioning device
(30:52) - Team sacrifice: Employees buying parts with their own money
(33:37) - Hiring philosophy: Testing candidates outside their comfort zone
(40:54) - European vs. US investors: Different approaches to fundraising
(46:39) - Public funding tradeoffs: Speed vs. dilution challenges
(52:34) - First commercial contract: Strategic discount for Planet Labs
(56:09) - The failed SPAC deal: Dodging a bullet when markets crashed
(01:04:05) - Future vision: Orbital manufacturing and space recycling
(01:09:36) - Ultimate advice: "Think big - you want to change the universe"
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Episode Takeaways:
1) Never Give Up When Creating a New Market
- "If you give up, you have 100% probability of failing"
- Persisted through hundreds of investor rejections
- Turned NASA's skepticism into motivation
2) Hire for Attitude Over Technical Skills
- Use unconventional interview questions to test resilience
- Look for people who stay calm under pressure
- "You can buy competence, but you cannot buy attitude"
3) Master Different Investor Communication Styles
- Study investors' backgrounds before approaching them
- Speak on stages to attract investors rather than chasing them
- European vs US investors require different approaches
4) Be Strategic with Public Funding
- Understand the tradeoffs between speed and dilution
- Public money moves slower but preserves equity
- Institutional partnerships can build credibility with customers
5) Find Creative Solutions During Financial Crises
- Sold office furniture to keep the company afloat
- Team members personally funded critical components
- Make tough decisions like stopping the SPAC process when necessary
6) Use Simple Analogies to Explain Complex Technology
- "Space taxi" makes orbital logistics understandable
- Reframe technical descriptions as Earth-based equivalents
- Clear communication attracts both investors and customers
7) Create a Long-Term Vision Beyond Profits
- Think beyond Earth to interplanetary infrastructure
- "Think big - you want to change the universe"
- Money is just a means to achieve bigger impact
8) Navigate the Inevitable Founder-Investor Tension
- Understand that founder and investor objectives aren't always aligned
- Cycle between fighting for vision and accommodating investor needs
- Build relationships with investors who understand your industry
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Follow Luca Rossettini on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucarossettini/Follow D-Orbit on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/d-orbit
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Even is a co-founder of Glint Solar, which is accelerating the solar revolution by helping developers identify optimal locations for building large solar parks.
In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Even shares his journey from being unexpectedly "kicked out" of the US to founding a company that leverages satellite data to make solar development faster and more efficient. Even explains how Glint Solar helps customers quickly identify suitable land that isn't in conflict with nature for solar development.
Get intro to Even: https://brdg.app/s/cfg21y
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Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction & Glint Solar Overview
(01:50) Journey Before Founding Glint Solar
(04:07) Finding Co-Founders Through Antler
(05:25 Importance of Founder Alignment & Values
(07:23) Using Satellite Data for Solar Development
(09:36) When to Approach Space Accelerators
(11:23) First Funding & Celebrating Frugally
(15:23) The "Sell First, Build Second" Approach
(20:46 Understanding Customer Problems
(22:31) Building Close Customer Relationships
(24:01) Handling Rejection & Persistence
(27:56) Landing Their First Customers
(30:46) Product Evolution & Pricing Strategy
(35:36 Finding & Hiring Early Employees
(41:40) Pricing Experimentation Strategies
(45:31) Pitch Evolution From Seed to Series A
(49:14) Building a Global, Diverse Team
(53:32) Future Plans & Quick Fire Questions
(57:42) Work-Life Balance Advice
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Episode Takeaways:
1) Validate Before Building
- Use the "sell first, build second" approach
- Started by selling PDF reports before building software- "We're not going to build it before we have validated it"
2) Develop Founder Alignment Through Values
- Spend time understanding each other's core values
- "Spend time drilling down into what are some of the core things, like importance in your life"
3) Find the Right Co-Founders for Your Stage
- Look for complementary skills and personalities
- "We were able to play on other people's strengths"
4) Leverage Available Satellite Data
- Use existing data sources like Copernicus
- Join programs that facilitate access to satellite data
5) Build Close Customer Relationships-
Hire customer success early
- "Spend time with customers, ideally sit next to them in their office"
6) Price Strategically and Experiment
- Test different pricing models with small customer segments
- "Be clear on what you're trying to achieve and let that influence your pricing"
7) Create a Diverse Team for Global Impact
- Hire people with non-traditional backgrounds
- "We wanted to make sure that we can build a diverse team"
8) Balance Growth with Family Life
- Set boundaries and protect family time
- "I leave work fairly early... those three hours, those are holy"
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Anthony Baker is the founder and CEO of Satellite VU, which is building the world's orbital thermometer through high-resolution thermal imaging satellites. In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Anthony shares his journey from spending 30 years operating satellites for NATO and Qatar to convincing investors to put £30M into his vision of seeing heat from space.Get intro to Anthony: https://brdg.app/s/00hi6g-----------------------------------------------Timestamps(00:00) Introduction
(06:03) Academic Background & Career Path
(14:08 The Decision to Become a Founder
(20:19) Seraphim Space Camp Experience
(30:32) Product Evolution & Market Focus
(41:39) Series A & Investment Strategy
(46:37) First Satellite Launch & Experience
(49:52) Dealing with Camera Anomaly
(52:06) Future Plans & Constellation Growth
(54:31) Quick Fire Round & Final Thoughts
-----------------------------------------------Episode Takeaways:1) Focus on Customer Problems, Not Space Technology- Went to customer conferences, not space conferences- Learned to pitch to solution buyers, not end users- "We've never really gone to space conferences. We've always gone to customer conferences"2) Use Grants and Accelerators Strategically- Grants provide non-dilutive funding and credibility- Choose specialized accelerators for your sector- "Go big, go specialized on what you need to show some difference at each stage"3) Plan for Survival, Not Just Growth- Plan for cash break-even, not just runway- Have insurance and contingency plans- "We plan for cash break even... we can always survive on where we are now"4) Embrace Pivots Based on Market Feedback- Originally focused on ocean plastic monitoring- Pivoted to thermal imaging based on market demand- "If three people tell you that your pitch is not good for this reason, they're probably right"5) Build Networks Before You Need Them- Leverage industry relationships and reputation- Get into relevant events and meet investors- "The network helps more... if you want more money, you want to hang around friends that have lots of friends with lots of money"6) Move Fast But Be Prepared for Setbacks- Launch quickly but have backup plans- Be transparent with investors about risks- "You have to believe in what you're doing and put 110% in, but also listen to the feedback"7) Think Beyond Traditional Space Applications- Look for high-value commercial applications- Focus on solving real-world problems- "We're opening up new markets beyond the traditional Earth Observation market"
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Thomas Sinn is the founder of DCUBED, which develops mechanisms and deployable structures that need to be small in rockets but big in space. In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Thomas shares their journey from 3D printing prototypes in a basement to shipping hardware to the International Space Station. While growing from a €2,000 prize to a multi-million euro company. D-Cube is making space hardware more accessible by building critical release devices and deployment mechanisms for satellites and space stations.Get intro to Thomas: https://brdg.app/s/5vhet4-----------------------------------------------Timestamps00:00 Introduction08:45 From Academia to Rocket Lab13:20 Starting with 3D Printed Parts18:30 Getting MIT as First Customer27:45 Patent Strategy & Working with IP Lawyers32:40 COVID Crisis & Basement Operations37:15 First Institutional Money40:20 How to find investors48:50 Preparing for Series A Round54:20 Short & Long Term Future Plans56:10 Rapid Fire Questions with Investors1:02:10 Final Advice for Space Founders-----------------------------------------------Episode Takeaways:1) Don't Be Too Secretive About Your Technology- Being too confidential can lose you opportunities- Focus on protecting processes/tolerances, not designs- "If you're too confidential about it... you've already lost the foot in the door"2) Go to Market Early with Imperfect Products- Launch at 80% readiness to get customer feedback- Early market validation is crucial- "Go advertising your products early... sometimes the market assessments we do are wrong"3) Build Your Website Immediately- First MIT customer found them through their website- Put information and pictures online even if not perfect- "Nobody knows what you're doing if you don't publish it somewhere"4) Choose Investors Based on Personal Fit- Getting an investor is "almost like a marriage"- Look for investors in similar companies' portfolios- Get references from other founders about investors5) Time Your Fundraising Strategically- Avoid summer and winter breaks- Aim to close in May/June or mid-November- "You need to consider summer break and winter break"6) Start Global from Day One- Space industry is inherently international- Don't focus only on local markets- "The space industry is global... there's a lot happening all around"7) Balance Visionary Goals with Practical Steps- Started with simple actuators before space manufacturing- Use current revenue to fund future innovations- "We always said we want to follow our dream to do something very big in space"
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Luc Piguet is the co-founder and CEO of ClearSpace, a pioneering company developing technology to capture and remove satellites from orbit, making space more sustainable.In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Luc shares the journey from a research project at EPFL to winning an €86 million ESA mission, making ClearSpace the first European company to attempt satellite removal from orbit.Get intro to Luc: https://brdg.app/s/l5odpn-----------------------------------------------Timestamps
(00:00) The Need for Space Debris Management
(03:10) ClearSpace: A Vision for the Future
(06:03) Challenges in the Space Industry
(08:58) Public Interest and Policy Changes
(11:55) The Origins of ClearSpace
(15:05) Building a Business Model for Space Cleanup
(17:58) The Role of ESA and Initial Funding
(28:13) The Sacrifices of Startup Life
30:10) Navigating the Challenges of Fundraising
(32:12) Strategic Timing and Market Readiness
(34:35) Collaborative Innovation in Space Missions
(36:30) Building a Competent Team
(39:58) Securing the ESA Contract
(41:01) Funding Strategies and Investor Relations
(44:00) The Journey to Series A Funding
(46:14) The European Space Landscape
(49:21) Future Aspirations for ClearSpace
(52:31) Rapid Fire Insights and Challenges for Founders-----------------------------------------------In this episode, we discuss:1. Space Sustainability: Why servicing capabilities are crucial for sustainable space operations2. Clear Space Origins: From EPFL research project to winning an 86 million euro ESA mission3. Team Building: Creating a weekend "Space Club" to attract top engineering talent before having funding4. Funding Journey: From ESA BIC support to raising 26 million euros in Series A5. Personal Sacrifices: Moving from lakeside apartment to two-bedroom flat with family of six6. ESA Contract Success: Securing major mission through strategic partnerships7. Market Timing: Anticipating policy changes around 2025-20268. Technical Innovation: Developing new approaches while working within ESA standards9. European Space Industry: Challenges and opportunities for deep-tech companies10. Future Vision: Plans to increase mission frequency from yearly to monthly launches
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Giovanni Pandolfi Bortoletto is one of the co-founders of of Leaf Space, which operates a network of over 30 ground stations enabling satellite communications worldwide.In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Giovanni shares their journey from a student rocketry association at Politecnico di Milano to raising a €35M Series B, while scaling from 400 to 4,000 satellite passes per month in just one year. Leaf Space is making space communications accessible by building the backbone infrastructure for the growing space economy. Get intro to Giovanni: https://brdg.app/s/6bwyw8-----------------------------------------------Timestamps00:00 The Genesis of LeafSpace13:02 Navigating the Pivot to Ground Segment20:37 Securing Initial Investment and Growth29:12 Understanding Grants and Funding Strategies34:31 Building Operational Heritage Through Customer Feedback39:50 Pricing Strategies and Market Entry46:39 Navigating Growth and Series A Funding57:06 Challenges in Series B and Future Vision01:01:54 Advice for European Space Ecosystem-----------------------------------------------Episode Takeaways:1) Talk to Everyone From Day One- Don't wait to approach customers- Space market is small enough that you can reach most potential customers- "Basically, try everyone. The good thing about space is it's not a crazy huge market"2) Approach Other Founders First- Other startups are easier to work with than big companies- They're more likely to try new solutions- "Getting in touch with another founder, with another CTO or whatever was easy"3) Focus on One Thing That Works- Don't try to build everything in-house- Drop what's not working (like they dropped building their own antennas)- "Focus on just the things that makes your beer taste better"4) Get International Early- Don't just stay in Europe- Their US revenue is now 55% of total- Have at least one US investor for different perspective5) Make Hard Choices About Time Management- Choose wisely between institutional and commercial customers- "Do we spend 10 months trying to get one contract with ESA, or do we close five commercial contracts?"- Pick the faster path to market
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Niels Buus is a renowned veteran in the space and defence industry, widely recognized for his role as the CEO of GOMspace, one of the few European satellite companies to go public.In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Niels shares his inspiring personal and professional journey, from his early days as a car mechanic through his tenure at GOMspace. The conversation delves into the evolution of GOMspace, the leadership lessons he learned during his tenure at Terma, and his insights into the critical role of startups within the space ecosystem. Niels offers invaluable advice for early-stage founders and underscores the importance of quality and reliability in space components. He also reflects on the future of the space industry, highlighting the need for European competitiveness and the industrialization of the space sector.Get intro to Niels: https://brdg.app/s/81om74-----------------------------------------------Timestamps
(00:00) Introduction
(02:54) Niels Buus: A Journey from Mechanic to CEO
(08:51) Leadership Lessons from Terma
(12:06) Entrepreneurship at Gatehouse
(15:00) Underwater Exploration and Its Lessons for Space
(17:47) The Role of Startups in the Space Ecosystem
(21:02) Quality and Reliability in Space Components
(23:51) GOMspace: From Academia to Industry
(27:08) Advice for Early Stage Founders
(29:01) Navigating Early Business Challenges
(31:54) Transitioning to Leadership
(32:50) The Journey to Going Public
(36:05) Learning from Mistakes
(40:45) Reflections on Leadership Transition
(43:12) Future of the Space Industry
(47:17) Comparing Space and Wind Industries
(52:57) Strategies for European Competitiveness
(53:54) Rapid Fire Questions-----------------------------------------------Takeaways
Everything in space is only prototypes. Leadership is about staying in the room during tough discussions. Entrepreneurship requires a focus on cash flow and product delivery. The space industry needs to prioritize quality and reliability. Startups should focus on new instruments and capabilities, not building everything in house. Collaboration between big companies and startups is essential. Mentorship is crucial for young entrepreneurs to navigate challenges. Founders should remain in charge for as long as possible. Going public can be a necessary step for rapid growth. Learning from mistakes is essential for long-term success. The space industry needs to move towards industrialization. European companies should find their own path rather than copying the US. Quality and reliability are key to attracting investment in the space sector. Collaboration among smaller companies can enhance competitiveness. The future of humanity will involve colonizing the moon which is happening soon. -
Joakim Espeland is the co-founder of Quadsat, a company changing the way we manage radio frequencies with clever drone technology.In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Joakim shares his journey from testing satellite signals on ships to building game-changing solutions for both everyday and military use. He talks about the challenges of starting a company, raising money, and creating cutting-edge tech. Plus, he gives us a sneak peek into the future of radio spectrum management.Get intro to Joakim: https://brdg.app/s/dzdbnt-----------------------------------------------Timestamps(00:00) Introduction to Quadsat and Its Mission(03:08) The Evolution from Space to Defense(05:59) Founding Story: From Idea to Reality(08:46) Navigating the Startup Ecosystem(12:11) Accelerators and Their Impact on Growth(14:56) Funding Journey: Securing Seed Investment(17:48) Demonstrating Technology to Major Operators(21:02) Capital Management and Future Growth(23:50) Technical Challenges and Solutions(29:27) Design Challenges and Innovations in UAV Technology(32:39) Funding Rounds: Pre-Series A to Series A(37:16) Milestones in Measurement Campaigns(41:23) Pitch Evolution and Investor Expectations(43:19) Lessons from Early Fundraising Experiences(45:06) Strategic Partnerships and Future Directions(48:29) Advice for Early Stage Founders in Defense Tech(51:21) Reflections on Failure and Resilience(53:40) Building Quality Relationships in Business(55:33) Flaws in the Tendering Process(56:31) Challenges for Aspiring Founders-----------------------------------------------Takeaways- Space and defense are interconnected industries.- Initial ideas can pivot based on industry needs.- Accelerators can significantly impact startup growth.- Funding strategies should align with long-term goals.- Demonstrating technology to major operators is crucial.- Capital management is key for scaling a startup.- Accuracy in technology is essential for success.- Building a strong network is vital for founders. - Standardization is crucial for global operations.- Funding rounds require demonstrating market traction.- Proactive customer engagement is key to securing funding.- Quality relationships are more important than sheer exposure.- The tendering process can hinder innovation.- Don't give up; persistence is vital for success.
-----------------------------------------------Follow Martin Majercin on X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/monsfrost Follow Martin Majercin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/monsfrost/Follow Joakim Espeland on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joakimespeland/Follow Quadsat on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/quadsat -
Benoît Deper is the founder Aerospacelab, a company revolutionizing satellite development with a bold approach to vertical integration.In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Benoît takes us on a journey from his work at NASA to founding one of Europe's most groundbreaking space startups. From the challenges of transitioning from government-driven to commercial space markets, to the importance of in-house manufacturing for quality and efficiency, Benoît shares his unique insights and bold predictions for the future of space exploration. Get intro to Benoît: https://brdg.app/s/gtxcvc-----------------------------------------------Timestamps(00:00) Introduction to Aerospacelab(02:49) The Evolution of the Space Industry(05:45) Challenges and Opportunities for Space Agencies(09:02) The Journey from Space Agency to Startup Founder(11:48) Founding Aerospace Lab: The Vision and Strategy(15:11) Navigating the European Space Market(18:05) The Decision to Build In-House(20:58) Fundraising and Early Growth(24:14) Building the Team and Company Culture(29:02) Revolutionizing Hiring Practices(34:43) Launching Satellites: The Journey Begins(38:50) Pricing Strategies in a Competitive Market(40:44) Milestones Post-Series A(42:09) Series B: Gaining Industry Recognition(45:32) Expanding to the US Market(47:13) Challenges in the European Space Ecosystem(50:04) Building the Charlois Mega Factory(51:57) Future Predictions for Aerospace Lab(53:53) Contrarian Advice for Founders(55:08) Final Thoughts for Early Stage Founders-----------------------------------------------Takeaways- Vertical integration in spacecraft development- The transition of the space market from governmental to commercial- How new technologies enable smaller teams to accomplish large missionsHow boredom and a desire for innovation drove the founding of Aerospacelab- The unique challenges of the European space market compared to the US- The importance of in-house manufacturing for quality and efficiency- The necessity of strategic partnerships for fundraising in the space sector- The inefficiencies of the traditional hiring process- The importance of strong commercial traction in funding rounds- The significant challenges involved in launching satellites- The complexity and evolution of pricing strategies- The crucial role of product development post-Series A- How industry recognition can shift perceptions of new companies- The new opportunities that come with expanding to the US market- The funding and fragmentation issues faced by the European space ecosystem- The critical role of time management in startup success
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Lorenzo Feruglio is the co-founder and CEO of AIKO, a cutting-edge company pioneering AI-based automation for satellite operations.
In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Lorenzo takes us on a journey from launching satellites as a university student to securing Series A funding and leading one of Europe's most innovative space startups.
Get intro to Lorenzo
Timestamps
(00:00) Introduction and Setting the Scene
(01:17) Lorenzo's Background: From Academia to Space Startup
(04:56) Decision to Start a Company After JPL Rejection
(07:05) Advice for Graduates Considering Startups
(09:39) Building Company Culture at AIKO
(22:56) Securing ESA as a First Customer
(24:42) Fundraising Journey: From Pre-Seed to Series A
(31:42) Expanding the Product Portfolio
(38:48) International Expansion: Why Toulouse and the US Are Next
(46:10) Quick-Fire Round and Future Vision
In this episode, we discuss:
1. Lorenzo's Path to Space: From launching satellites as a university student to founding AIKO.
2. Why AI is Transformative for Space Missions: How automation reduces costs and increases efficiency for satellite operators.
3. Securing ESA as a First Customer: How AIKO gained credibility and leveraged a strong technical proposal to win a contract.
4. Fundraising Strategies: Insights from pre-seed to Series A, and the lessons learned along the way.
5. Scaling Internationally: Why AIKO chose Toulouse, France, and plans for the US market.
6. Challenges in the European Space Ecosystem: What’s missing, and how founders can navigate these obstacles.
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Julian Fernandez is the co-founder and CEO of FOSSA Systems, a pioneering company building nanosatellites to democratise IoT connectivity and space access.
In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Julian shares his incredible journey from launching satellites as a 16-year-old to scaling one of Europe’s most exciting space startups.
Get intro to Julian
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
(6:06) Julian's Early Start in Space: From IoT Experiments to Satellites
(9:58) Turning an Open-Source Project into a Company
(14:37) Pricing Challenges and Shifting Business Models
(19:26) Fundraising Journey: From Seed to Series A
(24:58) The Value of Accelerators for First-Time Founders
(28:13) Scaling Up: Launching Satellites with SpaceX
(33:38) Expanding into Portugal: Opening an R&D Hub
(36:59) Shifting Focus: From Hardware to IoT Services
(42:48) Advice to Young Founders: Passion and FocusIn this episode, we discuss:
Starting Young: How Julian turned his passion for IoT and space into a startup.
Building Trust: Convincing customers and investors with an MVP launched on a $30K budget.
Accelerators & Fundraising: Lessons from navigating European and U.S. ecosystems.
Scaling & Culture: Balancing rapid growth while maintaining focus and passion.
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Joshua Western is the co-founder and CEO of Space Forge, a groundbreaking company combining space technology and semiconductor manufacturing to create next-generation materials.
In this inaugural episode of Rockets & Radars, Joshua takes us on the inspiring journey of Space Forge — from bootstrapping in a tiny garage in the UK to raising one of Europe’s largest space-tech seed rounds and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space manufacturing.
Get intro to Joshua
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction and Setting the Scene(02:36) Spaceforge: Mission and Vision
(05:02) Founding Spaceforge: The Origin Story
(08:15) Breaking into the Space Industry
(15:45) Early Challenges and Funding Journey
(25:16) Navigating the Deep Tech Investment Landscape
(26:34) Strategic Fundraising Lessons
(32:49) Cultural Values and Team Building
(40:45) Expanding Internationally: Challenges and Insights
(46:10) Future Vision and Final Thoughts
In this episode, we discuss:
1. The Early Days: How Joshua and his co-founder turned a garage lab into a global space-tech company.
2. Fundraising Insights: Navigating angel investments, non-dilutive grants, and building relationships with top-tier VCs.
3. Scaling Up: Challenges of rapid growth and creating a strong team culture.
4. Space Forge’s Mission: How manufacturing in space can solve Earth’s most pressing challenges.
