{"id":60121,"date":"2020-03-19T19:35:59","date_gmt":"2020-03-19T11:35:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/once-the-domain-of-billionaires-space-investment-diversifies\/"},"modified":"2020-03-19T19:35:59","modified_gmt":"2020-03-19T11:35:59","slug":"once-the-domain-of-billionaires-space-investment-diversifies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/once-the-domain-of-billionaires-space-investment-diversifies\/","title":{"rendered":"Once the Domain of Billionaires, Space Investment Diversifies"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Space investments by billionaire \u201cgeeks for space,\u201d such as Paul Allen and Jeff Bezos, have brought attention to the burgeoning commercial space startup sector. But now the field of investors is flourishing, driven not just by interest in space, but also by companies and ideas that are generating real excitement and profit potential.<\/p>\n<p>Claude Rosseau, moderator of the Space and Satellite Investors Roundtable on Wednesday of SATELLITE 2020, noted that \u201ca mountain of money\u201d has been flowing into the space sector for the past five years, provided by both established and new investors. \u201cThis is no longer just a play for billionaires,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/s0ScuxQR87qEnTDguDCw_ShowDaily20_Cover_WrapUp_DGTL-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 120px; height: auto;\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/s0ScuxQR87qEnTDguDCw_ShowDaily20_Cover_WrapUp_DGTL-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/s0ScuxQR87qEnTDguDCw_ShowDaily20_Cover_WrapUp_DGTL-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/s0ScuxQR87qEnTDguDCw_ShowDaily20_Cover_WrapUp_DGTL-640x480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/s0ScuxQR87qEnTDguDCw_ShowDaily20_Cover_WrapUp_DGTL.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"fs-5 mt-0\">Explore the Show Daily 2020 Post-Show Issue<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mb-0 fs-smaller text-balance\">Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t<button class=\"btn btn-primary\" type=\"button\" data-bs-toggle=\"offcanvas\" data-bs-target=\"#offcanvasMENU\" aria-controls=\"offcanvasExample\" aria-label=\"button\" style=\"white-space: nowrap;\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tView More <i class=\"bi bi-arrow-right-circle\"><\/i><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/p>\n<p>Razor\u2019s Edge Ventures was founded about 10 years ago and focuses on companies working on dual-use technologies that offer applications for commercial and government users, said Chief Technologist Tom Loftus. Investments include geospatial intelligence firm Altamira, HawkEye 360, which uses a commercial satellite constellation to provide RF signal ID and geolocation services; and Spaceflight Industries. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe feel we can help those companies be successful in government markets while also exploring the commercial market,\u201d Loftus said.<\/p>\n<p>Starbridge Venture Capital was founded in 2017 and focuses on early stage and newer technology startups, said Lindsey Yee, principal of Starbridge\u2019s founding team. While space is the draw for startups, Starbridge also looks for markets on Earth that the technologies can serve, she said. Starbridge investments include BridgeSat Inc., which is developing Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver optical communications, and Made In Space, which is working toward 3D printing in space. <\/p>\n<p><script>var AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a68a26e4c9e1;googletag.cmd.push(function(){var AIMAP_29b58f13885ebf8ea6b032f958eb0748 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([992, 100], [[970, 90], [970, 250]]).addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_737ce075cc05dd766c8f8ea08f3faa73 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([768, 100], [728, 90]).addSize([320, 100], [320, 50]).build();var AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3 = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1200, 100], [970, 250]).addSize([768, 100], [600, 300]).addSize([320, 100], [300, 250]).build();AIAD_fcd45f981d570e35cee941b23edc69c7_6a68a26e4c9e1 = googletag.defineSlot('\/987\/satellitetoday.com\/via-satellite-digital-issue-ads', [ [600, 300], [300, 250], [970, 250] ], 'div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a68a26e4c9e3').defineSizeMapping(AIMAP_21fe3bcfb86a8660aba4e721ee9338f3).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true).addService(googletag.pubads());   });<\/script><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1774631144891- 0-6a68a26e4c9e3'); });<\/script><\/p>\n<p>When a company comes to Starbridge, the first question Yee asks is: Who are your customers? <\/p>\n<p>Large, established space companies have gotten more involved in funding startups as well. Teresa Segura, portfolio development principal of Space &amp; Connectivity for Boeing\u2019s HorizonX Ventures, said her team exists because Boeing, a 104-year old company, is looking to the future. The HorizonX portfolio includes terminal company Isotropic Systems, nanaosatllite communications startup Myriota of Australia, and Reaction Engines, a U.K.-based hypersonic propulsion company. <\/p>\n<p>The primary challenge for investors of all sizes is still identifying the potential winners, but with the explosive growth in the number of startups now looking to serve the sector, it\u2019s becoming even more difficult, Segura said. \u201cWhen making an investment, especially in the early round, we have to be sure they understand the track is going to be expensive and take longer than you think. The more a startup has plans and they recognize [the challenge] and convince us they can do it, it makes us more satisfied,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Razor\u2019s Edge does not get involved in the seed funding of startups, choosing instead to wait until a company has progressed further in their business and technology development before getting involved,  Loftus said. \u201cYou have to have real problem-solving [behind your plans], rather than having a technology for which you are trying to find a market. Then you have to have the ability to execute the plan. We\u2019ve seen issues where people just take a lot of money and try to scale a big business without hitting milestones. If you can\u2019t do the business you set out to do, the rest doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>HorizonX likes to \u201ccelebrate the milestones\u201d of the companies in its portfolio, said Segura. It helps them make sure the companies are on track with their plans, while also offering more information on how the technology or solution could be leveraged by Boeing. At the same time, HorizonX wants to help the companies explore government markets. \u201cWe have companies that don\u2019t necessarily want government as a customer, but the truth is, government is not looking for the cheapest option. The challenge is you don\u2019t want to be put in a place where you can\u2019t address the commercial market as well.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In terms of the hot markets for startups, Loftus said many companies are looking into supporting the Internet of Things (IoT) or 5G. It has a lower barrier to entry than the capital-intensive broadband constellation sector, but there is also far more competition for funding dollars. \u201cThey are all trying to argue that they are the right company.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Some of the more traditional space sectors are also the ones the funds research the most before committing any money. Launch is very crowded.  \u201cWe are in a position of needing more launch vehicles to reach orbit without needing more launch companies,\u201d said Loftus. \u201cGoing into an early-stage company at this point would be difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Segura agreed. \u201cWe have to take a hard look before we move forward. \u2026 But if you have a solid plan for how to get there, I\u2019m interested.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Remote sensing is also a crowded field. There is simply too much data available, said Loftus. \u201cThe people buying are not looking for raw satellite data. They are looking for that answer that the data provides. Most companies simply don\u2019t have the capacity to ingest more and more data,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless of the winners or losers, one overall benefit in the growth of space-based startups is that it is expanding opportunities for the workforce of tomorrow, the panel said. \u201cAfter SpaceX and Planet and Spire made names for themselves, we\u2019ve been seeing a lot more people that worked at those companies decide to go out on their own,\u201d said Yee.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a passion,\u201d said Segura. \u201cIt started in many of us when we were little. And that passion doesn\u2019t go away. People are still excited about it. We have young people at Boeing that want to be there. HorizonX is a talent-retention program in itself. And through portfolio development, we are seeding projects within Boeing. We hope HorizonX employees take what they learn into other parts of Boeing.\u201d <strong>VS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>,<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">In This Issue<\/h2>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 401:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/qFr0nT1uSYNzqba6eheb_SpacePolicy2-300x200.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/qFr0nT1uSYNzqba6eheb_SpacePolicy2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/qFr0nT1uSYNzqba6eheb_SpacePolicy2-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/qFr0nT1uSYNzqba6eheb_SpacePolicy2-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/qFr0nT1uSYNzqba6eheb_SpacePolicy2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tConcerns Over Debris and Space Situational Awareness Abound as Space Activity Ramps Up<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 404:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/gR5Ptnc9RKOfdw1QhIL6_2I0I4aMxR6yiP6pO0cLw_Satshow_DC_Background-300x200.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/gR5Ptnc9RKOfdw1QhIL6_2I0I4aMxR6yiP6pO0cLw_Satshow_DC_Background-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/gR5Ptnc9RKOfdw1QhIL6_2I0I4aMxR6yiP6pO0cLw_Satshow_DC_Background-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/gR5Ptnc9RKOfdw1QhIL6_2I0I4aMxR6yiP6pO0cLw_Satshow_DC_Background-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/gR5Ptnc9RKOfdw1QhIL6_2I0I4aMxR6yiP6pO0cLw_Satshow_DC_Background.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tIndustry Leaders Weigh in on WRC-19, and What\u2019s Next for Operators<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<!-- post id 403:  \/code\/wp-content\/themes\/ai-beehive\/template-parts\/content\/post-snippet.php --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"overflow-hidden w-100 me-3\">\n<p>\t<img width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/lZ68mqYQ4uAmkrbTZQIC_OnOrbit1-300x200.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/lZ68mqYQ4uAmkrbTZQIC_OnOrbit1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/lZ68mqYQ4uAmkrbTZQIC_OnOrbit1-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/lZ68mqYQ4uAmkrbTZQIC_OnOrbit1-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.satellitetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/lZ68mqYQ4uAmkrbTZQIC_OnOrbit1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\">\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"fs-4 w-100 line-clamp-3\">\n<p>\t\t\t\tOn Orbit Podcast Puts New Space Under the Microscope<br \/>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p><!-- .post-snippet --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"my-3 d-block d-md-none\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Space investments by billionaire \u201cgeeks for space,\u201d such as Paul Allen and Jeff Bezos, have brought attention to the burgeoning commercial space startup sector. But now the field of investors is flourishing, driven not just by interest in space, but also by companies and ideas that are generating real excitement and profit potential. Claude Rosseau, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":60124,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-60121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60121"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60121"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60121\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}