Virtual Conference
About the Event:
On April 7, 2021, C5 Capital CEO and Founder André Pienaar joined investment experts and high-level decision makers at America’s Future Series Space Innovation Summit. This interactive discussion covered the present and future states of the space investment landscape and highlighted the critical matters both startups and investors need to think about prior to investing in the industry. The event featured a series of panels and presentations for the purpose of bringing together industry experts to advance global competitiveness in America.
Featured Speakers:
André Pienaar, Chief Executive and Founder, C5 Capital
Dr. Kam Ghaffarian, Founder and Executive Chairman, Axiom Space
Jeff Crusey, Investment Manager, Seraphim Capital
Matt Kuta, Co-Founder, President, and Chief Operating Officer, Voyager Space Holdings
Ken Moelis, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Moelis & Company (moderator)
“Assessing the Space Investment Landscape“
In this new decade, the fast-moving space economy is one of increasing interest to founders and investors alike. Morgan Stanley estimates the global space industry may generate more than $1 trillion in 2040- just 19 years away. There have been an emerging group of venture capital investors who understand that space is the high ground of cybersecurity and find great value in this sector. This domain is integral to the growing low Earth orbit (LEO) economy and our reliance continues to grow on technologies that utilise space for communication, GPS navigation, weather monitoring, and more.
Prior to investing in the space economy, we noted that investors will need to know the process will take more time and capital than expected. Investors should also know exactly who is on the team of the startup they plan to invest in. Are they credible? Finding a team at a space startup with the right expertise is a critical step so you can ensure they will be able to handle the capital you present them with. A variety of experiences are needed- everything from engineering to management can provide the diversity and competency needed to drive the company to success.
The sources of capital continue to broaden for space startups- everything from SPACs to seed investments to venture to government. André believes SPACs are here to stay despite their difficult undertaking. He has found an enormous appetite for companies that can bring change in the public market and in the coming decades, we expect to see space flourish and create more opportunities than most other sectors.
Watch the full panel here: