Space Angels Network

Space Angels Network is an angel investing network which connects investors and entrepreneurs to encourage private investment in commercial space, aerospace, and aviation startups. Its members typically invest between US$250,000 and US$1,000,000 in early-stage companies which are not yet ready for venture capital. Through its global network, Space Angels Network has invested in more aerospace and aviation startups than any other angel group.

History

In the mid-2000s, commercial space projects began attracting the attention of very serious investors following the success of SpaceShipOne and Scaled Composites, claiming the US$10mm Ansari X Prize. It was clear the future of space technology was trending toward a heavier reliance on private industry. Since that time the global space economy grew 41% over five years, from 2006-2011, Fueled by growth in the commercial sector. At the end of 2012, most existing private space ventures had been financed by the deep pockets of starry-eyed billionaires. However, the new commercial space industry was beginning to show up on the radar of institutional investors and began to be pitted as the next great innovation economy. With more opportunity came the challenge of ensuring innovative technologies and the entrepreneurs who could bring those innovations to market could find the capital required for these new ventures to grow and flourish. Space Angels Network aggregates both companies and Angel investors to create a global network for The Two, expanding their geographical reach and breaking the barrier of a predominantly local investing process which is typical among angel networks.

Space Angels Network was created in 2006 by Guillermo Söhnlein, with Founding Members Esther Dyson (EDventure Holdings), Stephen Fleming (Atlanta Technology Angels), David S. Rose (New York Angels) and Ed Tuck (Falcon Fund). These Founder Members are known for previous seed investments in the aerospace sector and know the market and the risks such that they have the ability to help new Space Angels Network members evaluate investments. Starting with an experienced group of investors helped attract new entrepreneurs and companies to seek funding through the network.

In April 2007, Burton Lee joined as co-founder, and the two led the group's several Aerospace Venture Forums showcasing entrepreneurial ventures for prospective investors. The first of these forums included 14 presenting companies and was held in Long Beach, California on September 25, 2008. In 2010, Joe Landon became Managing Director, and under his leadership the group announced its first four investment deals during 2011-2012. As of mid-2012, the group consisted of approximately 25 investor members living across the United States and Europe, and more than 200 aerospace and aviation startup companies had applied for funding.

Funded Companies

Space Angels Network publicly announced investments include:

• XCOR Aerospace
• Laser Motive
• Sorian, Inc.
• Altius Space Machines

Associations

Space Angels Network is a member of the Angel Capital Association, the professional trade group of American angel investor organizations.

See also

• NewSpace
• Commercialization of space
• Space Tourism
• Asteroid mining
• Commercial astronaut
• Private spaceflight
• Space industry
• Space manufacturing
• Space-based industry