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ESA Investor Forum at the London Stock Exchange

Space now seen as a key technology in multiple verticals

The European Space Agency’s ESA Business Applications programme and ELITE, the business support and capital-raising programme of the London Stock Exchange Group, tucked another successful Investor Forum under their belts last month. 

The Forum – with ESA’s Business Applications team proving that space is open for business and has the power to improve everyday life.

The 3rd Investor Forum took place at the London Stock Exchange on 23 May 2019, bringing together the cream of an up-and-coming crop of companies that integrate space technologies into their offerings. Eight of the most promising companies, each looking to raise between €1- €10m, pitched to a group of 20 angel and venture capital investors. The companies are active in a wide variety of sectors, including data analytics, fintech, oil & gas, maritime, geospatial intelligence and communications.

The event proved once more how the mentoring and support of ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions not only helps companies to skyrocket but also assists them in maintaining that momentum with long-term growth. 

Startup executives and investors alike heaped praise on the forum:  

"We are very grateful for ESA's commitment and support for developing and enhancing young hi-tech business", said Steve Wilcockson from Geofinance market development at Geospatial Insight (GSI)

"Very well organised pitches…The quality of the companies presenting was really very high", enthused  Stefano Gurciullo, partner at RedStone, an international and diverse group of serial entrepreneurs, investors, investment professionals, tech analysts and data scientists whose partners have founded and sold companies to Google, eBay and Axel Springer. 

Nick Appleyard, Head of ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions summed up the mood and ESA’s role in helping businesses to leverage satellite technology: 

"Space-based systems are firmly positioned at the heart of digital revolution. New businesses continue to tap into the potential of these systems, with the prospect of rich pickings for private investment growth. ESA nurtures these new businesses in partnership with ELITE, ensuring the best possible conditions for promising start-ups to flourish." 

About ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions

Since the programme’s inception in 2008, ESA Business Applications has invested more than €200M in over 500 business ideas, addressing markets in industries worldwide. Funding typically ranges from 60kEuro to 2MEuro and supports everything from early stage feasibility studies to large-scale demonstration projects.

Get in touch with us via email at business@esa.int

About ELITE

ELITE offers businesses a full programme to help them grow, including education, business support and direct contact with Europe’s financial and advisory community. In the UK, Imperial College Business School helps to deliver the programme. Management teams are guided on how best to fast-track their development and capital raising processes, how to access the most suitable funding for their needs (whether private equity, venture capital or the bond or equity markets), and are given advice on building their profile and reach.

www.elite-growth.com

 

 

08 July 2019
Last updated at 27 August 2019 - 14:49