Starburst Ventures

Starburst Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, established in 2021. It specializes in investments within the aviation, space, and defense industries, focusing on supporting early-stage companies. Starburst Ventures provides entrepreneurs with access to a wide network of stakeholders, including startups, corporations, government entities, and academic institutions. By offering mentorship from industry leaders and subject matter experts, the firm assists companies in refining their business plans and pitches. Additionally, Starburst Ventures facilitates venture financing to help accelerate product development and market entry for its portfolio companies.

Francois Chopard

General Partner

Benjamin Zeitoun

Investor

Past deals in Aerospace

Privateer

Series A in 2024
Privateer is focused on developing data infrastructure to support the sustainable growth of the emerging space economy. The company utilizes proprietary knowledge graph technology to enhance the collection and processing of information about space objects. This innovation is crucial as orbital traffic increases, allowing space operators to navigate safely and efficiently. By providing reliable data and tools, Privateer aims to contribute to making space safe and accessible for everyone.

Aerix Systems

Seed Round in 2024
Aerix Systems is a company that develops omnidirectional drones that can navigate in any direction and orientation in space.

Atomic-6

Venture Round in 2024
Atomic-6 is an advanced manufacturing startup founded in 2018 and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The company focuses on the development and mass production of composite products, particularly carbon fiber, aimed at enhancing the logistics, military, and aerospace sectors. In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, Atomic-6 provides engineering consultancy services, assisting organizations in the space and aerospace industries in acquiring advanced products that improve their operational processes.

Reflex Aerospace

Venture Round in 2023
Reflex Aerospace specializes in the design and manufacturing of customized satellite platforms. The company focuses on creating multi-mission capable satellites that support the development of various space projects. Reflex Aerospace provides comprehensive services, including manufacturing, assembly, and integration of satellites, ensuring competitive pricing. The satellites are engineered to deliver high accuracy and stability for both passive and active Earth observation instruments. They are equipped with robust power and performance features, facilitating uninterrupted transmission and effective power and temperature management systems. This enables clients to obtain fully functional satellite assets tailored to their specific requirements and customizations.

Outpost

Seed Round in 2022
With $37 million in government and civil awards, we are developing a transportation platform called CarryAll, a space-rated shipping container capable of carrying up to 10 tons of cargo. It launches aboard rockets like SpaceX’s Falcon or Starship, reaches low Earth orbit in under 10 minutes, and returns to Earth within 45–90 minutes of command. It lands autonomously within five meters of its target using guided parafoils, GPS, and onboard targeting systems. This delivery vehicle redefines how goods move across Earth and how products are manufactured in space. The ability to deliver large, critical cargo anywhere on Earth within 90 minutes will fundamentally reshape global logistics, enabling a new era of supply chains, emergency response and commercial access to space. Also, some of the most valuable technologies of the coming decades will be manufactured in orbit, where zero gravity, vacuum, and stable thermal conditions make it possible to create materials that can't be made on Earth.

Canopy Aerospace

Seed Round in 2022
Canopy Aerospace specializes in the production of thermal protection systems, particularly heat shields for the space and hypersonic industries. The company focuses on advanced materials, utilizing ceramics and composites through scalable additive manufacturing techniques. By integrating software into its manufacturing processes, Canopy Aerospace enhances optimization, efficiency, and the rapid production of critical components. This approach allows vehicle manufacturers to incorporate thermal protection system designs early in their development, facilitating informed decision-making during trade studies and minimizing expensive last-minute changes. Canopy Aerospace serves various sectors, including hypersonics, space launch, propulsion, medical, semiconductors, automotive, and power generation, thereby improving mission capabilities in demanding environments.

Rebel Space Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
Rebel Space Technologies specializes in developing advanced software and systems aimed at ensuring secure and resilient mission-critical operations from Earth to deep space. The company focuses on autonomous intelligence software that enhances wireless connectivity and provides autonomous threat detection and response capabilities for networked edge devices. By integrating physical and cyber security, Rebel Space delivers actionable insights and real-time intelligence tailored for complex wireless environments. Additionally, the company offers secure radio communication solutions designed for challenging conditions, leveraging innovations in spectrum awareness and autonomous radio frequency systems to enable reliable communications for its clients.

SpaceAlpha

Seed Round in 2022
SpaceAlpha specializes in developing advanced dual-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology that provides real-time insights for various industries. The company focuses on using its SAR-XL satellites, enhanced by artificial intelligence, to deliver ultra-high-resolution data capable of penetrating biomass, soil, and sand. This technology offers immediate detection of ground objects, facilitating applications in precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, supply chain tracking, security, and more. By combining its satellite capabilities with a predictive analytics platform, SpaceAlpha aims to equip clients with actionable information, enabling them to make informed decisions based on comprehensive global insights.

Starfish Space

Seed Round in 2022
Starfish Space Inc. specializes in providing on-demand in-space transportation and maintenance services for satellites. The company develops small space tugs equipped with proprietary Proximity Operations Software, which integrates orbital mechanics, machine vision artificial intelligence, and a low-thrust electric propulsion system. This innovative technology allows the tugs to conduct various satellite servicing missions, including life extension, relocation, disposal, and inspection. Founded in 2019 and based in Kent, Washington, Starfish Space aims to support satellite companies by enhancing their operational capabilities in orbit.

Modularity Space

Venture Round in 2021
Modularity Space is focused on creating modular, reusable satellites that can be repaired, refueled, and upgraded in space. The company aims to transition to reusable space systems by establishing a constellation of these satellites, which includes the integration, launch, operation, and maintenance of the entire network. Their offerings consist of advanced, mass-producible, and scalable spacecraft designed to accommodate multiple payloads, allowing for upgrades and refurbishment in orbit. This innovative approach enables businesses to deploy payloads into space at a lower cost, promoting sustainability in satellite operations.

F-drones

Venture Round in 2021
F-drones is a developer and manufacturer specializing in transition drones that facilitate aerial deliveries to ships and offshore platforms. Their innovative drones are engineered for heavy payloads and long-range capabilities, allowing them to take off vertically, fly like fixed-wing aircraft, and land on moving targets. This design not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to cost savings, reduced manpower, and lower carbon emissions in marine and offshore logistics. F-drones aims to establish itself as a leader in heavy payload drone logistics across various industries within five years, setting high safety and reliability standards for aviation-grade drone deliveries.

Archangel Lightworks

Venture Round in 2021
Archangel Lightworks is a company specializing in laser communications technology aimed at enhancing space-ground connectivity. By developing secure, wireless systems that utilize laser transmission, the company addresses the limitations of traditional radio communications, which are often bandwidth-constrained and lack security. Archangel Lightworks produces a range of products, including space terminals for satellites, air terminals for drones and manned aircraft, and ground communication terminals. These innovations provide the aerospace sector with resilient connectivity solutions, paving the way for the future of space-enabled networks.

ResilienX

Venture Round in 2021
ResilienX specializes in developing a comprehensive software monitoring system aimed at enhancing the resilience and reducing maintenance costs of complex autonomous ecosystems. Their platform is designed to monitor the health, integrity, and performance of systems involved in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. By servicing a diverse clientele that includes federal, state, and commercial organizations, ResilienX helps orchestrate the mitigation of off-nominal situations and facilitates automated contingency management. Their focus on safety-critical systems positions them as a key player in the evolving landscape of autonomous operations, supporting clients in meeting regulatory requirements and improving operational efficiency.

Morpheus Space

Venture Round in 2021
Morpheus Space GmbH, founded in 2018 and based in Dresden, Germany, specializes in manufacturing electric propulsion systems for the small satellite industry. The company offers innovative products such as nanoFEEP and multiFEEP, which enable satellite service providers to manage entire constellations as a unified entity. By integrating advanced electric propulsion with artificial intelligence, Morpheus Space promotes the concept of Agile Constellations, allowing satellites to execute numerous orbital maneuvers efficiently. This technology facilitates "objective first" mission planning, providing unprecedented flexibility in satellite networks. The systems are designed to support sustainability efforts in space and on Earth, assisting companies in optimizing nano-satellite operations and managing space debris effectively.

Robotic Skies

Venture Round in 2021
Robotic Skies, Inc. is a provider of maintenance and repair services for commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility aircraft (AAM). Founded in 2013 and based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the company operates a global network of over 150 independently-owned repair stations. These stations are staffed by aviation professionals with expertise in maintaining both manned and unmanned aircraft, ensuring high standards of safety and efficiency. Robotic Skies offers a comprehensive field service program designed to keep UAS fleets operational and compliant with aviation regulations. This approach enables it to deliver specialized certification, maintenance, and repair services to emerging commercial drone operators worldwide.

Optimized Electrotech

Venture Round in 2021
Optimized Electrotech builds high-end Electro-Optic surveillance systems for Strategic and Commercial buyers. These products are researched and proven at India's most discerning clients for land and aerospace applications. The company is currently raising funds for commercial production.

Odys Aviation

Seed Round in 2021
Odys Aviation is an aircraft startup focused on developing hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft aimed at enhancing regional mobility. The company aims to transform air travel by facilitating the creation of distributed aerial transportation networks that bypass traditional airport infrastructure, significantly reducing door-to-door travel times. By integrating advanced technologies, Odys Aviation seeks to promote electrification and sustainability in air travel, improving the overall human experience and offering innovative solutions for businesses in the transportation sector.

Nebula Compute

Venture Round in 2021
Nebula Compute specializes in developing an open-source cloud computing platform tailored for the space sector, serving both government and commercial clients. Its innovative technology aims to enhance high-performance computing capabilities, offering a cost-effective alternative to constructing additional data centers. By facilitating the sharing of large and complex data sets, Nebula Compute enables scientists and researchers from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, among others, to collaborate more efficiently with external partners and the public. The platform allows users to provision, manage, and decommission computing resources on demand, utilizing a user-friendly web interface or command-line tools.

Atomic-6

Venture Round in 2021
Atomic-6 is an advanced manufacturing startup founded in 2018 and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The company focuses on the development and mass production of composite products, particularly carbon fiber, aimed at enhancing the logistics, military, and aerospace sectors. In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, Atomic-6 provides engineering consultancy services, assisting organizations in the space and aerospace industries in acquiring advanced products that improve their operational processes.

Skyways

Venture Round in 2020
Skyways is a company based in Austin, Texas, specializing in the development and construction of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones. These drones are designed primarily for military applications, providing autonomous delivery systems that can transport payloads of up to 45 pounds without risking human life. Founded in 2017 and backed by Y Combinator, Skyways aims to revolutionize cargo transportation and is also exploring the future potential of personal air transportation services. The company emphasizes the development of advanced software to support full autonomy and large-scale fleet operations, positioning itself as a leader in unmanned transport solutions for emergency situations and military logistics.

Block Aero

Venture Round in 2020
Block Aero is a Bangkok-based company established in 2017 that specializes in providing a blockchain platform tailored for the aviation supply chain. The platform enables organizations to effectively manage their data and enhances collaborative workflows within the industry. By incorporating artificial intelligence, Block Aero digitizes the global aerospace supply chain and creates digital passports for assets secured with blockchain technology. This innovative approach aims to improve safety management systems, boost productivity, and enhance transaction efficiency. Additionally, Block Aero assists clients in reducing operational costs and turnaround times while exploring new revenue opportunities.

Sightec

Venture Round in 2019
Sightec specializes in developing visual intelligence technology for autonomous flights, leveraging computer vision and artificial intelligence to enhance safety and efficiency in unmanned aerial missions. The company's product suite offers camera-based visual situational awareness that operates day and night, facilitating navigation, ground object detection, and 3D change detection without reliance on GPS. Their flagship product, NavSight, serves as a GPS-free aerial navigation system, utilizing advanced machine vision and AI to process camera feeds for visual positioning in GPS-denied environments. Sightec's diverse clientele includes governments, original equipment manufacturers, integrators, and service providers across various sectors such as aerospace, public safety, security, inspection, and delivery. The company aims to fully realize the potential of the autonomous flight market by providing a lightweight and cost-effective visual situational awareness solution that can augment or ultimately replace human pilots.

Skyloom Global

Venture Round in 2019
Skyloom is developing a spaceborne infrastructure based on optical communications technology and relay satellites placed in geostationary orbit. ‍ Their mission is to drastically increase space-to-Earth bandwidth and unlock the true economic potential of low Earth orbit.

Momentus

Series A in 2019
Momentus Inc. is a commercial space company based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 2017. The company specializes in providing water-powered transportation services for spacecraft and aims to offer a range of in-space infrastructure services. These services include in-space transportation, hosted payloads, and in-orbit servicing, facilitated by its planned transfer and service vehicles. Momentus is developing an innovative water plasma-based propulsion system to enable efficient movement of satellites and payloads between orbits. By focusing on space transportation, satellite services, and in-orbit servicing, Momentus positions itself as a key player in the evolving space economy.

RED 6

Venture Round in 2019
RED 6 Inc. is a company specializing in outdoor augmented reality solutions aimed at enhancing air combat training. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, it has developed the Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS). This innovative system allows real pilots in actual aircraft to engage with synthetically generated enemy threats in real time, utilizing augmented reality visors and an AI-driven multiplayer network. The technology also incorporates biometric feedback loops to optimize training experiences. RED 6's solutions are designed to revolutionize military training applications, enabling enhanced readiness and operational effectiveness for armed forces worldwide. In addition to military applications, the technology holds potential for various industries, including entertainment, sports, and medicine.

Spaceit

Venture Round in 2019
Spaceit provides a platform for satellite operations, ground station services and cybersecurity. Spaceit's offering includes a Mission Control System (MCS), aggregated marketplace for ground station services, Satellite Operations Simulator (SatOpSim).

Clarvoyant

Venture Round in 2019
Clarvoyant specializes in a multi-platform suite of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) compatible tools that facilitate instant holographic prototyping and collaboration in engineering and design. Developed from technologies originally created at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), these tools are aimed at supporting early-stage mission design and enabling companies to efficiently design spacecraft. By offering advanced capabilities for prototyping and collaboration, Clarvoyant helps streamline the engineering process for its clients.

Internest

Venture Round in 2018
Internest develops a precise positioning system tailored for rotating winged vehicles, such as drones and helicopters. The system features a local landing component that integrates both firmware and hardware, offering reliable and accurate positioning data regardless of visibility, weather, or environmental conditions. This technology is particularly beneficial for security, military, and maritime sectors, enhancing the operational safety of aerial vehicles during critical missions. By improving flight safety, Internest's solutions support various industries in effectively managing their aerial operations.

Hionos

Venture Round in 2018
Hionos brings years of expertise in safety-critical avionics software to the world of drones. They make drones safer.

Phase Four

Seed Round in 2018
Phase Four LLC is a manufacturer of satellite propulsion systems based in Pasadena, California, founded in 2015. The company specializes in electric propulsion for small satellites, offering innovative products such as the CubeSats ambipolar thruster and the Maxwell plasma propulsion solution. Its core technology, the Radio Frequency Thruster (RFT), distinguishes itself by eliminating the need for a hollow cathode and high voltage electronics, resulting in significant cost savings, reduced size of power electronics, and compatibility with various propellants. Phase Four's propulsion systems are designed to be small and lightweight, featuring a patented magnetic nozzle to optimize thrust, allowing clients to effectively maneuver satellites into various orbits while minimizing operational costs. The company's products are utilized across commercial, civil, and scientific space missions, reflecting its commitment to advancing the capabilities of space exploration.

Optisys

Seed Round in 2018
Optisys manufactures an RF design and metal additive to provide metal 3D printed antenna products for aerospace and defense applications. Its products enable groundbreaking system and product performance through low SWaP-C, and solution capability and are enabled by the novel design process and metal additive manufacturing for component production.

Natilus

Seed Round in 2017
Natilus Inc., founded in 2016 and based in San Jose, California, develops innovative aircraft drones for freight forwarding. Co-founded by Aleksey Matyushev and Anatoly Starikov, the company aims to revolutionize the freight transport industry through advanced technology and design, leveraging a team with extensive experience in various aviation sectors. Natilus seeks to reduce air freight costs, making goods more affordable and enhancing global trade by connecting underdeveloped regions. The market for autonomous cargo aircraft is estimated to exceed $280 billion, and Natilus projects that its cost-effective solutions could expand the total addressable market to $470 billion. The company’s drones utilize carbon fiber composites and existing engine technology, allowing for efficient operation with standard air cargo containers. Its product line includes several models tailored for varying ranges and capacities, providing a comprehensive solution for transport and delivery companies.

WiN MS

Venture Round in 2015
WiN MS offers a reduction in the risks resulting from malfunctions in wiring and network systems. It develops and sells immediate diagnostic tools for aeronautical maintenance and a monitoring device for wired infrastructures that combats cable theft. WiN MS is a spin-off of the CEA-LIST Institute. Its clients include the major airline companies and the key players in the railway system. Founded in 2012 in Orsay, France, WiN MS was initially incubated at Incuballiance and has since joined Starbust Accelerator (Paris, France), the first aeronautics incubator in France. WiN MS is also supported by French partners Bpifrance, Scientipole, Ubifrance, and the COFACE for its R&D and export development.
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