Accelerators seeking aerospace companies

They include Starburst Aerospace Accelerator and AeroInnovate Virtual Accelerator Program

For startups, there are numerous paths for getting their name out there. One way, which Vator has been covering recently, are startup competitions, but another popular method to get a foot in the door, as well as some funding and traction, are accelerators. These are programs that provide companies advice, guidance and various forms of support for startups in their early stages. They also often invest in the companies, for a certain equity stake.

Need a list of startup competitions, challenges, accelerators, etc. from around the world? Check out VatorX. You can find them, or list yours!

There are some very well-known accelerators out there, including Y Combinator and 500 Startups, which have made their names through various successful alumni. Those programs fairly general, accepting companies from a variety of different spaces. 

For some companies, it may help to join an accelerator that only focuses on their specific area. That's especially true for those in more specialized spaces, which will have their own unique challenges and regulations.

Here are some of the accelerators seeking aerospace companies:

 

 

• Starburst Aerospace Accelerator

"A 12-MONTH ACCELERATION PROGRAM WITH 7 WORK STREAMS TO PREPARE YOUR STARTUP FOR SERIES A FUNDRAISING MATURITY"

Investment amount: Not specified

Program benefits: 

• Acceleration Support Starburst focal point with constant feedback Dedicated Starburst resources and account management ensuring your company benefits fully from the program & the greater ecosystem
• Senior Coaching Office hours with Starburst leadership team The Starburst team of experts is available to coach your business and provide the necessary expertise when needed, based on your maturity
• Mentoring Mentors bringing your startup industry expertise You are granted access to a worldwide pool of experienced mentors according to your company’s needs
• Corporate Intros The right entry points at A&D blue chips Connect with the entire aerospace value chain worldwide and build commercial traction
• Public Relations Promotion through Starburst PR communication Starburst works with leading industry agencies to bring media attention to the most promising aerospace startups
• International Mobility Access to Starburst four offices worldwide You gain access to our network of offices in Paris, Los Angeles, Montreal and Singapore & meeting rooms when you travel abroad
• Networking Events Privileged access to Starburst events Access a range of global events planned for showcasing & networking to expand your reach and build essential contacts

Mentor makeup: Kyle Adkins, Luc Beaussant, Damien Garot, Eric Jensen

Portfolio companies: Ampaire, Internest, Astro Digital, Drone Base, SkyReal

 

• AeroInnovate Virtual Accelerator Program

"AeroInnovate is an eight-week business accelerator for early stage aviation, aerospace, and drone startup companies. For the first seven weeks, four or five companies meet virtually with the AeroInnovate team of mentors, staff, industry professionals, and gener8tor to refine their pitches and pitch deck, develop executive summaries, and accelerate their business."

Investment amount: We do not take equity in your company

Program benefits: 

• Opportunity to pitch at Pitch & Mingle
• Ability to connect with leading firms in aerospace i Two-day Pitch Camp focused on refining message and delivery of prelimenary benefit statements l Access to research through our university research center
• Mentorship from aviation, engineering, marketing, IT, and legal professionals
• Highly-customized support to help founders successfully build a go-to market strategy 
• Exhibit space at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
• Housing provided during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
• Access to more than $1 million in discounts to products and services

Portfolio companies: Enduralock, Grypshon, Icarus, Tellus

 

• AWS-Nex Cubed Aerospace Pop Up Accelerators

"New entrants and commercial companies are rapidly expanding private space ventures with investment capital, R&D, and revolutionary technologies building a new generation of space business. This market dynamic is enabling a disruptive breed of space and aerospace pioneers to develop and field frontier technologies for the next generation of satellites, lift, payloads, imaging, sensors, communications, logistics, and processing. Building on our success in accelerating AI/ML and frontier technology companies, Nex Cubed Aerospace invests in U.S. and international aerospace companies that are innovatively leveraging the digital revolution and leading the NewSpace Race."

Investment amount: Not specified

Program benefits: 

• SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT SUPPORT
• AWS PROGRAM CLOUD CREDITS
• ACCESS TO THE AWS MARKETPLACE
• CORPORATE DEV & STRATEGY

Portfolio companies: Not specified

  

• Airbus Bizlab

"Airbus BizLab is a global aerospace business accelerator where startups and Airbus intrapreneurs speed up the transformation of innovative ideas into valuable businesses. The Airbus BizLab has developed a “hybrid” concept to closely collaborate with startups while allowing smaller organizations to better understand needs and ways of working of large groups."

Investment amount: Not specified

Program benefits: Coaches, aerospace experts & a support team will guide you all along the 6 month acceleration programme. Coaches work closely with the startups and they co-design the acceleration plan with BizLabers. They monitor the acceleration plan by restructuring ideas with participants; challenging founders and project leads; offering solutions and different ways of thinking, while tracking progress and monitoring team members. Upon request, the 150 Airbus experts will provide technical and business advice in their respective domains.

Portfolio companies: PaperClip Design, Obuu, 3dTrist, Teraki

 

 

• Syndicate 708 Accelerator

"We believe in hard work, industry-shifting startups, sound strategy, solid teamwork, and bias towards execution. We believe the pay-it-forward philosophy enables a strong startup ecosystem in aerospace and other Deep Tech sectors with high barriers to entry where our backgrounds help position companies achieve success." 

Investment amount: 5% of revenue up to $50K total plus 1% equity and an option for round allocation for investment & syndication​.

Program benefits: 

• Dedicated mentor team (mentors selected based on aligned background)
• Weekly Deep Dives
• Market/Industry Strategy for Beach Head Market
• Financials and Use of Funds Strategy
• Build Out Strategic Advisory Board
• Begin with the End in Mind - Exit Planning 5 years ahead
• Pitch, marketing, investor communications​

Portfolio companies: Leo Aerospace, Koolock, Voyager, Chandah

 

• Catalyst Space Accelerator

Investment amount: Not specified

Program benefits: 

• Customized program for Accelerator companies with flexibility to meet unique needs of each company.
• Close proximity to 11 military bases and space-related military units resulting in customer discovery opportunities in our backyard. Army base–Ft. Carson. Air Force bases–Buckley, Peterson, Schriever, Air Force Academy, Cheyenne Mountain. Military Units—National Space Defense Center, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Headquarters NORAD & US Northcom, US Space Command, Space & Missile Defense Command/Army Strategic Command, and Missile Defense Agency.
• Hosted at Catalyst Campus—an innovation ecosystem and home to industry, military and nonprofit units like SBDC and PTAC.

Portfolio companies: Not specified

(Image source: ansys.com)