Why Apply?
The gateway to industry
Space Founders is different: we’re led by the institutions at the heart of the space ecosystem. Hard-to-reach people will become your casual acquaintances, future clients, and partners. You’ll be on the inside — part of an elite community leading the sector.
In great company
Our Program is highly selective. We curate a cohort of already impressive founders leading high potential businesses. We help you reach that potential by filling in the gaps. And you’ll do it learning with and from peers.
A smart investment of time
Your most precious resource is your time. We’re here to help you make the very best use of it, with the knowledge and connections you need to unlock the next step of your journey. We focus on the critical missing parts that will give you momentum.
An investor perspective
Although we don’t take equity for participation, we still bring strong investment expertise. Our French team, whose investment activities are backed by CNES, manages these activities independently of the accelerator. That’s why we know exactly what investors are looking for. We’ll help you anticipate their questions, craft your company’s story, and unlock funding.
Bootcamp weeks
Join our intensive in-person workshops where founders from Europe come together to learn, collaborate, and build lasting connections. These weeks are the core of our Program, focusing on shared, hands-on experiences.
Industry insights
Attend weekly online sessions led by high-profile guest speakers and industry leaders covering business, tech, and space topics. Engage in discussions to spark innovation and gain insights.
Mentoring
Connect with our exclusive network of industry experts for personalized guidance and support. Book one-on-one sessions with your mentor to receive feedback tailored to your venture's needs.
Flagship events
Participate in networking events with founders, mentors, investors, and industry leaders. Build your network and explore opportunities within the Space Founders community.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for tomorrow’s spacetech leaders — companies based in Europe that have momentum and are ready to scale.
Spacetech
From up-to downstream, any link to space is welcome. We back companies leveraging space technology to solve problems both in orbit and on Earth.
Commercial traction
We’re looking for companies with a marketable product, companies with early customers, and companies at TRL 4 stage, with technology validated in-lab or in a relevant real-world environment.
Funding stage
We’re seeking companies between Seed and Series A (or equivalent if bootstrapped), and currently preparing their next fundraising round.
European HQ
We work with scale-ups based in either the EU member states, the United Kingdom or Switzerland. We're committed to positioning Europe at the forefront of the space industry.
Alumni testimonials
Hear from people who completed the SpaceFounders Program.
“SpaceFounders was a great program which helped us to enlarge our network in space industry, connect with peers and work on our current challenges. I would definitely recommend not to miss the chance and join SpaceFounders!”
“Having participated the SpaceFounders acceleration program has been incredible for Arkadia Space in many ways. We got in contact with several key people of relevant companies in Europe and leading space VCs, which are now important advisors. Also, we are now part of a unique network, a family, that will alsop support us in the upcoming months and years.”
“SpaceFounders is a great program and a great community. The specifics of the space industry make it very difficult to find appropriate insights and mentoring for early stage startups, but that's exactly what you find at SpaceFounders! The program helped us connect with mentors, other startups to collaborate with and even investors. Anyone looking to build the future of European space should join!”
“SpaceFounders helped us to become part of the European NewSpace ecosystem linking us with other space startups in various finance stages, well-known space companies and agencies as well as investors.I can highly recommend participation in the SpaceFounders program.”
Applications are open
To apply, you’ll need to complete a short form and upload a pitch deck
Become a mentor
Could you offer tailored 1:1 advice to space scale-ups? We’re looking for real-world experience and a willingness to share.
Who should apply?
What are your selection criteria?
We look at the clarity of vision and execution ability of founders and their teams. We look at the product, its maturity, and its scalability. We consider market fit, timing, and GTM strategy. And we review the key financials.
Can non-EU citizens apply?
Yes, provided the company is headquartered in a European country (including the UK and Switzerland), which means that Tech/IP rights must also be located in Europe.
Can I reapply if I was rejected?
Yes. Many successful scale-ups were accepted on a second application. Show us what’s new and improved.
Logistics
Is the program in presence or virtual?
Both. There are three on-site bootcamp weeks—in Munich, Toulouse, and Turin—and virtual workshops, impulse sessions, and 1:1 mentoring in between. The Program is designed for flexibility while ensuring intensive engagement.
Do I have to attend the full Program?
Yes. The curriculum is cohesive and builds week to week. Participation in all sessions is mandatory to ensure maximum value.
What is expected of me?
Full commitment. We offer a high-caliber Program and expect full participation and willingness to engage openly with mentors, coaches, and peers.
Does joining the program involve any equity or investment from SpaceFounders?
No. Participation in the accelerator program does not include any equity requirement and is completely separate from any investment activity. All investments are independent of the accelerator and are managed exclusively by the French team, backed by CNES financial resources. Neither ASI nor UniBW is involved in these investments.
