Lorenzo Feruglio is the co-founder and CEO of AIKO, a cutting-edge company pioneering AI-based automation for satellite operations.

In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Lorenzo takes us on a journey from launching satellites as a university student to securing Series A funding and leading one of Europe's most innovative space startups.

Get intro to Lorenzo

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction and Setting the Scene

(01:17) Lorenzo's Background: From Academia to Space Startup

(04:56) Decision to Start a Company After JPL Rejection

(07:05) Advice for Graduates Considering Startups

(09:39) Building Company Culture at AIKO

(22:56) Securing ESA as a First Customer

(24:42) Fundraising Journey: From Pre-Seed to Series A

(31:42) Expanding the Product Portfolio

(38:48) International Expansion: Why Toulouse and the US Are Next

(46:10) Quick-Fire Round and Future Vision

In this episode, we discuss:

1. Lorenzo's Path to Space: From launching satellites as a university student to founding AIKO.

2. Why AI is Transformative for Space Missions: How automation reduces costs and increases efficiency for satellite operators.

3. Securing ESA as a First Customer: How AIKO gained credibility and leveraged a strong technical proposal to win a contract.

4. Fundraising Strategies: Insights from pre-seed to Series A, and the lessons learned along the way.

5. Scaling Internationally: Why AIKO chose Toulouse, France, and plans for the US market.

6. Challenges in the European Space Ecosystem: What’s missing, and how founders can navigate these obstacles.