Supporting Space Tech Startups – Casey DeRaad and Arial DeHerrera

Do you want to learn about a Space Tech Ignitor program that helps space tech startups get tailored guidance, expert connections, and access to investors and customers? That’s what I’m discussing today with my guests, Casey DeRaad and Arial DeHerrera.

As they discuss during this episode, Casey brings the vision, industry experience, and funding knowledge to NewSpace Nexus. Arial turns that vision into action by managing the details and helping companies tell their stories.

Casey and Arial talk about the NewSpace Ignitor program and the secret behind the Ignitor’s great results. In the last four years, NewSpace Ignitor has supported 63 startups that have raised over $350 million in total funding and contracts.

Specifically, Casey brings decades of experience from AFRL, NASA, and industry partnerships, while Arial explains how an unexpected call pulled her from a potential career in medicine into space tech.

Casey and Arial share their beliefs that space tech startups don’t fail only because of their technology. Often, the harder problem is reaching the right customer, telling a clear story, and surviving uncertain funding cycles.

Casey describes the NewSpace Ignitor as “a startup helping startups.” Through the program, companies receive tailored support based on their specific needs, from customer connections and demonstration equipment to workforce resources and space qualification.

Arial explains the three strengths of the program:

1. Connecting suppliers to buyers

2. Providing access to a broad expert network

3. Offering tailored navigation based on each company’s actual challenges

I’m sure you will enjoy this conversation and get some insights on what it takes to grow a successful space tech startup.

Today on the Tech Leader Talk podcast:

- Growing a space tech startup

- Success is not just based on the technology

- A customized approach to growing tech startups

- Concept to Product to Sales

- The story behind the NewSpace Ignitor program

Resources:

NewSpace Nexus website: https://www.newspacenexus.org/

Learn more about NewSpace Nexus activities: https://www.newspacenexus.org/join-us/

Connect with Casey, Arial, and NewSpace Nexus:

Casey – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-anglada-deraad-3201a715/

Arial – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arial-deherrera-3597b819a/

Thanks for listening!

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