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On this week's bonus episode, we're joined by Van Espahbodi for our special 2022 Space Industry Outlook episode. We'll discuss Van's experience as an investor in aerospace and space technology, recap some of the trends we saw play out in 2021, as well as his predictions for what is sure to be a busy year ahead for the commercial space industry.As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Starburst, Van is championing today's aerospace renaissance, uniting early-stage technology innovators with private investment to modernize infrastructure in mobility, communications and intelligence. Van launched Starburst in the U.S. in 2015, which operates globally today with offices in Los Angeles, Paris, London, Munich, Madrid, Mumbai, Seoul, Singapore, Tel Aviv, and Montreal. His team works alongside hundreds of technology startups developing new aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, drones, sensors, autonomy, robotics and much more.An entrepreneurial futurist, Van has over 18 years of experience in aerospace, identifying future trends, shaping product strategy and investment trade policies. Having worked in Government and Corporate strategy positions in both defense and commercial aviation markets, Van started his career as a congressional aide before joining Raytheon and later UK NATS, the British airspace operator. Following graduate studies at George Mason University, Van participated in executive programs at Thunderbird School of Management in AZ and Cranfield School of Management in the UK. He currently serves as an advisor to the U.S. Space Force, NASA, both the Mayors of Los Angeles and the City of El Segundo, and sits on the Advisory Boards of the Alliance for Southern California Innovation and the MIT Enterprise Forum.Support the show (https://donorbox.org/celestial-citizen)
Stocks pop to new highs capping off a record shattering week. Better than expected earnings news and continued optimism on US China trade fueled the latest rally. Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Advisor, Allianz, former PIMCO CEO in Newport Beach discusses the markets, the economy and outlook. Southern California aerospace is flying high again thanks for innovative tech ideas in the South Bay. Van Espahbodi, co founder of Starburst Accelerator reveals what's fueling the boom. Mortgage rates slip for the first time in three weeks. California realtors say home affordability in the state is improving. The Wende Museum of the Cold War in Culver City is getting attention as the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall is commemorated. The museum's executive director Justin Jampol talks about the unique museum which is getting attention around the world. Support the show.
My guests this week are Matt Kozlov, a Managing Director at Techstars and Van Espahbodi, co-founder and managing partner at Starburst. Together they are leading a new Los Angeles based accelerator, the Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator. Applications are now being accepted with a deadline of April 7 for the first cohort. The accelerator is notable in that its partners include NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Maxar Technologies, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), and Israel Aerospace Industries. My conversation starts with Matt as Van was delayed. Van joins in around the 10 minute mark. Listen in.
Space. Adrenaline and Policy: How Van Espahbodi & Starburst Accelerator are Changing Aerospace Investing Listen on Apple Podcasts About This Episode Max talks with Van Espahbodi about his career transition from a government career to the co-founder of the first aerospace accelerator (Starburst Aerospace Accelerator). Van also shares how one of his cars ended up in one of the “Fast and Furious” franchises and how his work with Starburst is opening new doors for innovation in the aerospace industry. Highlights of the Episode Introductions & Career Transitions Van shares his journey about making the transition from a career in the public sector to working as a start-up founder in the private sector. [1:33] How did you make that transition from public sector to private sector? [6:20] What motivated you to pursue a career in the private sector, particularly the startup space? Aerospace Investing Max & Van shift gears to talk about investing in the aerospace industry and how the business accelerator he founded (Starburst) is opening doors for others in the aerospace industry. [9:21] Is venture investing in aerospace increasing or decreasing, compared to the past? [11:27] How did your accelerator, Starburst, develop to what it is today? [14:16] What kind of strategy consulting does Starburst offer for organizations and businesses interested in aerospace? Growing up & “The Fast & The Furious” Max and Van continue the discussion about Van's past, by diving into the childhood influences that helped steer Van to where he is it. Also, Van shared how his car was featured in “The Fast & The Furious”? [15:30] What were some of your childhood hobbies that influenced your future choice of career? [18:43] What kind of car did you have that was featured in the movie “The Fast & The Furious”? Chasing Your “Why” After talking about the past, Max and Van talk about how Van looks at his future, his personal mission. Max began with more in-depth questions about the personal motivation that transformed into a discussion about the future of aerospace and investing [20:03] Did you experience the same adrenaline rush as a teenager with kids as you moved throughout your career? [23:20] Did you have any 10x moments (aka “This is one of the best moments of my life) while working at Starburst? [24:46] What does “innovation lab” mean for the government? [27:09] Are you helping the Air Force with its space mission? [29:35] How do you feel about the public's awareness of space? [32:37] There's an abundance of new technology out there and increasing knowledge being shared about this technology. How can entrepreneurs get Involved in this. Where are some unconventional places they might want to look? About Your Guest Van Espahbodi is the co-founder and managing partner of the world's first
Understand the way Industry 4.0 is transforming MRO and glean tips on incorporating the latest disruptive technology. Lee Ann Shay, Aviation Week’s chief editor MRO, speaks with Van Espahbodi, managing partner and co-founder, Starburst Accelerator; Ken Nguyen, chief architect, Asia research and development, Oracle; and Akkireddy Challa, director, aerospace sector, EON Reality during MRO Asia-Pacific in Singapore.
Van Espahbodi is a partner and co-founder of Starburst Accelerator, a business development, a startup incubator dedicated to technology in aerospace where leaders gather to decide the future of aviation. In this episode, we talk with Van about what it takes to invest in an aviation startup and what startups are shaking things up. We go past talking about the next "Uber of ..." and into what it means to push the barriers in aviation, despite heavy regulations. Van also gives out his advice on how to shake up the industry. As well as, speaks to students and young professionals about potential ways to get involved and make the most impact. For more information about Van and Starburst Accelerator, check out the links below: Twitter - Van Espahbodi: https://twitter.com/vdadmahi Twitter - Starburst Accelerator: https://twitter.com/starburstinnov Website - Starburst Accelerator: http://starburstaccelerator.com/