Where Capital Meets Space Innovation

Introduction & Concept
The space economy is unlocking cross-sector opportunities, yet a structural gap between innovation and capital persists.
Space Finance Arena bridges this gap: a deal-oriented platform connecting startups, SMEs, investors, financial institutions and insurers. Not a conference, but a business activation environment where investment opportunities are shaped and partnerships take form.

Why this format is different
A deal-driven platform that brings together venture capital, banks, insurance and public institutions, combining reverse pitching, real founder experiences and a strong focus on bankability, scalability and cross-border opportunities across Europe.

Objectives
- for companies: access capital and strategic partners, better understand investment criteria, and strengthen credibility and investment readiness.
- for investors: access qualified deal flow and identify scalable opportunities.
- for banks: explore new financing models and engage with high-growth sectors.
- for insurance players: position within an emerging market and develop solutions for space-related risk and underwriting.

Program

Market Landscape & Capital Mapping
Overview of investment dynamics, capital stack and key trends.

Roundtable: How Space Startups Really Get Funded
Discussion on investment criteria, timelines and funding strategies. 

Founder Case
One or two real-life examples of start-ups and scale-ups among those present, who will share their journey of growth and fundraising, including the challenges, mistakes and lessons learnt.

Investor Reverse Pitch 
Investors present ticket size, sectors and access to deal flow. 

ESA INCUBED current and upcoming funding opportunities
Eligibility criteria, co-funding mechanisms and real case examples from the InCubed programme for startups, SMEs and non-space companies. 
At the end of the session, participants will have the opportunity to request a direct meeting with ESA within the Innovation District. 

Q&A

Following Networking Lunch