Investor Profile: Starburst Aerospace — Thesis, Cheque Size & How to Apply

Starburst Aerospace is the world's first global accelerator dedicated to aerospace, space and defence. Founded in 2012 and headquartered between Paris and Los Angeles, it runs startup programmes, strategy consulting and venture investment side by side, connecting founders with corporates, government agencies and private investors across the aviation, space and defence ecosystem.

The thesis is simple: aerospace is a relationship business. A brilliant propulsion, satellite or drone technology still needs a first customer, a certification path and a defence or airline buyer. Starburst exists to shorten that path. Its Flagship Accelerator helps startups win their first contracts, while its venture arm invests in the companies it accelerates.

Sectors span sustainable aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, drones, sensors, autonomy, robotics, climate technology and space health-technology. Stages are early: pre-seed and seed companies dominate the accelerator cohorts, with follow-on investment into the strongest graduates. Starburst backs technology with a strong team, a commercial application and fast growth potential, rather than pure research projects.

Fund size is not publicly disclosed. Starburst invests through its accelerator and venture activities rather than a single headline fund, and takes equity in participating companies in exchange for its programme and services. Its portfolio counts more than 150 startups from 20 accelerator programmes across 12 countries and 3 continents.

Notable portfolio companies include Momentus, the in-space transportation company; Orbital Sidekick and Skyloom in space services; Paladin AI, which uses artificial intelligence for pilot training; Corenova, an autonomous fleet-operations framework; and SeRo Systems, a German air-traffic surveillance security company. Partners include corporates and agencies across its office network, which spans Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, London, Tel Aviv, Mumbai, Montreal, Madrid, Seoul and Singapore.

Programmes run include the Flagship Accelerator and ASTRA, its Tel Aviv programme built with Israel Aerospace Industries. ASTRA runs for 7 months, is open to pre-seed and seed startups and mature research projects, and is built around a pilot project with IAI. The programme charges no cash fee but takes 2.5% to 5% equity, described as $100K of in-kind accelerator services, and selected companies may receive investment structured as a SAFE.

How to apply for funding

There is no open rolling portal with fixed deadlines published for every cohort. Founders apply through the official website at starburst.aero, where the accelerator application section sets out the current programme, the online form and the pitch materials required, typically a pitch deck plus details of the team, business model and market. Selection involves interviews and evaluation by the Starburst team and industry experts. For Indian founders, the Mumbai office is the natural first contact, and a warm introduction through a portfolio founder or a corporate partner carries weight in a sector where trust and security clearance matter.