Alexandra Vidyuk from Beyond Earth on Investing in the Space Tech Industry

I am excited to have Alexandra Vidyuk, the space tech Venture Partner at Aloniq, founder of Space Ambition, a world-class space technology research centre that collaborates with space agencies, investors, start-ups and co-founded a space tech venture builder and an investment syndicate named Beyond Earth In this episode, Alexandra Vidyuk, venture partner at Aloniq and founder of Beyond Earth, shares her journey from a banking career to space tech investing. She explores the emerging trillion-dollar space tech industry, its intersections with sustainability, and the role of private versus government funding. Alex offers valuable insights into due diligence, navigating geopolitical influences, building syndicates, and advice for aspiring founders and investors entering the space sector—and much more! Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on YouTube Subscribe on iTunes Learn * What are some of the unique challenges faced by startups in the space industry? * What criteria do you use when selecting startups or projects to support through Beyond Earth's venture-building program? * Does Alex prefer founders who are new to a problem or those who are insiders and experts? * What is your favourite business book? –Psychology of money * What is your favourite online tool? –ChatGpt * If you could go back to when you started working, what is the one thing you would have focused on? – Start syndicate earlier earlier Timestamps [1:30] Alexandra shares her transition from banking to startups, highlighting the desire for more impact. [3:15] Discusses her initial startup in fintech, raising the first round and gaining early traction. [5:00] Realization of her interest in deep tech and space tech, shifting from fintech to venture capital in space. [7:00] Overview of sustainability’s role in space tech and its broader industry impact. [8:30] The trillion-dollar potential of the space tech industry by 2035 and its expected exponential growth. [10:00] Examples of satellite tech applications, like monitoring greenhouse gases and energy sources. [13:00] Alexandra’s admiration for Elon Musk's impact on space tech, including the Starlink network. [14:45] Unique challenges of space startups, including scientific feasibility, engineering, and regulation. [18:00] Criteria used to select startups at Beyond Earth, including market size and team capability. [20:30] Importance of government support and the independent approach Beyond Earth takes with investments. [23:00] Alexandra’s views on politics in space investments and how they influence decision-making. [25:00] Due diligence process for space investments, especially for startups like BioOrbit. [29:00] Value of outsider perspectives in space, contrasting with industry insider advantages. [31:30] Balancing founder quality and market opportunity when making investment decisions. [34:00] Alexandra's experience with Space tech's visionary but challenging market sizing. [37:00] Private vs. government funding in space tech, with private funding now at 80%. [39:00] Importance of government-funded projects like the Artemis Program for foundational infrastructure. [42:00] Advice for aspiring space founders on entering the space sector, even without technical backgrounds. [45:00] Tips on building a successful syndicate and gathering LP support, including warm introductions. [47:00] Marketing strategies, including LinkedIn ads, webinars, and masterclasses, for syndicate growth. Alexandra’s Links  LDN– https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrausynina Website - https://beyondearth.tech/ My Links  Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube:  youtube.com/lifeselfmastery Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitmal 5-day email course: www.enterprisesalesexpertise.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partnergrow.substack.com