We are happy to announce that we have added an out of this world custom website Space Stage to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. It joins Fintech, SaaS and AI as other industry-focused stages – all under one big roof.
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a pitch competition this year titled “Space Challenge, Powered by Aerospace” as part of the event. More details on how to submit your space startup coming soon!
Space Stage agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024
As the space industry accelerates, new opportunities proliferate for founders, investors, and customers. Not only have the once-astronomical costs of doing business in orbit declined, but so have the technical barriers to entry.
More stakeholders in the space create a vibrant, diverse and highly competitive environment that cuts across private and public markets – not to mention the rapidly growing dual-use sector. Discover the challenges and possibilities that await you in orbit at Disrupt’s Space Stage, where you’ll hear from leaders across the industry.
Check out the initial agenda below and keep checking back for updates – there’s plenty more to come!
Dual-use startups
With John Jedmark (Astranis), Melissa Quinn (Slingshot Aerospace) and even Rogers (Real Anomaly)
The government and defense sector increasingly rely on commercial services, but startups face a real challenge in entering this highly regulated, formal side of the industry. How can startups compete for contracts and attention with larger companies and more established organizations – and how can investors help?
Bridget Mendler talks about her transition from Disney star to startup founder
With Bridget Mendler (Northwood Space)
Former Disney Channel star Bridget Mendler wants to transform one of the least exciting sectors of the space industry: ground stations. On This Side of the Fireplace, we’ll learn more about how Northwood Space is creating a data superhighway between Earth and orbit.
Future launch
With Kelly Hennig (Stoke Space) and speakers to be announced
The launch process has really been reinvented over the past decade, but why stop there? The demand for space is growing as fast as launch rhythms allow, but there is opportunity beyond making rockets and vehicles. Startups will likely define the future of software, automation, and launch-related processes, if these founders have anything to say about it.
The Challenge of Space Operations Startups
Provided by the airline
Five finalists will have the exclusive opportunity to showcase their startups and pitch their ideas to our judges on the Space Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 this October. One winner will receive expert-led feedback sessions with leadership at Aerospace Corporation, government and commercial companies to move their projects forward and enhance partnership opportunities.
Peter Beck takes the space industry by the fins
With Peter Beck (Rocket Lab)
As the founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, Peter Beck is a familiar face to anyone in the space industry. But the company’s ambitions go far beyond the famous Electron launch vehicle, and Beck believes that to thrive, and perhaps even survive, space companies will have to become fully integrated one-stop shops. Learn how Rocket Lab is striving to achieve this ambitious goal.
Riding the Wave: The Future of Space Investing
With Maureen Haverty (Seraphim Space), Caitlyn Holloway (Seven Seven Six), Jordan Nunn (Embedded Ventures)
Private investment in commercial space companies has been increasing over the past few years, but investor appetite has declined recently due to rising interest rates, the troubled performance of space stocks, and geopolitical uncertainties. In this conversation, we’ll discuss the future of space technology investing, which areas are overvalued or undervalued, and whether this year will be a hit or miss for space startups.
About TechCrunch Disrupt 2024
TechCrunch Disrupt is where you’ll find innovation at every stage of your startup journey. Whether you’re a startup founder with a revolutionary idea, a seasoned startup looking to scale, or an investor looking for the next big thing, TechCrunch Disrupt provides unparalleled resources, connections, and expert insight to move your project forward. More than 10,000 startup leaders will attend this year’s event from October 28-30 in San Francisco.
We can’t wait to hear from these space leaders at this year’s show. Buy your tickets here.