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The regional space organisation – taking in Surrey and Hampshire – and the SETsquared Partnership have won UK Space Agency funding to run the free initiative, which is called Cosmic Capital.
It aims to help “high-potential space and space-related SMEs attract investment” and applications for the scheme are now open now.
It is anticipated that 20 to 25 companies will be selected, and they will then have access to a 12-month programme of investment-readiness training delivered by SETsquared Surrey and pitching opportunities.
Pitching
Resources include specialist and space-specific masterclasses on topics such as Raising Angel Finance and Funding Strategy. There will also be expert-led development of a short- to medium-term investment strategy and one-to-one sessions to help companies prepare their investment deck.
Opportunities will also include pitch preparation and practice – both one-to-one and in small groups – with investor mentors who have previously invested in space.
Finally, there will be networking events, and workshops and seminars on what investors are looking for in a pitch/investment deal
You can find more information on Cosmic Capital and how to apply on the SpaceSouthCentral.com website.
“Cosmic Capital offers an unmissable opportunity for companies to get the inside track on what investors are looking for and what they need to do to get their business ‘investment-ready’,” said Dr Louise Butt, Director of the Space South Central Enterprise Network.
“Applying for Cosmic Capital really is a no-brainer if you’re seeking investment: it’s completely free to apply and, if successful, to take part. It offers invaluable knowledge, contacts and skills to fast-forward your business goals.”
The Space South Central and SETsquared Cosmic Capital scheme was one of four bids to be awarded a share of the UK Space Agency’s £0.5 million Accelerating Investment Opportunity fund.
Space South Central
The regional space partnership was announced at the Farnborough International Air Show in 2022.
Combining Surrey and Hampshire, it involves three universities: the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, the University of Southampton’s Space at Southampton, and Surrey Space Centre at the University of Surrey.
The organisation estimates more than 5,500 people work in the space sector in the two counties. Airbus, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Spur Electron, Earth-I, In-Space Missions, KISPE, ICEYE, ViaSat and SSTL are amongst the companies in the area.
