Accelerator Companies

The Satellite Applications Catapult is a UK government-funded innovation centre established in 2013 at the Harwell Space Cluster in Oxfordshire as part of the UK Catapult Network — a series of technology and innovation centres funded by Innovate UK to bridge the gap between research institutions and commercial market application of emerging technologies. The Catapult's specific mission is to accelerate the adoption of satellite applications and data across the UK economy: helping businesses, public sector organizations, and local authorities understand what satellite-derived data (EO, navigation, communications) can do for their operations, and then connecting them with the technical expertise, funding, and industry partners needed to develop and deploy satellite-enabled services. The Catapult operates the National Earth Observation Applications Centre, a collaborative environment where satellite data analytics researchers and commercial developers can access ESA's Copernicus data, Landsat archives, and commercial satellite imagery — along with cloud computing infrastructure and machine learning tools — to develop practical applications for agriculture, urban planning, insurance, environmental monitoring, and flood risk management. The organization runs accelerator programs for SMEs and startups developing satellite services, provides laboratory and demonstration facilities, and conducts applied research in areas including satellite IoT integration, satellite-enabled autonomous vehicle positioning, and space sustainability. The Catapult has facilitated over 1,000 collaborations between businesses and the space industry and has supported the commercialization of dozens of satellite data products. Located at Harwell alongside the UK Space Agency, RAL Space, and European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) proximity at ESAC, the Catapult is a central node in the UK's space ecosystem strategy.

Catalyst Space Accelerator is a Colorado Springs-based defense-focused startup accelerator founded in 2019 and sponsored by the US Space Force, operating as part of the AFWERX innovation ecosystem. The program runs cohort-based accelerator cycles at the Catalyst Campus — a former Air Force facility in Colorado Springs converted into a commercial innovation hub — connecting early-stage space technology startups with defense acquisition pathways, Space Force program offices, and government customers. AFWERX (the Air Force innovation arm) provides funding pathways including SBIR/STTR contracts that give participating startups non-dilutive early revenue alongside equity investment from private backers. Colorado Springs is home to key Space Force installations including Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever SFB, and Cheyenne Mountain (NORAD/USSPACECOM), making it a natural hub for national security space startups needing proximity to government customers. Catalyst focuses on companies addressing Space Domain Awareness (SDA), satellite communications resilience, space situational awareness, launch, and defense-relevant remote sensing — areas where the Space Force's $30B+ annual budget represents a significant commercial opportunity.

Seraphim Space

London, United Kingdom commercial

Seraphim Space is the UK's leading space-focused venture capital fund and accelerator, managing over $270M across two funds. Founded in 2016 in London, the firm was the first dedicated space VC fund in the world at its launch. Seraphim has backed over 100 space companies across satellite communications, Earth observation, propulsion, and space services, including investments in D-Orbit, Satellite Vu, Space Forge, Iceye, and others. The firm's Seraphim Space Camp accelerator provides mentoring, investment readiness training, and access to its global network of space industry leaders. Seraphim also manages the Seraphim Space SPAC (SSPC.L), listed on the London Stock Exchange, giving public market investors exposure to the portfolio. The fund is backed by institutional LPs including the UK government's British Business Investments.

Starburst Aerospace

Los Angeles, United States commercial

Starburst Aerospace, founded in 2012 in Paris and now headquartered in Los Angeles, is a global aerospace and defense startup accelerator and venture investment firm operating at the intersection of commercial innovation and defense/government procurement — running acceleration programs that connect early-stage aerospace startups with major industry primes (Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Safran) and government agencies as strategic customers, investors, and technology partners. Starburst operates offices in eight cities globally — Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, Madrid, and Washington DC — providing local market access and corporate partnership networks across the major aerospace industry clusters in the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. This geographic footprint enables portfolio startups to navigate procurement processes and partnership negotiations in multiple markets simultaneously, a critical advantage in the highly relationship-dependent aerospace and defense procurement environment. Starburst Ventures, the firm's investment vehicle, invests in early-stage aerospace, defense technology, and dual-use deep tech companies across its global accelerator pipeline. With a portfolio exceeding 140 startups, Starburst's portfolio spans propulsion, avionics, autonomous systems, space situational awareness, cybersecurity, advanced materials, and AI-enabled mission systems. Notable portfolio companies include companies from multiple NewSpace sub-sectors benefiting from both Starburst acceleration resources and the firm's corporate partner introductions. The firm's accelerator programs run structured cohorts pairing startups with Starburst's corporate innovation partners for technology evaluation, joint development agreements, and procurement pilot contracts. This corporate venture-accelerator model generates revenue from corporate membership fees while also creating the deal flow and strategic context for Starburst Ventures' equity investments. Starburst competes with Lockheed Martin Ventures, Boeing HorizonX, and Techstars Defense in the defense tech accelerator market.

Techstars Space is a Los Angeles-based accelerator program focused on space technology startups, operated under the global Techstars network. The program runs a 13-week intensive acceleration for 10 selected startups per cohort, providing $120K in funding, mentorship from space industry veterans, and access to Techstars' global investor network. Key sponsors and mentors include USAF/Space Force personnel, Lockheed Martin, and other major space primes, giving startups early access to potential government and industry customers and contract pathways. Graduates include reOrbital (Techstars Space 2024) and other early-stage space companies across propulsion, software, and hardware. Techstars Space competes with Starburst Aerospace Accelerator, Y Combinator, and European space accelerators (ESA BIC, UK Space Agency programs) for top space startup talent.