Is your space startup truly investible?

In this episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell is joined by three leading voices from the investment world to unpack what makes the UK space sector so dynamic—and so challenging—for investors and founders alike. Manjari Chandran-Ramesh of Amadeus Capital Partners, Shruti Iyengar from Future Planet Capital, and Nayen Pankhania of the Satellite Applications Catapult share real-world insights on how the space tech landscape is evolving, what investors are looking for, and how founders can bridge the gap between engineering brilliance and commercial clarity.

• (00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit
• (00:33) - Meet the Guests
• (05:10) - Understanding the UK Space Investment Landscape
• (07:25) - Challenges and Opportunities in Space Investment
• (09:47) - Government's Role in Space Sector Growth
• (15:37) - Making Space Companies Investible
• (20:30) - Valuation and Risk Assessment in Space Investments
• (24:22) - The Role of R&D and Commercialisation in Space Tech
• (25:09) - Investment Cycles and AI in Space Tech
• (27:36) - Space Domain Awareness and Debris Mitigation
• (28:27) - Regulation and Investment in Space Tech
• (35:05) - Scaling Challenges for Space Startups
• (36:20) - Advice for Space Startups Seeking Investment
• (39:23) - The Dynamic Space Ecosystem and Support Systems

The conversation covers everything from the rise of dual-use technologies and defence applications to the critical importance of clear product-market fit. Whether you're a deep tech founder navigating funding options or a curious listener trying to understand where the smart money is going in space, this episode demystifies the venture landscape and offers concrete advice on scaling, strategy, and storytelling.

Manjari Chandran-Ramesh: Partner at Amadeus Capital Partners and Non-Executive Director at the Satellite Applications Catapult, with expertise in deep tech and global investment strategy.

Shruti Iyengar: Investment Manager at Future Planet Capital, leading the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund's space sub-fund with a focus on impact-driven startups.

Nayen Pankhania: Investment and Strategic Finance Director at the Satellite Applications Catapult, working to increase capital flow and commercial readiness across the UK space ecosystem.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website
Amadeus Capital Partners: Website
Future Planet Capital: Website