Even is a co-founder of Glint Solar, which is accelerating the solar revolution by helping developers identify optimal locations for building large solar parks.

In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Even shares his journey from being unexpectedly "kicked out" of the US to founding a company that leverages satellite data to make solar development faster and more efficient. Even explains how Glint Solar helps customers quickly identify suitable land that isn't in conflict with nature for solar development.

Get intro to Even: https://brdg.app/s/cfg21y

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction & Glint Solar Overview

(01:50) Journey Before Founding Glint Solar

(04:07) Finding Co-Founders Through Antler

(05:25 Importance of Founder Alignment & Values

(07:23) Using Satellite Data for Solar Development

(09:36) When to Approach Space Accelerators

(11:23) First Funding & Celebrating Frugally

(15:23) The "Sell First, Build Second" Approach

(20:46 Understanding Customer Problems

(22:31) Building Close Customer Relationships

(24:01) Handling Rejection & Persistence

(27:56) Landing Their First Customers

(30:46) Product Evolution & Pricing Strategy

(35:36 Finding & Hiring Early Employees

(41:40) Pricing Experimentation Strategies

(45:31) Pitch Evolution From Seed to Series A

(49:14) Building a Global, Diverse Team

(53:32) Future Plans & Quick Fire Questions

(57:42) Work-Life Balance Advice

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Episode Takeaways:

1) Validate Before Building

- Use the "sell first, build second" approach

- Started by selling PDF reports before building software- "We're not going to build it before we have validated it"

2) Develop Founder Alignment Through Values

- Spend time understanding each other's core values

- "Spend time drilling down into what are some of the core things, like importance in your life"

3) Find the Right Co-Founders for Your Stage

- Look for complementary skills and personalities

- "We were able to play on other people's strengths"

4) Leverage Available Satellite Data

- Use existing data sources like Copernicus

- Join programs that facilitate access to satellite data

5) Build Close Customer Relationships-

Hire customer success early

- "Spend time with customers, ideally sit next to them in their office"

6) Price Strategically and Experiment

- Test different pricing models with small customer segments

- "Be clear on what you're trying to achieve and let that influence your pricing"

7) Create a Diverse Team for Global Impact

- Hire people with non-traditional backgrounds

- "We wanted to make sure that we can build a diverse team"

8) Balance Growth with Family Life

- Set boundaries and protect family time

- "I leave work fairly early... those three hours, those are holy"

Anthony Baker is the founder and CEO of Satellite VU, which is building the world's orbital thermometer through high-resolution thermal imaging satellites. In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Anthony shares his journey from spending 30 years operating satellites for NATO and Qatar to convincing investors to put £30M into his vision of seeing heat from space.Get intro to Anthony: https://brdg.app/s/00hi6g-----------------------------------------------Timestamps(00:00) Introduction

(06:03) Academic Background & Career Path

(14:08 The Decision to Become a Founder

(20:19) Seraphim Space Camp Experience

(30:32) Product Evolution & Market Focus

(41:39) Series A & Investment Strategy

(46:37) First Satellite Launch & Experience

(49:52) Dealing with Camera Anomaly

(52:06) Future Plans & Constellation Growth

(54:31) Quick Fire Round & Final Thoughts

-----------------------------------------------Episode Takeaways:1) Focus on Customer Problems, Not Space Technology- Went to customer conferences, not space conferences- Learned to pitch to solution buyers, not end users- "We've never really gone to space conferences. We've always gone to customer conferences"2) Use Grants and Accelerators Strategically- Grants provide non-dilutive funding and credibility- Choose specialized accelerators for your sector- "Go big, go specialized on what you need to show some difference at each stage"3) Plan for Survival, Not Just Growth- Plan for cash break-even, not just runway- Have insurance and contingency plans- "We plan for cash break even... we can always survive on where we are now"4) Embrace Pivots Based on Market Feedback- Originally focused on ocean plastic monitoring- Pivoted to thermal imaging based on market demand- "If three people tell you that your pitch is not good for this reason, they're probably right"5) Build Networks Before You Need Them- Leverage industry relationships and reputation- Get into relevant events and meet investors- "The network helps more... if you want more money, you want to hang around friends that have lots of friends with lots of money"6) Move Fast But Be Prepared for Setbacks- Launch quickly but have backup plans- Be transparent with investors about risks- "You have to believe in what you're doing and put 110% in, but also listen to the feedback"7) Think Beyond Traditional Space Applications- Look for high-value commercial applications- Focus on solving real-world problems- "We're opening up new markets beyond the traditional Earth Observation market"

Thomas Sinn is the founder of DCUBED, which develops mechanisms and deployable structures that need to be small in rockets but big in space. In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Thomas shares their journey from 3D printing prototypes in a basement to shipping hardware to the International Space Station. While growing from a €2,000 prize to a multi-million euro company. D-Cube is making space hardware more accessible by building critical release devices and deployment mechanisms for satellites and space stations.Get intro to Thomas: https://brdg.app/s/5vhet4-----------------------------------------------Timestamps00:00 Introduction08:45 From Academia to Rocket Lab13:20 Starting with 3D Printed Parts18:30 Getting MIT as First Customer27:45 Patent Strategy & Working with IP Lawyers32:40 COVID Crisis & Basement Operations37:15 First Institutional Money40:20 How to find investors48:50 Preparing for Series A Round54:20 Short & Long Term Future Plans56:10 Rapid Fire Questions with Investors1:02:10 Final Advice for Space Founders-----------------------------------------------Episode Takeaways:1) Don't Be Too Secretive About Your Technology- Being too confidential can lose you opportunities- Focus on protecting processes/tolerances, not designs- "If you're too confidential about it... you've already lost the foot in the door"2) Go to Market Early with Imperfect Products- Launch at 80% readiness to get customer feedback- Early market validation is crucial- "Go advertising your products early... sometimes the market assessments we do are wrong"3) Build Your Website Immediately- First MIT customer found them through their website- Put information and pictures online even if not perfect- "Nobody knows what you're doing if you don't publish it somewhere"4) Choose Investors Based on Personal Fit- Getting an investor is "almost like a marriage"- Look for investors in similar companies' portfolios- Get references from other founders about investors5) Time Your Fundraising Strategically- Avoid summer and winter breaks- Aim to close in May/June or mid-November- "You need to consider summer break and winter break"6) Start Global from Day One- Space industry is inherently international- Don't focus only on local markets- "The space industry is global... there's a lot happening all around"7) Balance Visionary Goals with Practical Steps- Started with simple actuators before space manufacturing- Use current revenue to fund future innovations- "We always said we want to follow our dream to do something very big in space"