Launching AI in Orbit in Under 10 Months | Lorenzo Feruglio @ AIKO

Lorenzo Feruglio is the co-founder and CEO of AIKO, a cutting-edge company pioneering AI-based automation for satellite operations. In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Lorenzo takes us on a journey from launching satellites as a university student to securing Series A funding and leading one of Europe's most innovative space startups.Get intro to LorenzoTimestamps(00:00) Introduction and Setting the Scene (01:17) Lorenzo's Background: From Academia to Space Startup (04:56) Decision to Start a Company After JPL Rejection (07:05) Advice for Graduates Considering Startups (09:39) Building Company Culture at AIKO (22:56) Securing ESA as a First Customer (24:42) Fundraising Journey: From Pre-Seed to Series A (31:42) Expanding the Product Portfolio (38:48) International Expansion: Why Toulouse and the US Are Next (46:10) Quick-Fire Round and Future Vision In this episode, we discuss:1. Lorenzo's Path to Space: From launching satellites as a university student to founding AIKO.2. Why AI is Transformative for Space Missions: How automation reduces costs and increases efficiency for satellite operators.3. Securing ESA as a First Customer: How AIKO gained credibility and leveraged a strong technical proposal to win a contract.4. Fundraising Strategies: Insights from pre-seed to Series A, and the lessons learned along the way.5. Scaling Internationally: Why AIKO chose Toulouse, France, and plans for the US market.6. Challenges in the European Space Ecosystem: What’s missing, and how founders can navigate these obstacles.