Mapping the Invisible | Joakim Espeland @ Quadsat

Joakim Espeland is the co-founder of Quadsat, a company changing the way we manage radio frequencies with clever drone technology.In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Joakim shares his journey from testing satellite signals on ships to building game-changing solutions for both everyday and military use. He talks about the challenges of starting a company, raising money, and creating cutting-edge tech. Plus, he gives us a sneak peek into the future of radio spectrum management.Get intro to Joakim: https://brdg.app/s/dzdbnt-----------------------------------------------Timestamps(00:00) Introduction to Quadsat and Its Mission(03:08) The Evolution from Space to Defense(05:59) Founding Story: From Idea to Reality(08:46) Navigating the Startup Ecosystem(12:11) Accelerators and Their Impact on Growth(14:56) Funding Journey: Securing Seed Investment(17:48) Demonstrating Technology to Major Operators(21:02) Capital Management and Future Growth(23:50) Technical Challenges and Solutions(29:27) Design Challenges and Innovations in UAV Technology(32:39) Funding Rounds: Pre-Series A to Series A(37:16) Milestones in Measurement Campaigns(41:23) Pitch Evolution and Investor Expectations(43:19) Lessons from Early Fundraising Experiences(45:06) Strategic Partnerships and Future Directions(48:29) Advice for Early Stage Founders in Defense Tech(51:21) Reflections on Failure and Resilience(53:40) Building Quality Relationships in Business(55:33) Flaws in the Tendering Process(56:31) Challenges for Aspiring Founders-----------------------------------------------Takeaways- Space and defense are interconnected industries.- Initial ideas can pivot based on industry needs.- Accelerators can significantly impact startup growth.- Funding strategies should align with long-term goals.- Demonstrating technology to major operators is crucial.- Capital management is key for scaling a startup.- Accuracy in technology is essential for success.- Building a strong network is vital for founders. - Standardization is crucial for global operations.- Funding rounds require demonstrating market traction.- Proactive customer engagement is key to securing funding.- Quality relationships are more important than sheer exposure.- The tendering process can hinder innovation.- Don't give up; persistence is vital for success.-----------------------------------------------Follow Martin Majercin on X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/monsfrost Follow Martin Majercin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/monsfrost/Follow Joakim Espeland on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joakimespeland/Follow Quadsat on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/quadsat