What Starburst Accelerator does

Starburst is a global aerospace and defense innovation catalyst founded in 2012 and headquartered in Los Angeles, operating across 8+ international offices including Paris, Tel Aviv, Munich, Madrid, Singapore, Seoul, Washington DC, and San Marcos, Texas. The company combines three complementary business activities: startup accelerators, strategy consulting, and venture investments. Its accelerator portfolio includes eight named programs: SCALE (13-week LA program with UCLA), ASTRA (7-month Israeli program with IAI), BLAST (18-month French deeptech program with Ecole Polytechnique and ONERA), Singapore Aviation Accelerator (with Enterprise Singapore and Singapore Airlines), SATE (Washington state sustainable aviation with Aerospace Futures Alliance), FCAS (12-week European defense with HENSOLDT), NewSpace Catalonia (4-month program with the Government of Catalonia), and the NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge. The consulting practice serves Fortune 500 aerospace firms and government entities with technology scouting, go-to-market strategy, commercial due diligence, and innovation advisory. The investment pillar takes equity stakes in portfolio companies (2.5-5% in ASTRA) and is establishing the Starburst-ACA Impact Fund I in Asia.

The business model derives revenue from three streams: equity stakes in participating startups (where programs take equity), professional services fees from corporate and government consulting engagements, and venture investment returns. Pricing varies by program: SCALE and NewSpace Catalonia are completely free with no equity taken; ASTRA takes 2.5-5% equity plus up to $100K SAFE funding; the French Starburst Accelerator Programme is a 10-week intensive subscription model; the NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge distributes up to $90,000 in prize funding per winner. The company has supported 150+ portfolio startups since founding, maintains 60+ corporate and government partners, and reports notable outcomes including three portfolio company IPOs at $1B+ valuations in 2021, Picogrid's $45M Series A led by Bessemer Venture Partners, and Alta Ares's €50M round led by Air Street Capital. Leadership includes Managing Director Lukas Oberhofer and Director Benjamin Zeitoun. The company is privately held with disclosed funding of a $1.4M 2020 U.S. EDA Venture Challenge grant matched by $1.4M private funds, and no institutional VC ownership is publicly stated.

Name

Starburst Accelerator

Legal name

Starburst

Website

https://starburst.aero

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Starburst is a global aerospace and defense innovation platform combining startup accelerators, strategy consulting, and venture investments, serving 150+ portfolio startups and Fortune 500 aerospace and government clients across 8+ international offices.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace & Defense Innovation Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

International Science, Technology & Space Cooperation Organizations (BPADAAAK)

Keywords

• Aerospace accelerator programs
• Defense innovation consulting
• Startup venture capital
• Aviation advisory services
• Deep tech investment

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Accelerator Program Services: Starburst operates accelerator programs that may include equity stakes in participating companies in exchange for program participation, mentorship, and access to the global network. Some programs like SCALE are explicitly equity-free and free of charge.
2. Strategy Consulting: Starburst provides consulting services to corporations and government entities including product-market fit analysis, go-to-market strategy definition, commercial due diligence, organization redesign, technology scouting, and test-and-learn program facilitation.
3. Venture Investments: Starburst invests in portfolio companies and facilitates connections between startups and investors. Some programs include direct investment offerings (e.g., ASTRA offers investments structured as SAFEs).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Starburst operates a global aerospace and defense innovation platform combining three complementary activities: startup accelerators (multiple regional programs), strategy consulting for corporates and governments, and venture investments in deep tech. The company runs nine accelerator programs worldwide—including SCALE (LA), ASTRA (Israel), BLAST (France), Singapore Aviation Accelerator, FCAS (Europe), SATE (Washington), NewSpace Catalonia, and the French Starburst Accelerator Programme—offering mentorship, B2B matchmaking, and Demo Day access to startups across aviation, space, and defense verticals.

Product overview

Starburst Accelerator is a global aerospace and defense innovation platform combining three complementary activities: startup accelerators, strategy consulting, and venture investments. The company operates multiple named accelerator programs worldwide including the Starburst Accelerator Programme (10-week French program), SCALE (13-week LA program with UCLA), ASTRA (7-month Israeli program with IAI), BLAST (18-month French deeptech program), Singapore Aviation Accelerator (13-week program), SATE Accelerator (3.5-month Washington sustainability program), FCAS Accelerator (12-week European defense program), NewSpace Catalonia Accelerator (4-month program), and the NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge. These programs are complemented by strategy consulting and investment services to help aerospace and defense stakeholders innovate, navigate, and invest in the dynamic ecosystem.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SCALE (Southern California Aerospace Innovation Hub) A 13-week aerospace accelerator for pre-seed and seed stage companies run by Starburst in collaboration with UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, providing lectures, workshops, pitch practice, networking, and a Demo Day in Los Angeles. Targets startups in the Southern California aerospace ecosystem.
• ASTRA Accelerator Israel's leading accelerator for early-stage startups in Aerospace, Defense, Space, and Dual-Use tech, powered by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Starburst. A 7-month intensive bootcamp offering up to $100K in SAFE funding and strategic in-kind support in exchange for 2.5-5% equity.
• BLAST (Boost and Leverage Aerospace & Defense Technologies) The first French accelerator for Deeptech projects in Aeronautics, Space and Defense (ASD). An 18-month program supporting startups through market exploration with access to X-Fab prototyping workshops, ONERA testing facilities, and the Polytechnique-HEC entrepreneurship master.
• Singapore Aviation Accelerator A 13-week intensive acceleration program under the Starburst Impact Program partnering with Enterprise Singapore, Singapore Airlines, SATS, Changi Airports International, and others. Focuses on sustainability, supply chain, and digitalisation with aviation sub-focus, selecting 12 promising startups annually.
• NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge A NASA Science Mission Directorate innovation program partnered with Starburst to invite fresh ideas for advancing instruments and technologies. Two-round competition with up to $90,000 in prize funding across SmallSat technologies, metamaterials-based sensors, and biomarker detection.
• FCAS Accelerator A 12-week accelerator by HENSOLDT and Starburst fostering the dual-use ecosystem for European startups under the Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) program. Offers funded Proof-of-Concept opportunities with HENSOLDT, workshops on defense market landscape, and networking with dual-use investors.
• SATE Accelerator (Sustainable Aviation Technologies and Energies) A 3.5-month equity-free early-stage startup accelerator launched with Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA) in Washington state, focused on sustainable aviation fuels, electrified and hydrogen-powered aviation, advanced aerodynamics, and AI tools for operational efficiencies.
• NewSpace Catalonia Accelerator A 4-month tailored NewSpace accelerator program for startups based in Catalonia, operated by Starburst in partnership with the Government of Catalonia and IEEC. Provides introductions to global space industry, tailored strategic support, and access to international events.
• Starburst Accelerator Programme (France) An intensive 10-week programme focused on accelerating the growth of French aerospace and defence start-ups (TRL4+), offering strategic mentoring, go-to-market advisory, B2B matchmaking, and Demo Day visibility at the Eurosatory defence trade show.
• Innovation Corridor Defense Accelerator (ICDA) Defense and dual-use technology accelerator based in San Marcos, Texas, partnering with the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership. Targets startups at prototype to early-growth stages, connecting them with industry partners, advisors, mentors, investors, and defense customers to accelerate technology readiness and market entry, culminating in a Demo Day.
• Strategy Consulting Advisory services for technology development, go-to-market strategy, investment and acquisition ventures, providing actionable insights for aerospace and defense stakeholders. Includes product-market fit analysis, commercial due diligence, organization redesign, technology scouting, and test-and-learn program facilitation for Fortune 500 aerospace firms and government agencies.
• Investments/Ventures Venture capital partnership program investing in proven and validated deep tech across electric flight, autonomous drones, urban air mobility, future travel, climate monitoring, communication, AI, energy, national security, and new materials. Also facilitates connections between startups and investors through vetted deal flow.

Quantifiable outcome

• Three portfolio companies IPO'd in 2021 reaching $1B+ valuation with liquid returns in under 4 years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.

• European Commission / European Defence Agency (EDA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2026Starburst is part of the BraveTech EU consortium (Phase 1 with Civitta and Darkstar). The European Commission and EDA signed a Contribution Agreement for Phase 2 with €35 million allocated to EDA for implementation. The initiative aims to accelerate defence technologies addressing urgent operational needs from the Ukrainian battlefield.
• Hays Caldwell Economic Development PartnershipregionalStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026Launched Innovation Corridor Defense Accelerator (ICDA) in San Marcos, Texas. The accelerator targets defense and dual-use technology startups, connecting them with industry partners, advisors, mentors, investors, and defense customers to accelerate technology readiness and market entry.
• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIAI powers the ASTRA accelerator program, providing direct access to IAI engineers, subject matter experts, and decision-makers. Startups can explore proof-of-capabilities and pilot opportunities with IAI. The partnership includes potential co-development projects with defined Scope of Work.
• UCLA Samueli School of EngineeringcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUCLA collaborates on SCALE aerospace accelerator in Los Angeles. UCLA's Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department provides expertise in dynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, manufacturing and design, micro- and nano-engineering, structural and solid mechanics, and systems and control.
• Enterprise SingaporecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartners on Singapore Aviation Accelerator. Provides successful startups with privileged access to government grants and seed funding. Focus areas include sustainability, supply chain, and digitalization with aviation sub-focus.
• Singapore AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremium airline partner enabling early-stage startups to work closely with one of the most coveted customers in the industry. Helps startups establish credibility and strong brand image through potential commercial relationships.
• SATScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAsia's leading provider of food solutions and gateway services. Provides operational problems for startups to address directly, resulting in pilot projects or proof-of-concept grant funding from SATS.
• Changi Airports InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary of Changi Airport Group focused on innovative solutions for global community. Provides opportunities for startups to work on relevant use cases in airports space with potential for proof-of-concept project funding.
• AIR Lab (Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Thales)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint aviation innovation research lab driving new air traffic management technologies. Provides opportunities for startups to partner on Open ATM System development advancing CAAS and Thales initiative.
• SIA Engineering CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor aircraft MRO provider in Asia-Pacific. Provides opportunities for startups to work on relevant use cases in MRO space with potential for proof-of-concept project funding.
• Ecole PolytechniquecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPowers BLAST (Boost and Leverage Aerospace & Defense Technologies), the first French accelerator for Deeptech projects in Aeronautics, Space and Defense. Located at Drahi-X Novation Center on Polytechnique campus.
• ONERA (The French Aerospace Lab)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides BLAST participants with access to X-Fab prototyping workshops, testing platforms, and up to 100 hours of coaching from ONERA's best experts. On-demand use of test facilities and laboratory knowledge.
• CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales)regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench space agency partner supporting BLAST accelerator program with connectivity and space industry expertise.
• HENSOLDTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman defence electronics champion and key FCAS program partner through FCMS joint venture. Selects technology themes and provides funded proof-of-concept opportunities with HENSOLDT business units under FCAS program.
• Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWashington state's trade association for aerospace companies. Leads the SATE Cluster for sustainable aviation fuels, electrified and hydrogen-powered aviation. Awarded EDA federal funds through Department of Commerce Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program.
• NASA Science Mission DirectoratecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNASA SMD partnered with Starburst for Entrepreneurs Challenge to invite fresh ideas and new participants in supporting development of instruments and technologies advancing NASA's science mission goals. SMD awarded nearly $1,000,000 in prize funding.
• Government of CataloniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromotes NewSpace Catalonia Accelerator through Government of Catalonia's NewSpace Strategy. The strategy deploys initiatives to enhance Catalan NewSpace ecosystem and lead knowledge generation and application.
• Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit public foundation promoting space activities in Catalonia. Supports NewSpace Catalonia Accelerator with expertise in satellite manufacturing, propulsion, telecommunications, navigation, and earth observation.
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerNASA JPL supports SCALE program as part of federal lab coalition backing the Los Angeles aerospace innovation hub.
• MITREregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports SCALE program as part of federal lab coalition backing the Los Angeles aerospace innovation hub.
• RAND CorporationregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports SCALE program as part of federal lab coalition backing the Los Angeles aerospace innovation hub.
• Association of Aerospace Industries Singapore (AAIS)regionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides startups with executive-level mentorship to help navigate complex aviation regulation framework in Singapore and Asia.
• MicrosoftregionalStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides intense mentorship for software-related needs and offers selected startups an on-ramp into later-stage Microsoft startup programs.
• HFW (Law Firm)regionalImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTop aviation law firm providing startups with legal expertise in incorporation and entity formation, intellectual property, and international sales.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Airbus BizLab: Airbus's global aerospace startup accelerator operating across Toulouse, Hamburg, Bangalore, and Madrid. Directly competes with Starburst for aerospace startup deal flow and runs a similar dual-pillar model combining acceleration with corporate venture activity.
• Techstars: Global accelerator network with sector-specific aerospace and defense programs (historically including a Starburst-branded Techstars accelerator). Operates an application-driven cohort model similar to Starburst's accelerator platforms and competes for the same founder talent pool.
• AFWERX: U.S. Air Force innovation arm running multiple accelerator and prize-based programs (AFVentures, SBIR) for dual-use aerospace startups. Directly competes with Starburst's defense-tech cohorts for U.S. defense-tech deal flow and government partnership leverage.
• NATO DIANA: NATO's Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, operating transatlantic accelerator sites and a deep-tech investment vehicle. Overlaps directly with Starburst's defense-tech mission and competes for dual-use startup applicants across allied markets.
• Capital Factory: Texas-based accelerator with a strong defense-tech focus and a Center for Defense Innovation. Operates a cohort-based model similar to Starburst and has overlapping portfolio themes including autonomy, space, and dual-use technologies.
• Draper Associates: Silicon Valley VC firm with deep aerospace and defense portfolio and an accelerator-style founder support model. Provides similar deal-flow curation and corporate introductions as Starburst, with strong adjacency to the same prime contractor ecosystem.
• Lufthansa Innovation Hub: Aviation-focused corporate venture and accelerator arm of Lufthansa Group, based in Berlin and Singapore. Directly comparable in model to Starburst's aviation-vertical accelerators and competes for the same commercial aviation startup pool.

Broad incumbents

• Boeing HorizonX Ventures: Boeing's corporate venture arm investing in autonomy, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability across aerospace. Functions as both a strategic investor and an accelerator-style partner for startups, competing with Starburst on corporate deal flow though not as a dedicated accelerator.
• Lockheed Martin Ventures: Lockheed Martin's corporate venture capital arm investing across aerospace, defense, and emerging tech. Comparable to Starburst on the venture and corporate partnership dimensions, though operating as a strategic investor rather than an accelerator operator.
• RTX Ventures: Raytheon Technologies' corporate venture arm investing in aerospace and defense startups. Competes with Starburst for early-stage deal flow and offers strategic partnership value similar to Starburst's accelerator-to-corporate matchmaking role.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/starburst-aerospace-accelerator
• Xx.com/starburstaero

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments93 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Starburst Accelerator