Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator
Starburst — Hub71 Accelerator is a global aerospace and defense innovation catalyst founded in 2012, operating nine offices worldwide and combining startup accelerators, strategy consulting, and venture investments. It serves 150+ aerospace startups, Fortune 500 A&D corporates, defense agencies, and investors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator does
Starburst — operating as Starburst Aerospace — is a privately held, globally distributed innovation catalyst for the aerospace and defense industry, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Los Angeles with eight additional offices across Paris, Tel Aviv, Munich, Madrid, Singapore, Seoul, Washington, DC, and San Marcos, Texas (and a stated partnership with Hub71 in Abu Dhabi). The company combines three revenue-adjacent activities: (i) a portfolio of regionally-branded accelerator programs (SCALE, BLAST, ASTRA, Singapore Aviation Accelerator, NewSpace Catalonia, FCAS, SATE, and a NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge), each typically 10–13 weeks long, providing mentorship, B2B matchmaking, and Demo Day exposure; (ii) strategy consulting for Fortune 500 aerospace and defense firms covering go-to-market, technology scouting, due diligence, and organization redesign; and (iii) venture investments into validated deep-tech aerospace and defense companies through direct checks and via the Starburst-ACA Impact Fund I, which manages over $1 billion.
The underlying platform is less a technology product and more a curated, multi-sided ecosystem spanning 150 portfolio startups, 60+ corporate and government partners (including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Thales, Airbus, Safran, IAI, HENSOLDT, NASA, NATO, and the European Space Agency), and several academic partners (UCLA, Ecole Polytechnique). Pricing varies by program: some accelerators are equity-free (SCALE, SATE, Singapore Aviation), while ASTRA takes 2.5%–5% equity (valued at $100K in-kind) plus up to $100K in funding. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise partnerships for consulting, self-serve applications for accelerators, Demo Days at industry events such as Eurosatory, and partner referrals from corporate, government, and academic channels. Revenue lines sit across fee-based services, equity acquisition, and — most recently — institutional fund management with Asia Capital Alliance.
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator
- Legal name
- Starburst
- Website
- https://starburst.aero
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Starburst — Hub71 Accelerator is a global aerospace and defense innovation catalyst founded in 2012, operating nine offices worldwide and combining startup accelerators, strategy consulting, and venture investments. It serves 150+ aerospace startups, Fortune 500 A&D corporates, defense agencies, and investors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aerospace & Defense Innovation Services
- akta.pro primary industry
- Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB), Space & Astronomy Programs (EDAMABAE)
Keywords
Where Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Abu Dhabi
- HQ country
- United Arab Emirates
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices8 records
Markets served
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Accelerator Program Fees: Starburst runs multiple accelerator programs globally, including flagship accelerators and partnership-specific programs. Some programs are free and equity-free (SCALE), while others such as ASTRA take equity (2.5% to 5% depending on previous funding). Programs provide strategic mentoring, go-to-market advisory, B2B matchmaking, and industry visibility.
- Strategy Consulting: Advisory services for Fortune 500 aerospace and defense companies including product-market fit analysis, go-to-market strategy, commercial due diligence, organization redesign, technology assessments, and learning expeditions.
- Venture Investments: Starburst invests in proven and validated deep tech companies in aerospace and defense, focusing on products changing electric flight, autonomous drones, urban air mobility, future travel, climate monitoring, communication, AI, energy, national security, and new materials.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | One time/ perpetual license | SCALE Accelerator (Los Angeles) |
| Hybrid | Multi-year contract | ASTRA Accelerator (Israel) |
| Freemium | One time/ perpetual license | SATE Accelerator (Washington) |
| Freemium | One time/ perpetual license | Singapore Aviation Accelerator |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Starburst runs a global aerospace and defense startup accelerator network operating multiple regional programs (SCALE in Los Angeles, ASTRA in Israel, BLAST in France, Singapore Aviation Accelerator, NewSpace Catalonia Accelerator, FCAS Accelerator, SATE Accelerator in Washington state, NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge). Each program provides mentorship, B2B matchmaking, fundraising support, and Demo Day exposure to corporate and government partners. Beyond accelerators, the firm delivers strategy consulting engagements to Fortune 500 aerospace and defense companies and makes venture investments in proven deep-tech aerospace startups across electric flight, autonomous drones, urban air mobility, climate monitoring, communications, AI, energy, national security, new materials, and space.
Product overview
Starburst is the world's first and only global aerospace and defense innovation catalyst, combining three complementary activities: startup accelerators, strategy consulting, and venture investments. The company operates multiple accelerator programs globally including the Starburst Accelerator Programme (France), SCALE LA (UCLA partnership), Singapore Aviation Accelerator, ASTRA (IAI partnership, Israel), BLAST (Ecole Polytechnique, France), NewSpace Catalonia Accelerator, NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge, FCAS Accelerator (HENSOLDT partnership), and SATE Accelerator (Washington state). Each accelerator is tailored to specific geographic markets and technology focus areas within aerospace, defense, and space sectors, providing startups with mentorship, B2B matchmaking, funding opportunities, and Demo Day events. The company also offers strategy consulting and venture investment services to complement its accelerator ecosystem.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SCALE: 13-week aerospace accelerator program in Los Angeles operated in collaboration with UCLA Samueli School of Engineering
- ASTRA
- BLAST
- Singapore Aviation Accelerator
- SATE Accelerator
Products and services
- Starburst Accelerator Programme An intensive 10-week programme focused on accelerating the growth of French aerospace and defence start-ups, offering strategic mentoring, go-to-market advisory, B2B matchmaking, and Demo Day opportunities at Eurosatory.
- SCALE LA Aerospace Accelerator A 13-week aerospace accelerator for pre-seed and seed stage companies based in Southern California, run in collaboration with UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, providing lectures, workshops, pitch practice, and Demo Day.
- Singapore Aviation Accelerator A 13-week acceleration program under the Starburst Impact Program, partnered with Enterprise Singapore, Singapore Airlines, SATS, AIRLAB, SIA Engineering and Changi Airports International, focusing on sustainability, supply chain and digitalization.
- ASTRA Israel's leading accelerator for early-stage startups in Aerospace, Defense, Space, and Dual-Use tech, powered by IAI and Starburst, offering up to $100K in funding plus strategic in-kind support, with direct access to IAI engineers and OEMs. Takes 2.5% to 5% equity depending on previous funding.
- BLAST The first French accelerator for Deeptech projects in Aeronautics, Space and Defense (ASD), powered by Starburst and Ecole Polytechnique, supporting 5 aerospace startups per year with market class, expertise, and test means modules.
- 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, providing global market exposure and international investor access.
- NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge A NASA Science Mission Directorate innovation program partnering with Starburst to invite fresh ideas for developing instruments and technologies advancing NASA's science mission goals, with up to $90,000 in prize funding through a two-round competition.
- FCAS Accelerator A 12-week accelerator by HENSOLDT and Starburst focused on fostering the dual-use ecosystem for European startups under the Future Combat Air Systems program, with workshops on Business Accelerator, Ecosystem Discovery, and Investor Landscape.
- SATE Accelerator A 3.5-month equity-free, non-dilutive accelerator focused on Sustainable Aviation Technologies and Energies, launched by Starburst Aerospace and Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA) in Washington state, targeting SAFs, hydrogen, electric propulsion, and AI tools.
- Starburst Strategy Consulting Advisory services for technology development, go-to-market strategy, investment and acquisition ventures, helping tackle critical challenges for aerospace and defense stakeholders. Includes product-market fit analysis, commercial due diligence, organization redesign, technology assessments, and learning expeditions.
- Starburst Ventures/Investments Venture investment services in proven and validated deep tech, focusing on electric flight, autonomous drones, urban air mobility, future travel, climate monitoring, communication, AI, energy, national security, new materials, and space technologies.
Quantifiable outcome
- 3 portfolio companies expected to IPO in 2021, reaching $1B valuation with liquid return in under 4 years
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- UCLA Samueli School of EngineeringcoreCollaboration on SCALE aerospace accelerator in Los Angeles, providing 13-week program with lectures, workshops, and networking. UCLA's Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department brings expertise in dynamics, fluid mechanics, and systems and control.
- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)corePartnership powering ASTRA accelerator in Israel, providing startups with direct access to IAI engineers, proof-of-concept opportunities, and potential co-development projects.
- HENSOLDTcoreGerman defense electronics champion partnering on FCAS Accelerator focused on Next Generation Weapon System. HENSOLDT selects technology themes and provides proof-of-concept opportunities under the FCAS program.
- Aerospace Futures Alliance (AFA)coreWashington state's trade association for aerospace companies partnering on SATE (Sustainable Aviation Technologies and Energies) Accelerator. AFA was awarded EDA federal funds for the SATE Cluster to lead sustainable aviation fuels and electrified aviation development.
- Enterprise SingaporecoreGovernment agency championing enterprise development, providing startups with privileged access to government grants and seed funding opportunities through the Singapore Aviation Accelerator.
- Singapore AirlinescorePremium airline partner enabling startups to work with coveted industry customer for credibility and brand establishment. Startups develop solutions addressing Singapore Airlines' operational challenges.
- SATScoreAsia's leading provider of food solutions and gateway services providing operational problem statements. Successful solutions result in pilot projects or proof-of-concept grant funding.
- Changi Airports InternationalcoreSubsidiary of Changi Airport Group creating innovative solutions for global community. Provides opportunities for startups to work on relevant use cases in airports space with proof of concept projects and potential funding.
- AIR Lab (Aviation Innovation Research Lab)coreJoint initiative by Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Thales for ATM technology development. Startups partner to advance Open ATM System architecture development.
- NASA Science Mission DirectoratecoreNASA partnership on Entrepreneurs Challenge inviting fresh ideas for instruments and technologies advancing science mission goals. Prize funding of up to $90,000 per participant through two-round competition.
- Government of CataloniacorePromoting NewSpace Strategy for Catalonia through the NewSpace Catalonia Accelerator, enhancing Catalan NewSpace ecosystem for generation of knowledge and data-based solutions.
- Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC)coreNon-profit public foundation promoting space research, innovation, and training in Catalonia. Fosters collaborations locally and worldwide as technology transfer agent.
- Ecole PolytechniquecoreFrench engineering school partnering on BLAST accelerator, providing access to X-Fab prototyping workshops, testing platforms, and Drahi-X Novation Center co-working space on campus.
- ONERAcoreFrench aerospace lab providing up to 100 hours of coaching from experts, test facilities, and laboratory knowledge for BLAST accelerator startups.
- European Space Agency (ESA)majorEuropean Space Agency participates in ecosystem discussions and launcher market analysis with Starburst.
- CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales)majorFrench space agency collaborating on space ecosystem development and startup support programs.
- NATOmajorAlliance partner exploring defense innovation and dual-use technology opportunities within NATO ecosystem.
- AVIOmajorItalian aerospace company participating in European launcher ecosystem discussions and startup programs.
- EutelsatmajorSatellite operator collaborating on space infrastructure and connectivity startup ecosystem development.
- BoeingcoreGlobal aerospace company providing mentorship, investment, and business venture opportunities for portfolio startups.
- Lockheed MartincoreDefense contractor supporting innovation through mentorship and potential business ventures with aerospace startups.
- RaytheoncoreDefense technology company engaging with startup ecosystem for innovation and technology partnerships.
- ThalescoreGlobal defense and aerospace technology company participating in AIR Lab and broader innovation ecosystem.
- AirbuscoreLeading aerospace company supporting innovation ecosystem development and startup engagement.
- SafrancoreAerospace supplier offering Explore Flying Experience and Explore Hydrogen accelerator programs for startup development.
- L3HarrismajorDefense technology company engaging with startup ecosystem for innovation and technology partnerships.
- ITAmajorIsraeli Aerospace Industries participating in accelerator programs and startup ecosystem.
- SaabmajorSwedish aerospace and defense company supporting innovation ecosystem and startup engagement.
- LeonardomajorItalian aerospace and defense company engaging with innovation ecosystem.
- MicrosoftmajorTechnology company providing software mentorship and on-ramp into Microsoft startup programs for Singapore Aviation Accelerator participants.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Techstars: Global accelerator network with multiple industry-vertical programs including aerospace and defense partnerships (e.g., Techstars + The Air Force). Closest peer by structure (multi-city, mentor-driven accelerator with equity-for-services model), and competes for the same early-stage aerospace startup pool.
- NATO DIANA: NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, running cohort-based programs across multiple allied test centers for dual-use deep-tech. Operates as a direct quasi-governmental competitor in the same defense accelerator space, with sovereign funding that may divert startup applications away from private accelerators like Starburst.
- Plug and Play Tech Center: Global innovation platform with dedicated aerospace, defense, and aviation verticals. Operates corporate-partner-led accelerator batches similar to Starburst's, including with airlines, airports, and defense primes; direct overlap on the B2B matchmaking, Demo Day, and corporate-sponsored cohort model.
- Seraphim Space: Space-focused accelerator and venture fund (formerly Seraphim Space Camp) that runs cohort-based programs for space-tech startups with corporate partner participation. Highly comparable to Starburst's NewSpace Catalonia and Launcher-adjacent portfolio work, with a similar mix of acceleration, investment, and corporate deal-flow intermediation.
- Airbus BizLab: Airbus's global corporate accelerator running programs in Toulouse, Hamburg, Bangalore, and Singapore for aerospace startups. Direct competitor to Starburst's accelerator model, with a comparable dual-offering of acceleration plus corporate venture and similar access to a Fortune 500 aerospace prime's resources.
- Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) - Space Stream: CDL runs an objectives-based mentoring program with a dedicated Space Stream, hosting cohorts of science- and space-tech startups with deep-tech focus. Comparable in that it combines structured acceleration, technical mentorship, and venture capital introduction for deep-tech founders in adjacent aerospace/space domains.
- Lufthansa Innovation Hub: Corporate innovation unit of the Lufthansa Group investing in and partnering with aviation, travel, and logistics startups. Comparable to Starburst's Singapore Aviation Accelerator in scope (airline-tied, sustainability and digitalization focused), and competes for the same aviation-sector startup pipeline.
- Aerospace Xelerated: Canada-based aerospace accelerator (backed by Boeing and the Canadian government) running cohort programs for early-stage aerospace startups. Closest direct competitor to Starburst's SCALE model, with similar pre-seed/seed focus, government co-funding, and prime-corporate mentorship structure.
Broad incumbents
- Lockheed Martin Ventures: Strategic venture arm of Lockheed Martin investing in early-stage aerospace and defense technologies. Competes for the same defense-tech deal flow and serves as a benchmark for in-house sourcing that primes may scale at the expense of independent accelerators.
- Boeing HorizonX / AE Ventures: Boeing's corporate venture arm investing in and accelerating autonomy, space, and advanced manufacturing startups. Functions as both a competitor (direct corporate VC) and a partner (Starburst lists Boeing as a channel partner), representing the in-house model that primes may prefer to external accelerators.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator social profiles
Digital presenceStarburst – Hub71 Accelerator financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator
What does Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator do?
Starburst runs a global aerospace and defense startup accelerator network operating multiple regional programs (SCALE in Los Angeles, ASTRA in Israel, BLAST in France, Singapore Aviation Accelerator, NewSpace Catalonia Accelerator, FCAS Accelerator, SATE Accelerator in Washington state, NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge). Each program provides mentorship, B2B matchmaking, fundraising support, and Demo Day exposure to corporate and government partners. Beyond accelerators, the firm delivers strategy consulting engagements to Fortune 500 aerospace and defense companies and makes venture investments in proven deep-tech aerospace startups across electric flight, autonomous drones, urban air mobility, climate monitoring, communications, AI, energy, national security, new materials, and space.
Is Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator a public or private company?
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator founded?
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator was founded in 2012. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator based?
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region.
How does Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Accelerator Program Fees are the primary driver. The others are strategy Consulting and venture Investments.
Who are Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Techstars, NATO DIANA, Plug and Play Tech Center, Seraphim Space, Airbus BizLab, Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) - Space Stream, Lufthansa Innovation Hub and Aerospace Xelerated. Broad incumbents are Lockheed Martin Ventures and Boeing HorizonX / AE Ventures.
Does Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator have an API?
No public API is recorded for Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator.
What industry is Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator in?
Starburst – Hub71 Accelerator's product category is Aerospace & Defense Innovation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSANAHAD, Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs, with a secondary code of IMABACAB, Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial).