FAQ

Aerospace Xelerated is a leading global innovation & accelerator programme for early stage companies developing scalable and sustainable solutions for the aerospace industry and beyond. Since 2019, Aerospace Xelerated has helped 40+ tech startups across 14 countries and 12 industries access critical investment, mentorship, and support.

Through the new programme model, startups can apply to participate in clearly defined innovation challenges and fully funded Proof of Concept (PoC) contracts with corporate and government partners. Our unique model provides startups the opportunity to develop and validate their solutions with the support of experienced industry partners.

Participating companies also have access to various perks from programme partners.

To date, Aerospace Xelerated portfolio companies have gone on to raise over £200 million in funding on top of our initial SAFE investment and have created more than 750 new jobs internationally. Many global organisations have worked with participant companies as partners or mentors, including Boeing, Tawazun Council, Etihad, GKN Aerospace, DASA, Rolls-Royce, KPMG, PWC, Frazer-Nash, Chevron Technology Ventures and EasyJet, among others.

Our curriculum includes modules that are a combination of business fundamentals, 1:1 mentoring sessions, pitch development, and networking opportunities. Topics can include, but are not limited to, sales, marketing, product development, financial modelling, legal, intellectual property, and fundraising.

We also support startups that participate in the programme with best practices when it comes to connecting with our corporate partners and global investor network. The goal is to provide startups with a structured programme to rapidly scale their startups through a combination of education, mentorship, and access to resources and networks.

Selected companies have the option of receiving a £100,000 investment from Boeing/ Tawazun Council in the form of a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) note. The SAFE is uncapped, and converts with a 20% discount at the next priced round raised. Further information and terms are shared with the company upon selection.

At Aerospace Xelerated, the programme and our partners offer world-leading expertise, as well as cultivating innovation, solving real world challenges, and building mutually beneficial relationships with our startups. Our goal is to support a thriving global ecosystem where collaboration fuels growth and success for everyone involved.

Startups selected to take part in the programme will need to complete an onboarding process and are required to provide a founder / senior leader for corporate introductions and networking events. Further, if the selected startups accept the optional SAFE investment, there will also be reporting requirements.

The entry requirements for startups that wish to apply to the programme will vary depending on the challenge(s) that we are running. Previous challenge areas included Digital Services & Solutions, Sustainability, and Industry 4.0 applications.

We typically work with Seed- to Series A-stage startups and who have innovative software solutions that can be applied in the aerospace industry. We are looking for companies with at least a minimum viable product (MVP) solution that is ready to be used and who have demonstrated traction (for example, completed demos, Proof-of-Concepts, pilot projects) in either aerospace or an adjacent industry.

No prior experience or work in aerospace is required.

Many of our portfolio companies’ solutions are being utilised in other industries, including transport/mobility sectors like maritime, automotive and rail; as well as non-transport industries including oil & gas, healthcare and manufacturing, among others.

Explore our portfolio of companies to learn more about the industries they work in and the solutions they offer.

We primarily focus on software companies. We may also consider companies with a software product that includes hardware elements (e.g. sensors), but a purely hardware-based solution may not be the best fit for our programme.

We are also looking for companies with both a minimum viable product (MVP) solution that is ready to be tested in aerospace, and companies who have demonstrable traction in either aerospace or an adjacent industry.

Feel free to contact us to discuss if you’re not sure where your startup would sit.

There is an application process for each challenge that we run. The application process can last between 1-2 months.

If your company is selected for the programme, we will then create a tailored curriculum and timeline for your participation.

We are open to various company structures, as long as the applying company has been legally incorporated.

Aerospace Xelerated is an accelerator and innovation programme backed by The Boeing Company and Tawazun Council.

To date, we have worked with other corporate and government industry partners such as, GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Etihad, the Defense and Security Accelerator (DASA) led by the UK Ministry of Defence.

Aerospace Xelerated offers corporate and government partners a strategic advantage in scouting, screening, and selecting world-class startups who are addressing specific organisational challenges.

Through our global accelerator and innovation programme, our partners gain access to a carefully curated pool of innovative ventures. We streamline the process of identifying startups that align with partners’ objectives, ensuring a tailored selection that can effectively address defined challenges.

By collaborating with startups, partners can inject external innovation into their organisations, fostering a culture of creativity and adaptability. Aerospace Xelerated facilitates seamless partnerships, providing a structured environment for co-creation and problem-solving.

Additionally, we work closely with our corporate and government partners to design and implement customised accelerators and innovation programmes, leveraging our expertise to enhance their own innovation ecosystems.

Partnering with Aerospace Xelerated offers prospective corporate and government partners a comprehensive solution for bringing innovation in-house, solving challenges, and promoting organisational growth.

If you are interested in becoming an Aerospace Xelerated partner, please get in touch.

At Aerospace Xelerated, investors can gain exclusive access to a meticulously curated selection of high-potential world-class startups. Our programme offers a structured environment for thorough due diligence, enabling investors to assess viability, scalability, and market alignment.

Through tailored events like networking sessions and demo days, investors directly engage with our startups, offering guidance and providing actionable feedback. Aerospace Xelerated also provides invaluable mentorship from industry experts, propelling portfolio companies toward accelerated growth.

Our unique ecosystem ensures investors benefit from the rapid development and success of startups & SMEs, maximising their potential return on investment. Aerospace Xelerated is committed to streamlining the identification, nurturing, and investment processes, fostering impactful relationships between investors and promising ventures within our dynamic ecosystem.

If you are interested in becoming an Aerospace Xelerated investor, please get in touch.