A Chat with Nichola Bates, Managing Partner at Aerospace Start-Up Accelerator: Aerospace Xelerated

Aerospace Xelerated is a 3-month accelerator for early-stage startups striving to advance the future of sustainable aerospace. The programme is open to startups globally and is a Seed to Series A-stage accelerator for technology startups looking to impact and scale in (or establish themselves into) the aerospace industry.

This programme is delivered by The Boeing Company and Tawazun Economic Council. The programme offers a £100k investment from Boeing, a curated curriculum and unrivalled access to Boeing, Tawazun and our programme partners.
 
 

 

What do you think makes Aerospace Xelerated unique?

 
Startups accepted into our programme have the option to benefit from a £100K investment from Boeing, with potential for additional funding from partners throughout the region. They will also have access to strategists and technical experts from industry that support in developing proof of concept opportunities.

Through Aerospace Xelerated, startups will be introduced to a network of angel investors, venture capitalists and key stakeholders amongst the aerospace industry, throughout the 12-week programme. Successful companies will also receive mentoring from a global network of experienced entrepreneurs, mentors and investors, plus more than £100K in programme perks from partners including startup providers Oracle, Amazon, HubSpot, Digital Ocean and many more.
 

 

How has Aerospace Xelerated evolved over the last couple of years?

 
Since launching in 2019, startups involved in the three previous Aerospace Xelerated cohorts have gone on to raise over £100M in additional funding and create over 150 jobs across the UK and globally. Organisations to work with past cohorts as partners or mentors include PWC, Frazer-Nash, Chevron Technology Ventures and EasyJet.
 

What can we hope to see from Aerospace Xelerated in the future?

 
Our programme is designed to support the growth of startups – regardless of where they reside. By supporting these innovative early-stage technology businesses, Aerospace Xelerated aims to bolster the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of the aerospace industry.

We have just closed applications for our fourth cohort and are currently going through the selection process. Cohort 4 will run from January to April 2023 and the programme will have both physical and virtual elements.

Having the programme launch out of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will provide further market access not only to the UAE, but to all of the Middle East, Turkey and Africa regions thanks to the strategic geographical location, as well as the global expansion initiatives that the UAE has accomplished to date.