Today, I am speaking with Guillermo Söhnlein. Guillermo has over 20 years of experience in technology innovation, "NewSpace" ventures, and early-stage investments. From co-founding technology companies in Silicon Valley to launching the Space Angels Network, from organising ocean exploration expeditions to advising emerging space ventures, he has had quite a fascinating career. Currently, Guillermo is part of the advisory team at New Vista Acquisition Corporation, a SPAC focused on the aerospace and defence sector.
In this episode, Guillermo and I discuss a number of subjects including the evolution of investing in space companies in the last 15 years, the similarities with the internet era, and of course, SPACs. Guillermo also gives his perspectives on exploring the oceans as well as why we should also be looking at Venus for human settlement.
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01:54: Guillermo's story
03:30: Guillermo's experience across industries and how it relates to working in space tech
05:58: Does the space industry have anything in common with other industries?
08:58: What has changed in the space industry in the last 20 years?
10:58: What is the next big thing in the space industry?
14:45: The similarities between the growth of the internet and the commercialisation of space
17:02: The Space Angels Network and investing in SpaceTech
25:05: Guillermo's perspectives on SPACs and working with New Vista
29:59: Guillermo's thoughts on exploration and what it means
34:10: Are we doing enough to explore the oceans? How is it related to space exploration?
40:27: Exploring the solar system and making a case for Venus
46:10: What could go wrong in the next decade?
49:22: What Guillermo is excited about in the space industry
51:01: Guillermo's 1-line for the space industry
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