The Spacetech Legal & Capital Playbook During Space Week NY 2026
Event summary
Join founders, investors, legal practitioners and industry leaders for an afternoon of practical conversation and networking focused on building and scaling a space technology company.
Hosted by Cooley and Empire Space, the program will explore the legal, regulatory and operational fundamentals that matter most at early and growth stages. Topics will include fundraising readiness, cap table and governance considerations, IP strategy and data room preparation, licensing and regulatory pathways, export controls, government contracting, and day-to-day compliance considerations for space startups.
Panel Discussion: Formation to Funding – Best Practices When Starting and Scaling a Spacetech Startup
Starting a spacetech company is different. Investors evaluate risk, timelines and upside differently than they do for SaaS or AI, with greater focus on hardware, capital intensity, regulatory exposure and long-term market demand. This program looks at what spacetech investors are actually underwriting, how current market dynamics shape investment decisions, and where regulatory considerations can influence capital formation early, including issues that arise with foreign investors.
- Robert Warshaw – Partner, Cooley Moderator
- Kevin King – Partner, Cooley
- TejPaul Bhatia - Founder, Plan Z Capital
- Sherman Williams - Managing Partner, AIN Ventures
- Josh Rea - Director of Commercial Sales, Impulse Space
Related Contacts
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