The Spacetech Legal & Capital Playbook During Space Week NY 2026
Event summary
Founders, investors, legal practitioners and industry leaders joined 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 explored the legal, regulatory and operational fundamentals that mattered most at early and growth stages. Topics will included 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 was different. Investors evaluated risk, timelines and upside differently than they did for SaaS or AI, with greater focus on hardware, capital intensity, regulatory exposure and long-term market demand. This program examined what spacetech investors were actually underwriting, how current market dynamics shaped investment decisions, and where regulatory considerations can influence capital formation early, including issues that arose with foreign investors.
- Robert Warshaw – Partner, Cooley Moderator
- Kevin King – Partner, Cooley
- TejPaul Bhatia - CEO & Founder, Nebex
- Sherman Williams - Managing Partner, AIN Ventures
- Josh Rea - Director of Commercial Sales, Impulse Space
Related Contacts
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