Multidimensional De-Risking Framework to Bridge Space Founders with the Right Funding Solutions

Julian Walder, student at Space for Business, today announced the launch of the Multidimensional De-Risking Framework for Space Ventures, a breakthrough tool designed to systematically reduce the high risks faced by early-stage space startups and connect founders with the right funding solutions.

Tackling Space Venture Risk Head-On

More than half of space startups fail within five years due to long development cycles, market immaturity, and fragmented funding landscapes. Traditional evaluation tools, such as Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), focus too narrowly on engineering milestones and fail to capture the full spectrum of risks.

The new framework expands the scope to eight readiness dimensions — Technology, Market, Business Model, Team, IP, Funding, Sustainability, and System Integration. Each dimension is measured using KTH Innovation Readiness Levels (IRL 1–9), providing founders and investors with clear, evidence-based signals of progress.

Matching Startups with Capital

Beyond diagnostics, the framework acts as a navigation system that highlights which funding instruments are most suitable at each stage. For example:

• Pre-Seed founders with promising technology but low market validation are guided toward grants and early-stage angels.

• Seed ventures with signed pilots and integration partners are connected with VCs specializing in early commercialization.

• Series A startups with balanced readiness across dimensions are matched with institutional investors seeking scalable opportunities.

"Space ventures often get stuck between grant funding and institutional capital. Our framework bridges that gap by showing both sides where readiness really stands and pointing to the right financing solution at the right time," said Julian Walder, student at Space for Business.

Empowering the Ecosystem

• Founders gain a transparent roadmap and clear next steps.

• Investors see risks quantified across all critical dimensions, lowering due diligence costs.

• Accelerators and agencies get a standardized benchmark to guide cohorts and allocate funding.

Pilot Phase Underway

The framework is now being piloted with select upstream and downstream startups, with early results showing stronger investor confidence and faster alignment on funding pathways. A full rollout and certification standard are planned for 2026.

About Space for Business

The programme has been developed by three of Europe's renowned business schools in collaboration with the European Space Agency. Through their expertise and experience, an effective learning programme has been formed with a wide variety of learning activities.