Van Espahbodi

Partner at Generational Partners

Moderator

Van combines two decades of deeptech venture capital investing and advanced technology commercialization predominately scouting/incubating across the aerospace and defense sector with Active TS/SCI.

• Currently at Generational Partners, a Los Angeles-based venture firm investing in safety-critical infrastructure, aerospace, energy and related industrial sectors.

• Appointed advisor to leadership at NASA, the US Intelligence Community, Space Force, Air Force, and NATO on increasing non-traditional engagement with entrepreneurs and venture investors.

• Built Starburst – worlds first dedicated aerospace and defense startup accelerator & venture capital fund with an equity portfolio of 120+ companies, including 2 unicorns.

• Helped launch a public-private venture fund between UK NATS & Lockheed.

• Former Raytheon Corporate Business Development and US Congressional Aide.

• Graduate education in economics and defense trade policy ranging from California State University and George Mason University in the US, and Cambridge University and Cranfield University in the UK.