Launching and scaling a new venture is never easy. Many promising start-ups don’t fail for lack of innovation but because they lack the resources, connections and guidance needed to accelerate growth. That’s exactly the gap programs such as CASSINI Matchmaking are designed to close. Managed by the European Commission and implemented by EUSPA – with Verhaert Strategic Innovation as one of the companies leading its delivery – the program helps ventures to enter the commercial market, build stellar teams and secure the capital to reach critical milestones.
Bridging the growth gap for ventures at SmallSat 2025
At the Small Satellite Conference 2025 in Salt Lake City, venture growth took the next step, from proven concept model to expansion. Together with partners Novaspace and Starburst, we participated in the CASSINI Matchmaking initiative, spotlighting top-performing European space companies. During the event, our aim was far beyond visibility. Our focus was on:
- Opening doors for EU start-ups and scale-ups in the US market
- Connecting innovators with potential American clients and partners
- Turning European technology into global success stories
Across the Atlantic, European space companies are already making their mark – signing contracts with US satellite operators, partnering with NASA suppliers and winning attention from major buyers. Many of those relationships start with one conversation, and some start at CASSINI Matchmaking.
Forging transatlantic connections
Throughout SmallSat we saw European companies pitching solutions that address real challenges in communications, Earth observation and space sustainability – and finding partners who can help them scale on a global stage. Our CASSINI Lunch session drew more than 200 registrations from industry leaders such as SpaceX and Amazon. Presenters shared first-hand experiences of expanding into the US, highlighting both the opportunities and the need for expert support to navigate regulatory hurdles such as ITAR.
Measuring the impact
The engagement peaked at the CASSINI Reception, attended by more than 4,000 industry professionals. This provided the ideal platform for European start-ups to have brand exposure and direct access to potential partners, investors and customers. Companies managed to have lots of relevant conversations, which did more than connect people; they generated concrete business development opportunities and gained deeper insight into what international expansion demands.
We received countless supports from CASSINI through the Business Accelerator and Matchmaking, which played a key role in helping us grow our company. We are grateful to take part in the CASSINI activities and truly appreciate the team’s efforts to support EU companies entering the US market. – Mikolaj Podgórski, COO at Scanway
Catalyze your ventures’ growth
Whether you’re an innovation director, a CVC manager or an economic development officer, our expertise built up through programs like CASSINI – from acceleration and investor matchmaking to early-stage financing – can help turn your vision into reality. Let’s explore how we can fuel the next generation of ventures together.