NewSpace Capital, the global private equity firm, has strengthened its advisory board with the appointments of Lieutenant-General John E. Shaw, former deputy commander of US Space Command, and Ruy Pinto, former CEO of SES. They will help NewSpace Capital in decisions around the space and space-related related industry investments it makes.
The appointments follow that of Hassan Karimi, CEO of KHK & Partners, who joined in April. With the space sector project to be worth $.8 trillion by 2035, according to World Economic Forum research, the appointments are timely.
NewSpace Capital has made several investments in the sector, including:
- Atlas Space Operations provides secure space access anytime with a global federated network of antennas
- Cailabs, a world leader in the design and manufacturing of complex photonics products
- ICEYE is a leader in the Earth Observation market
- Kayrros, a leading environmental intelligence company
- Simera Sense provides earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite NewSpace market
Its investments are having a huge impact on fields such as insurance, finance, transportation, energy, communication and sustainability. It continues to seek investments in a range of space and space-related companies. These new advisors will help advise in two of the key markets, the US and Europe and beyond, through their deep practical experience.
Bogdan Gogulan, CEO and Managing Partner of NewSpace Capital, welcomed the new members to the Advisory Board, saying, “I’m delighted to welcome Lieutenant-General Shaw and Ruy Pinto on board.
“They both bring enormous knowledge and unique perspectives, gained over the years working in the space domain. Space is playing an increasingly important role in our lives, and the sector is growing rapidly. The expertise of Lieutenant-General Shaw and Ruy Pinto will be invaluable as our portfolio companies continue leading the development of the space ecosystem.”
Who is Lieutenant-General John Shaw
Lieutenant-General John Shaw is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, University of Washington, and George Washington University. Most recently he served as the deputy commander of the United States Space Command from 2020 to 2023. Previously, he served as commander of the Combined Force Space Component Command and deputy commander of Space Operations Command.
He has held several command positions, including the Fourteenth Air Force, 21st Space Wing, 50th Operations Group, and 4th Space Operations Squadron. After retiring in 2023, he joined the advisory board of Sierra Space and the board of directors of Stoke Space.
“Space isn’t just any sector, but one that’s vital to defense, as well as sustainability and other areas. It underpins many of the things we take for granted.
“NewSpace Capital look to support the best and brightest people working in the space sector. There’s an enviable display of talent across their portfolio. NewSpace Capital have an excellent team and it’s a pleasure to join them at a very exciting time for the space sector.”
Who is Ruy Pinto
Ruy Pinto is a graduate of Rio de Janeiro Catholic University with a degree in Engineering and Electronics. He spent nearly 17 years at Inmarsat before leaving to join SES Satellites in various senior leadership positions. Becoming CEO in 2023-204, he is now a strategy advisor to the CEO there. Pinto is currently advising SES on its participation in the European Commission IRIS2 Space Program.
He has also spent ten years as Non-Executive Director and two years as Chair of Catapult Applications Group. Pinto was also Director and VP of Space for the Association of Defence, Security and Aerospace Companies in the UK for four years.
Ruy Pinto said, “The team at NewSpace Capital are diligent, thorough, extremely knowledgeable about the space sector and committed to its growth.
“NewSpace Capital investment criteria set a very high bar for the portfolio companies – they must be solving fundamental problems in their fields. As someone who has spent most of his adult life working in space, that’s music to my ears.
“I look forward to joining the impressive roster on the Advisory Board, adding my voice to the conversation, and helping NewSpace to continue supporting the transformation of the space sector.”
Enterprise Times: What does this mean
With these two appointments, NewSpace has access to two significant space leaders. One has deeper expertise in the US Space strategy and operations, and the second has worked in the global space industry for decades.
It will be interesting to see whether these individuals will not only bring their knowledge to support the NewSpace Capital portfolio and future investments, but could also bring new firms.