Angel Investing and the Future of Technology: A Conversation with Axel's Iro Tsagareishvili

In this interview, we speak with Iro Tsagareishvili, Managing Director of Axel Georgian Business Angel Network, about their recent investment in Interstellar Lab, a female-led space tech company with a mission to make life multi-planetary. We discuss what inspired Axel to invest in the company and the potential impact of their sustainable solutions on the future of space exploration and life on earth. We also touch on the importance of diversity and representation in the tech industry and the role of private investment in advancing technological innovation and creating a better future for humanity.

What inspired Axel to invest in Interstellar Lab, and what qualities did you see in the company that made it an attractive investment opportunity?

Axel - Georgian Business Angel Newtork was inspired to invest in Interstellar Lab, a female-led space tech company, due to its visionary and sustainable solutions for the future. Upon receiving an email from EBAN - European Business Angel Newtork, to co-invest in the syndicate, we reviewed the company's pitch deck and were immediately excited about the opportunity. We shared it with our 75+ members, who were equally enthusiastic. As Georgia's space tech industry is not yet well-developed, we saw this investment as an opportunity to gain new knowledge and information.

Founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Barbara Belvisi, Interstellar Lab has a team of over 30 engineers, scientists, and designers dedicated to making life multi-planetary. Interstellar Lab's innovative solutions have been recognized as it was named the “Scaleup of the Month” at the European Angel Investment Summit. The European Angel Investment Summit is one of the most sought-after events in the angel investing community, where startups and scaleups come together with potential investors. It’s known for its high-quality investment opportunities and the diverse group of investors it brings together.

I love to quote EBAN President Emeritus and one of the main investors in this deal - Candace Johnson “What made us all invest in Interstellar Lab?  Barbara Belvisi is a remarkable entrepreneur.  She is putting together a sustainable “pod” for life on earth and in space.  She already has contracts from ESA and NASA for her pods in space and many perfume, agricultural, and plant-based companies for her pods on earth.  The business plan is ambitious but doable.  The vision of “Growing Life Anywhere” is compelling and she is hitting her revenue and production targets.  What more could you want?” 

This quote sums up the perspective of not only Axel, but also the entire syndicate of angel investors from Belgium, Spain, Georgia, Sweden, France, and the United States who secured €228,700 investment together.

What impact do you think Interstellar Lab's sustainable solutions could have on the future of space exploration and life on earth?

Interstellar Lab specialises in developing and commercialising advanced technologies such as agritech, robotics, and biotechnology. The company’s vision is to grow life anywhere, on earth or in space, the team is passionate about its work and is determined to make a real impact on the world. 

The company's focus on sustainability and innovation aligns with the growing need for solutions to address the challenges of climate change, food security, and resource depletion. Interstellar Lab's mission of "Growing Life Anywhere" offers a vision of a more sustainable and resilient future for humanity. The recent investment in Interstellar Lab by Axel and other angel investors is a testament to the potential impact of private investment in advancing technological innovation for a better future. Overall, Interstellar Lab's work represents an exciting development in the intersection of space technology and sustainability, with potential benefits for both space exploration and life on earth. Interstellar Lab's focus on sustainability and innovation aligns with the growing need for solutions to address pressing challenges, such as climate change, food security, and resource depletion.

As a female-led company, do you see Interstellar Lab's success as a positive example for increasing diversity and representation in the tech industry?

As a member of the angel investing community, we are proud to be part of an industry that is committed to promoting gender equality and supporting women-led businesses. And as a board member of EBAN, we actively contribute to the promotion of diversity in BANs and encourage female angel investors to become part of our network. Our team has also shared insights and experiences on the importance of diversity and gender equality in angel investing as a panelist on "The Power of Diversity: Unlocking the Potential of Gender Equality in a BAN." At Axel, we are pleased to see an increasing number of female-led startups approaching us, and we encourage and support Georgian female angel investors to become part of our network. 

From the perspective of Interstellar Lab, I believe that every success by a woman in this community is a win for everyone who supports diversity in the tech industry. Interstellar Lab's success demonstrates the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.

How do you envision Interstellar Lab's agritech, robotics, and biotechnology modules being utilized in both space and on earth?

Interstellar Lab's agritech, robotics, and biotechnology modules can be used both in space and on earth to create sustainable and self-sufficient environments for growing crops, producing food, and supporting life.

In space, the company's technology can be used to build self-sufficient habitats on other planets, such as Mars, where environmental conditions are harsh and resources are limited. Interstellar Lab is already partnering with NASA to develop a climate-controlled environment for growing food on Mars.

On earth, the technology can be used to create sustainable farming solutions that reduce the reliance on traditional farming methods, such as pesticides and large amounts of water, and minimize the impact of climate change. The company's technology can also be used to create controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) systems for urban farming, providing fresh produce to city residents and reducing food waste from long-distance transportation.

Overall, Interstellar Lab's innovative approach to combining agritech, robotics, and biotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the way we grow food and support life both in space and on earth, creating a more sustainable and self-sufficient future for all.

What role do you believe private investment has in advancing technological innovation and creating a better future for humanity?

Private investment plays a significant role in advancing innovation and creating new opportunities for growth and development. By providing startups and emerging companies with the funding they need to develop new products and services, private investors help fuel economic growth and job creation.

As here I am representing Axel - Georgian Business Angel Network, I would like to underline the role of angel investing in driving technological innovation and supporting startups that have the potential to create a better future for humanity. Angel investors provide early-stage funding to startups and help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. They bring valuable knowledge, expertise, and mentorship to the table, which can be critical to the success of a startup.

Moreover, angel investors often invest in startups that align with their values and goals, such as environmental sustainability or social impact. By investing in these startups, angel investors can play a role in shaping the direction of innovation and supporting technologies that can have a positive impact on society.

In summary, private investment, and specifically, angel investing, can have a significant impact on the development of new technologies, job creation, and economic growth. By supporting startups and emerging companies, private investors can help create a better future for humanity and drive positive change in various industries.

If readers of this article are interested in joining Axel on our exciting journey as angel investors, they can apply to join Axel directly through the link: https://axelnetwork.org/#rec325638032

Additionally, if you are a startup seeking angel investment, follow this link:: https://app.dealum.com/#/company/application/new/53212/1325ln5dnmx46cs2frscndss6vxpmmn5.

We are happy to welcomes those who are passionate about angel investing and supporting innovative startups to make a positive impact on the future of the tech industry.