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Max talks with Van Espahbodi about his career transition from a government career to the co-founder of the first aerospace accelerator (Starburst Aerospace Accelerator). Van also shares how one of his cars ended up in one of the “Fast and Furious” franchises and how his work with Starburst is opening new doors for innovation in the aerospace industry.

Van shares his journey about making the transition from a career in the public sector to working as a start-up founder in the private sector.

[1:33] How did you make that transition from public sector to private sector?

[6:20] What motivated you to pursue a career in the private sector, particularly the startup space?

Max & Van shift gears to talk about investing in the aerospace industry and how the business accelerator he founded (Starburst) is opening doors for others in the aerospace industry.

[9:21] Is venture investing in aerospace increasing or decreasing, compared to the past?                                                              

[11:27] How did your accelerator, Starburst, develop to what it is today?

[14:16] What kind of strategy consulting does Starburst offer for organizations and businesses interested in aerospace?

Max and Van continue the discussion about Van’s past, by diving into the childhood influences that helped steer Van to where he is it. Also, Van shared how his car was featured in “The Fast & The Furious”?

[15:30] What were some of your childhood hobbies that influenced your future choice of career?

[18:43] What kind of car did you have that was featured in the movie “The Fast & The Furious”?

After talking about the past, Max and Van talk about how Van looks at his future, his personal mission. Max began with more in-depth questions about the personal motivation that transformed into a discussion about the future of aerospace and investing

[20:03] Did you experience the same adrenaline rush as a teenager with kids as you moved throughout your career?

[23:20] Did you have any 10x moments (aka “This is one of the best moments of my life) while working at Starburst?

[24:46] What does “innovation lab” mean for the government?

[27:09] Are you helping the Air Force with its space mission?

[29:35] How do you feel about the public’s awareness of space?

[32:37] There’s an abundance of new technology out there and increasing knowledge being shared about this technology. How can entrepreneurs get

Involved in this. Where are some unconventional places they might want to look?

Van Espahbodi is the co-founder and managing partner of the world’s first