Invest in Space Tech
By the end of 2020, the global space economy had reached $447 billion based on measurable figures. Despite a global pandemic that brought the world economy nearly to a halt for over two years, by the end of 2024 the space economy had surged to $613 billion, according to the Space Foundation—representing nearly 40% growth.
In 2024 alone, $343 billion came from Commercial Space Products and Services, $137 billion from Commercial Infrastructure and Support Industries, $77 billion from U.S. government budgets allocated to space, and $55 billion from other governments worldwide.
Patience and Persistence: The Greatest Leverage in Space Ventures
Technological ventures in space demand long-term R&D commitments, while their validation happens in an environment never previously tested—outer space. This inherently increases the patience and resilience required from investors. Human capital, its evolution, the lengthy testing cycles (dozens or even hundreds of iterations), and the high upfront costs all combine to raise the leverage of value creation in space investments.
Elon Musk’s story is the ultimate case study here. Between 2006 and 2008, three consecutive Falcon 1 launches failed, nearly bankrupting him after he invested nearly all his PayPal proceeds into SpaceX . On September 28, 2008, the fourth attempt succeeded—marking the first privately developed liquid-fueled rocket to reach orbit. That milestone became the foundation of what SpaceX is today.
Persistence Multiplies Returns Beyond the Norm
Despite uncertainty, humanity will never abandon space exploration. National security risks and the accelerating pace of space development force governments to keep investing. SpaceX’s persistence was rewarded when NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded a contract after Falcon 1’s success, effectively saving the company.
At that time, SpaceX 's valuation was around $1 billion. Seventeen years later, it has grown to $400 billion. The Founders Fund’s $20 million seed investment for a 10% stake turned into a value of $40 billion today—a 2000x return that underscores the reality of space investments.
Only the Boldest Pursue Serious Space Investments
Globally renowned entrepreneurs and billionaires have stepped into space—Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Peter Thiel, Richard Branson, Paul Allen, Jack Ma, among others. But vision, models, or innovation alone are not enough. True leverage comes with boldness—like Musk betting almost all his PayPal fortune on SpaceX during its darkest hour.
Conclusion