Spotlight: Alexandra Vidyuk - Founder @ Space Ambition & Venture Partner @ Aloniq
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2022 was pivotal in Alex’s career when she decided to launch Space Ambition and contribute to her childhood dream of space exploration. In 2023 she joined Aloniq as a spacetech venture partner and co-founded a spacetech venture builder and an investment syndicate named Beyond Earth, further expanding her impact in the industry. Previously, we wrote about the stories of several other female leaders in spacetech, and we’d love to see even more women pursue opportunities in the industry!
Why did you change your career from banking/fintech to spacetech?
I enjoyed my time in banking, where I had the opportunity to develop my skills and expand my network. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I took some time to reflect and decided to shift my career focus for the next decade. Space emerged as a natural choice, reigniting my childhood passion. I believe the space industry is incredibly impactful, not only because it has the potential to advance our civilization but also because I am convinced that it holds solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, including climate change and curing cancer.
Why do you think space is important for our society?
I am deeply convinced that the space industry requires more talent, funding, and attention, which is why I founded Space Ambition. Space is often perceived as 'rocket science' or a playground for billionaires, which creates unnecessary barriers. However, the industry has evolved to a point where it needs a diverse range of professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to continue its growth and development. The aerospace sector is multidisciplinary and its technology could be used in any industry. To illustrate this we wrote the following article.
In a recent interview with Lex Friedman, Elon Musk emphasized that the window for our civilization to become multi-planetary is limited. This is a crucial point, and we don't want future archaeologists to be examining our launchpads, wondering about their purpose, just as we speculate about the pyramids of Egypt today.
Our generation's mission is to ensure the sustainability of the space industry and develop killer apps for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the Moon. These efforts will lay the groundwork for a future Mars colony and the construction of station towns around Earth. At Space Ambition, we are determined to help entrepreneurs and investors to do so.
What would you advise to those who want to pivot to Space?
Our career paths differ significantly from those of our parent's generation, and it is anticipated that we will change directions multiple times throughout our lives. This has become the new norm, with continuous learning and upskilling being essential. I encourage you to answer the question: "Where do you think you can spend the next 10 years to maximize your impact on the development of our civilization?"
If your answers are the same as mine: ‘space’ - then start by learning about the space industry. Read books, articles, and industry reports. Online courses and webinars can also provide valuable insights. Connect with professionals in the space industry through LinkedIn, conferences, and networking events. Join space-related groups and forums to engage with like-minded individuals. Think about how your current skills and experience can be applied to the space industry. For example, if you have a background in finance, you could explore opportunities in space finance or investment. Try to join some accelerators as a mentor for start-ups to build a track record in the industry.
We also believe that people follow the examples of others, and we hope that our Spotlights will help inspire you to change your career path. If we did so, please share your story with us via hello@spaceambition.org. They will certainly inspire our team!
Alex, you are an inspiration! Thank you.
Lisa Haley, Astrolith, LLC