Founder’s Story Episode 229 Summary: "It Started with Satellites and a Selfie… Now It’s a Billion-Dollar Space Platform" featuring Chris Newlands of SpaceEye

Introduction

In Episode 229 of Founder’s Story, hosted by IBH Media, the spotlight shines on Chris Newlands, the visionary CEO and founder of SpaceEye. The conversation delves into the inception of SpaceEye, its transformative technology, commercial applications, societal impacts, and future prospects. Through an engaging dialogue, listeners gain insight into how a simple "space selfie" concept evolved into a billion-dollar space platform with the potential to revolutionize multiple industries and save lives.

Origin of SpaceEye: The Space Selfie Concept

The episode begins with an intriguing question about the genesis of SpaceEye, particularly the inventive moment Chris had while in the shower.

Chris Newlands [00:42]: "Having been a founder of a previous organization, one of the hardest things to do is to access an audience... I came up with the idea of a space selfie."

Chris explains that the idea emerged from his frustration with traditional marketing channels like social media and paid advertising. His concept of a "space selfie" aimed to provide tangible evidence of event attendance by capturing individuals via satellite imagery. This innovative approach was not only a marketing tool but also a means to authenticate presence at significant events.

The initial launch saw remarkable success, with SpaceEye’s app soaring into the top 10% of all app downloads in history within a single week. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a strategic pivot. Despite this setback, securing patents in multiple countries, including the United States and China, positioned SpaceEye favorably as commercial space ventures gained momentum.

Commercial Applications and Partnerships

As SpaceEye developed, Chris elaborates on the platform's broad commercial applications and the diverse industries keen to partner with them.

Chris Newlands [04:37]: "We're talking to telecoms companies, oil and gas, energy logistics, shipping... defense and security are very interested as well."

SpaceEye’s technology normalizes satellite imagery across various formats and constellations, facilitating seamless integration for end-users. Key sectors expressing interest include telecommunications, energy, logistics, and defense. For instance, in wildfire management, SpaceEye can utilize infrared and optical satellite imagery to locate responders and survivors, enhancing emergency response efficiency and potentially saving lives.

Societal Impact: Saving Lives and Enhancing Efficiency

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the profound societal impacts of SpaceEye’s technology. Chris emphasizes the platform’s potential to save lives, improve efficiency, and address global challenges.

Chris Newlands [06:56]: "The ability to have better, more informed information, to make better, more informed decisions, means that you can potentially be more efficient in everything you do."

He cites a World Economic Forum and McKinsey report highlighting substantial efficiency gains in the shipping and logistics sectors, which collectively account for trillions of dollars. By providing real-time, actionable satellite data, SpaceEye can reduce climate impact, enhance transparency, and ensure the smooth functioning of critical supply chains.

In emergency scenarios, such as natural disasters, SpaceEye can offer precise location data to aid in rescue operations. Chris illustrates this with an example where real-time satellite images helped locate a missing child, demonstrating the platform’s life-saving potential.

Privacy Concerns and Ethical Considerations

Addressing potential privacy concerns, Chris acknowledges the delicate balance between utility and privacy.

Chris Newlands [08:52]: "We will comply with all local laws and customs... It would be an opt-in."

SpaceEye ensures that all data collection and usage adhere to legal standards and emphasize user consent. The platform is designed to be opt-in, safeguarding individual privacy while enabling functionalities like autonomous driving and enhanced situational awareness during emergencies. Chris reassures listeners that privacy remains a paramount concern, with mechanisms in place to prevent misuse of the technology.

Future of IoT, AI, and SpaceEye’s Role

The conversation transitions to the future of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), and how SpaceEye plans to integrate these technologies.

Chris Newlands [13:36]: "SpaceEye is the platform that we're now working with as such... the ability to capture the data pulsing from 8 billion people, 20 billion devices and thousands of cameras can actually become the training data for artificial intelligence models."

SpaceEye envisions a future where real-time satellite imagery combined with IoT data creates a vast, interconnected information network. This synergy can enhance AI models, making them more accurate and reliable. Chris highlights the potential for applications in crime prevention, wildlife protection, and environmental monitoring, asserting that SpaceEye’s capabilities could make the world a safer and more efficient place.

Endorsements and Industry Recognition

Chris shares a significant endorsement from Ed Parsons, the former head of Google Maps and Google Earth, who praised SpaceEye as reminiscent of the early days of these iconic platforms.

Chris Newlands [16:52]: "When you understand that the World economic forum in McKinsey are talking about a $3.8 trillion sector... someone like Ed wanting to help shape that makes me very proud."

This recognition underscores the strategic importance and potential of SpaceEye within the geospatial and satellite imagery industries. Chris also mentions the company’s commitment to environmental causes, such as monitoring the Amazon rainforest to prevent illegal logging, further emphasizing their mission-driven approach.

Conclusion: Vision for the Future

As the episode wraps up, Chris reflects on the broader implications of SpaceEye’s technology.

Chris Newlands [19:18]: "It’s not so much about the money for us, it's more about... the opportunity to see the world and the rounding context now is a game changer."

Chris envisions SpaceEye not just as a profitable venture but as a transformative tool for humanity, likening its impact to that of the smartphone and the internet. By harnessing the power of space and AI, SpaceEye aims to enhance global connectivity, safety, and sustainability.

Connecting with Chris Newlands

Listeners interested in learning more or connecting with Chris can reach him via LinkedIn or email at chris@spaceiye.com. SpaceEye's unique branding, derived from the Scottish word "yea" meaning "always," reflects their commitment to continuous innovation and accessibility.

Final Thoughts

Episode 229 of Founder’s Story offers a comprehensive look into how SpaceEye is poised to redefine satellite imagery’s role in everyday life and global operations. Chris Newlands’ passion and forward-thinking approach highlight the vast potential of integrating space technology with IoT and AI, promising a future where real-time data from space enhances decision-making, saves lives, and fosters a more connected and efficient world.