In this episode, Space Forward talks to Peter Platzer about the foundation and journey of Spire Global. Not-just-a-satellite company, Spire has a textbook-like business model that allows for extraordinary asset utilization and several risk-adjusted revenue streams, positioning them as a leading data analytics and weather prediction company. Spire notably owns the entire value chain ― from building and operating their multipurpose nano-satellite constellation, to providing object tracking and weather prediction services around the globe, 24/7. Tune in now to hear about the ups-and-downs of starting a commercial satellite company, Peter’s purposeful business philosophies, and humanity’s adventure into space to solve problems here on Earth.

Peter Platzer is the CEO of Spire Global. A former Boston Consulting and Deutsche Bank quant trader who studied physics in Vienna, Peter holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a fellow International Space University Alumni.

Space Forward deconstructs the efforts of humankind’s expansion into space, focusing on the hard problems inherent to facilitating our interplanetary future. Through insightful conversations with forward-thinking visionaries, this podcast explores the actionable steps required to make our space future a reality, breaking down complex ideas into first principle concepts.

CONTENT00:01:22 Intro00:02:10 Call to adventure | Lead, inspire and create the business of space for the benefit of all00:03:46 Refusal of the call | Harvard Business School & Wallstreet00:04:02 Supernatural aid | Peter Diamandis & The Singularity University00:04:48 Crossing the first threshold | International Space University & meet the founder crew00:06:38 Metamorphosis | Moore’s Law & the foundation of Spire Global00:09:45 Road of trials | Weather prediction & finding product-market fit00:12:04 Meeting with the goddess | Raising money & trusted mentors00:17:46 Rejections00:18:15 Confront what slows one down | do something one can only do from space00:20:30 Captain Ahab & not waiting for Godot 00:22:37 Apotheosis | Breakthrough00:28:30 The ultimate boon | Building satellites00:30:00 The hard thing about hard things | The struggle on hiring00:33:35 Magic flight | Losing satellites in the mail00:33:40 Crossing the return threshold | Lessons learned00:36:27 Master of two worlds | Findings00:38:37 Freedom to Live | Big data and analytics