Asian Leaders in Space Tech presented by: Actuate Ventures
Join Actuate Ventures this Seattle Space Week for an inspiring evening connecting Asian founders, operators, and investors at the forefront of space technology. This event is designed for leaders who are shaping the future in aerospace and deep technology, providing a welcoming space for both seasoned professionals and emerging voices in the field.
Agenda
5:00 PM: Check-in, food, mingle
5:30 PM: Panel discussion featuring Asian leaders building new space ventures
6:30 PM: Networking + Happy Hour
Panelists
John Kim - Founder & CEO of Hyperspace Technologies
Andrew Hanna - Director of Civil Space & BD at Stoke Space
Andrew Hanna is Director of Civil Space & BD at Stoke Space, a Washington-based company building the next-generation of fully reusable launch vehicles. Previously, he served as chief of staff for Rapid Space Capabilities at Boeing. Andrew’s career includes more than a decade of experience working at the intersection of industry, policy, and media. He was previously a staffer on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Before that, he worked at the United States Institute of Peace, focusing on Iran and North Africa. Andrew began his career as a reporter for Politico based in Washington D.C.
MiMi Aung - Space & Technology Executive, Amazon Leo & NASA JPL Alum
MiMi Aung is a Burmese-American engineer and space and technology executive with more than 35 years of experience developing aerospace systems and advance technologies. She was the NASA JPL project manager of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter which achieved the first powered, controlled flights on another planet—a “Wright Brothers’ moment” on Mars. She has also led technology and telecommunication efforts for deep-space missions and, most recently, provided technical program management leadership for Amazon Leo, a low Earth orbit satellite broadband network. She is passionate about turning bold ideas and new technologies into enduring, operational capabilities that make a meaningful impact and better the world. MiMi is a BBC 100 Woman, a TIME 100 honoree, a Bloomberg 50 honoree, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Meet industry innovators who are driving real change in space and advanced manufacturing. The panel highlights personal stories, sector trends, and practical insights from active founders and investors.
Meet our Sponsors
Cooley LLP is the go-to advisor to innovators and disruptors, helping turn great ideas into great companies. We are one of the most active firms globally in advising on early- and late-stage financings, IPOs and M&A, and we combine our multidisciplinary platform with efficient, tech-enabled resources designed to provide clients with premium counsel through each stage as they scale. Cooley is deeply connected in the venture ecosystem, working with startups, boards, management teams and investors to support more than 7,000 high-growth private companies reshaping the global economy. Our distinctive approach to client relationships, proactive problem-solving and team collaboration ensures clients have a legal partner to take their business to the next level.
Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is a leading financial partner to the innovation economy, serving technology, life sciences, healthcare, venture capital, and private equity clients around the world. With more than 40 years of experience supporting founders, investors, and growth companies, SVB combines deep sector expertise, specialized banking solutions, and a powerful network to help innovators scale and succeed.
About Joaquin Gallardo
Joaquin Gallardo is a Senior Vice President in SVB's Technology Banking group, partnering with high-growth technology companies and investors across the Pacific Northwest. With deep experience in technology banking, Joaquin supports the region's space technology ecosystem by helping companies navigate capital strategy, access growth financing, and build meaningful connections across the innovation community. Find him on LinkedIn here: joaquingallardo
About the Hosts
Actuate Ventures - A deep-tech and space-tech VC firm empowering the advancement of humanity. With roots in Seattle, Actuate is a proud supporter of the local ecosystem and Asian community.
Asian Hustle Network (AHN) - AHN is the world's largest community of Asian entrepreneurs, investors, operators, and leaders. Its mission is to amplify and level out the playing field for Asians in the entrepreneurial and venture industries.
Seattle Space Week - An entire week of dedicated to Space in the Seattle region. Put together by our community pillars at Space Northwest.
Space is limited and RSVP is required. Whether you invest, operate, or aspire to launch the next frontier, join a vibrant group cultivating new ideas in space technology. This gathering is your chance to meet peers, learn from experienced founders, and build lasting partnerships in the sector.
By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of Seattle Space Week, receive communications about Seattle Space Week, and acknowledge that photos/videos may be taken for promotional use.