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Aerospace is no longer the exclusive domain of government contracts. Private investment in aerospace and defense startups jumped to $17.3 billion in 2024, up from $13 billion in 2023, according to PitchBook.

We spoke with Sophia Kleshchuk, a seasoned expert in product development and investor relations, about why today's space and defense startups need a tailored IR and communications strategy to stand out.

From Private Jets to Private Space: A Natural Progression

The Golden Dome, a U.S. missile-defense plan unveiled in May 2025, calls for deploying space-based sensors and interceptors to shield North America from ballistic and hypersonic threats. The $542 billion initiative marks a major shift in the national aerospace strategy.

The Golden Dome initiative relies heavily on space-based sensors and interceptors—systems still in early-stage engineering and integration. Kleshchuk's firsthand experience with complex software projects—a niche typically out of reach for generic venture investors—makes her a go-to IR specialist.

For years, Kleshchuk has guided startups in refining their product strategies and public-facing communications, including in private aviation and aerospace, where advancing technology often comes with complex compliance and integration challenges.

Kleshchuk helped scale enterprise platforms, managing charter bookings, real-time availability, predictive analytics, and compliance—all within strict regulatory limits. She is now bringing this expertise to her business development work with high-growth aerospace startups.

"While aerospace offers near–sci-fi-level opportunities and ample room for product innovation, it's important to remember that the sector is often constrained by existing regulations and the stringent standards typical of industries tied to government contracts," Kleshchuk said.

Navigating Complexity: Why Aerospace Startups Need a Focused IR Approach

Kleshchuk emphasizes that the traditional startup fundraising playbook doesn't always align with the aerospace sector's unique challenges—and that's where government funding steps in.

"Government funding in the defense and aerospace sector creates enormous opportunities for startups and new solutions to grow their presence and achieve commercial success—but only if they play it right," she said.

Kleshchuk warns that the recent boom in interest around space tech may lead to a flood of new entrants in the market, with only a small fraction likely to succeed.

"While only 10–20% of startups overall become profitable or get acquired, that number could be even lower in niche and highly regulated sectors like aerospace, where complex market conditions create additional barriers," she explains.

New aerospace companies may encounter significant challenges in building, selling, and promoting their products—or, as Kleshchuk puts it, "they can leverage those challenges as a framework to shape their strategy."

She notes that many first-time founders may charge into the market with enthusiasm, eager to pitch their ideas to investors. But in this space, that energy can clash with the reality of the industry's conservative, capital-heavy nature.

"We'll likely see entrepreneurs going 'full send' with big, flashy pitches—but they'll be facing investors who are used to slower decision-making processes and more restrained presentations," Kleshchuk says.

"While the appearance—the 'candy wrapper'—still matters, startups need to prepare for much deeper due diligence and significantly longer validation cycles. Their IR efforts will need to shift toward more technical reporting and legal support."

At the same time, Kleshchuk sees a silver lining: public sentiment is warming to space and defense innovation, and capital is beginning to flow in from funds and firms that previously stayed on the sidelines. This opens the door for a new kind of strategic communication—one that translates literal rocket science into narratives investors can understand.

"The economics are complex, and the capital requirements are high—both of which can scare off potential investors," Kleshchuk said. "Startups will need to work hard to break through that barrier, through thoughtful content and in-person engagement. The goal is to make space feel a little more down to earth."