This Week…

We’re breaking out the telescope for a look at an exponential investing opportunity that may be closer than you think…

Space.

Today’s guest is Dr. Leon Alkalai, CEO of Mandala Space Ventures, former veteran of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and an early-stage venture capitalist in the space exploration industry.

He joined Raoul in this episode of The Journey Man to discuss the technological advancements that are reshaping our relationship with the final frontier.

In this issue, we’ll cover 2 things: 

• The current state of space exploration.
• Emerging investment opportunities in this nascent space.

Now, let’s get into it.

Welcome to the Game

Welcome to The Game of Investing, a bi-weekly newsletter bringing you “aha” moments and actionable lessons from Real Vision experts. No matter your level of expertise, markets are tough — which is why we all have to put in the work. Ultimately, the game of investing is a competition with yourself. Our mission is to help you navigate the path to success. Prepare to level up.

LEVEL 1  — The Evolution of Space Exploration  

According to Dr. Leon, a renewed space race is heating up thanks to startup-driven technological advancements that have spawned many new investment opportunities.

“Until 15 years ago, space was the exclusive domain of sovereign countries like the U.S., Russia, and China,” says Dr. Leon. “But then startup companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin burst onto the scene.”

This generation of innovative, for-profit startups now dominates what has become a very big business. “Space has become more of a consumer commodity,” says Dr. Leon. “Any company and any country is capable of joining the race.”

This shift towards the commercialization of space has led to increased infrastructure development in space, including for manufacturing, earth-bound communications, and real estate purposes.

“Space is pivotal to maintaining and improving our global communications technologies, like Starlink’s satellite internet system or the mobile-to-satellite coverage that is emerging,” says Dr. Leon. “But that’s only the start.”

LEVEL 2 — The Exponential Opportunity

Dr. Leon describes how several companies are developing manufacturing capabilities in space. This new offshoring industry aims to not only build structures in space but also make products that will be used back on Earth.

• “The zero-gravity environment enables new materials to be used and new solutions for manufacturing and pharmaceuticals to be tested,” he says. “If new drugs can be manufactured in space, and they’re better than the ones we can make on Earth, it’s a major breakthrough.”

In terms of specific ways for investors to participate in the space boom, there are a number of avenues to investigate.

• Companies like Axiom Space are developing inflatable private space stations, which could create opportunities for real estate development, manufacturing facilities, tourism, research, training of astronauts, and more.
• Dr. Leon also mentions nuclear fusion as a technology that could revolutionize space propulsion by providing a constant source of energy even at long distances from the sun.

Ultimately, both Dr. Leon and Raoul Pal believe there is enough capital flowing into the space industry that investing opportunities will prove lucrative over the long term, despite cyclical headwinds that may emerge based on capital availability.

🔑 At the Exponentialist, Raoul Pal leads a team of researchers and investors focused on understanding the technological revolution — and building a portfolio designed to profit from the explosive changes that are underway.

Space exploration is one aspect of the Exponential Age. If you’d like to learn more about the Exponentialist trade portfolio — or the many research reports and community Q&As that the team hosts to investigate all things emerging tech — you can start an Exponentialist trial for just $1 right here.

Next Time

Thanks for reading. In our next issue, we’ll look at another exciting (and controversial) investment theme: nuclear energy.

See you then.

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