Cohu Experience Ltd, a Finnish space industry company, has risen to the forefront of the global space boom by launching a commercial astronaut training program accessible to all. The first few hours of the company’s financial raise show that private investors are eager to join the democratization of space.
Forbes listed Cohu Experience Ltd as the No. 1 of Ten European Growth Businesses To Watch In 2017. Investors have taken heed of the advice by showing their commitment to the company’s unique vision; the recently opened financial round aimed at private investors collected one million euros in its first 43 minutes.
– “We are building an international community centered around commercial space travel and exploration. Using private funding and making the investment opportunity available to everyone nationally and internationally comes as a no-brainer to us” stated Kalle Vähä-Jaakkola, CEO of Cohu Experience.
”Space is about to enter a golden age.” (Jezz Bezos, Amazon.com / Blue Origin)
Known investors such as Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Jeff Bezos (Amazon.com) and Peter Thiel (PayPal), have been making substantial investments into the space sector. The state of Luxembourg also made headlines in 2016 when it decided to invest 227 million dollars (USD) into the sector.
Cohu Experience has built a strong network of leading space industry corporations as well as compiled an impressive advisory board including Michael Suffredini (former ISS director), John Barbera (formerly Turner Broadcasting) and Peter Vesterbacka (Rovio Entertainment: Angry Birds) as well as the NHL-veteran turned investor Saku Koivu.
An Astronaut Training Program Available to All
Cohu Experience Ltd’s Space Nation Astronaut Training Program (SNAP) is free of charge and accessible to all and will be launched in fall 2017. Cohu has developed its training program together with NASA’s astronaut trainers that gives participants the opportunity to compete to take part in real world astronaut training and travel to space.
The training commences with a freemium smart phone app, that develops its users’ physical, mental and social skills through an array of tailored challenges. Participants that have gained the most points will be selected for a filmed training and competition under the supervision of NASA’s astronaut trainers. A central element in the training program is the transmedia concept that allows participants to create groups, teams and supporters to back the most active participants’ efforts to win the competition and travel to space.
– “Space Nation is more than just a space adventure: it unites people all over the world to develop themselves and dare to reach for their dreams. A strong team of business and technology experts combined with a positive value base is a certain recipe for success!” stated Saku Koivu.
– “Cohu Experience wanted to extend private investors the opportunity to take part in a globally unique story” adds Peter Vesterbaccka (former Rovio Entertainment Ltd. / Angry Birds)