Case StudyPreparing a venture-backed satellite manufacturer for scale

Backed by leading space investor Seraphim, an emerging satellite manufacturer was preparing to scale following early commercial success and Series A funding.

Wenham Carter partnered with the Board to appoint a CEO capable of balancing fundraising, manufacturing and operational scale-up, providing the leadership required for the company's next stage of growth.

Published:

Business ContextFrom early traction to commercial manufacturing

A venture-backed satellite manufacturer had successfully demonstrated early market traction and secured initial customer demand. With multiple satellite orders in place and Series A funding underway, the business was preparing to move from technology development into manufacturing and commercial scale.

To achieve that, the Board recognised the need for new executive leadership. The business required a CEO who could simultaneously support fundraising, build manufacturing capability, develop operational maturity, and prepare the organisation for rapid growth.

The Scale-Up ChallengeIdentifying a CEO with a rare combination of experience and capabilities

The successful candidate needed to combine experience across manufacturing, operations, fundraising, and high-growth technology businesses; a combination found in very few executives.

Before the search began, we worked with the Board and investors to establish a shared view of the leadership capabilities required and the success criteria that would guide the appointment.

The business required a CEO who could prepare the organisation for rapid growth.

Our ApproachA precise blueprint for success

Wenham Carter was engaged through our long-standing relationship with Seraphim and our track record supporting leadership appointments across its portfolio companies.

Working closely with the Board, we helped establish a shared view of the capabilities required for the role before the search began. Through a series of discussions, we aligned stakeholders around leadership priorities, defined clear assessment criteria, and created a consistent framework for evaluating candidates throughout the process.

With that alignment in place, we identified executives with the rare combination of satellite manufacturing, operational leadership, fundraising, and scale-up experience required for the business’s next stage of development.

Business OutcomePositioned for scale-up and future growth

The business successfully appointed a new CEO to lead the company through a pivotal stage of its evolution.

The appointment provided leadership capable of supporting the completion of Series A funding while preparing the organisation for manufacturing scale-up and future commercial delivery.

The success of the search strengthened Wenham Carter’s partnership within the Seraphim portfolio and reinforced our role supporting venture-backed space businesses as they move from early innovation to industrial execution.

The appointment provided leadership capable of guiding the business from early traction towards manufacturing scale.

People The Right People

Continue the conversation with the people who know this market, the businesses shaping it and the minds moving it forward.

Meet more of the team

More Evidence No stone unturned

View all Evidence

Markets Explore markets beyond the obvious

We organise our expertise around dynamic, global market ecosystems - rather than traditional industry silos – to see and seek connections others cannot.

Markets

Partner with us FIND the minds that will move your market.

Whether you need a CEO, a team rebuild, or a strategic introduction, we’re here to help. Our networks, experience and approach put the right connections within reach.

Ready when you are.

Markets We operate where innovation happens

From in-orbit to in-vivo, we connect the right minds to move markets forward.

What expertise do you need?

Forces Navigating the dynamics of disruption

We track the forces rippling across industries and economies, spotting the first signs of what’s next so you are ready to act.

What's driving change in your business?

Solutions Helping you get ahead

We understand where you’re going and help you get there one person, team, partnership, or investment at a time.

What would help you go further?
Secret Link