Dr. Gianluigi Baldesi leads the Ventures and Financing Office at the European Space Agency, driving access to investors and financial institutions via the ESA Investor Network. He collaborates with the European Commission, EIB, and national banks to support commercial growth and investment readiness through initiatives like the ESA Marketplace and Business Accelerator. With 20+ years in business and technology leadership for future space missions, he has held roles across ESA's Strategy, Transportation, and Technical directorates. Gianluigi holds a PhD in Systems Engineering from Supaero and Sapienza, and an Executive MBA from Columbia and London Business School.