Dr. Gianluigi Baldesi is the Head of the Ventures and Financing Office at the European Space Agency, where he leads initiatives to enhance access to investors, financial institutions, and deal-flow opportunities for the space sector through the ESA Investor Network. His work includes fostering collaborations with the European Investment Bank, national development banks, and the European Commission. He also plays a key role in helping companies scale up by driving commercial growth and investment readiness through various initiatives, including the ESA Marketplace and ESA Business Accelerator.With over 20 years of experience in business and technology leadership for future aerospace missions in cross-cultural environments, Gianluigi has held various positions within ESA, including in the Technical and Space Transportation Directorate and the Strategy Department under the Director General.He holds a PhD in Systems Engineering from Supaero and Sapienza University of Rome and an Executive MBA from Columbia Business School and London Business School.