From Reddit to Orbit - Episode 57 - Julian Fernandez CEO at FOSSA Systems
The Satellite, Space & Defence Matters PodcastShow Notes
Join us as we speak with Julian Fernandez, CEO and Co-founder of FOSSA Systems, about his remarkable journey from launching a satellite project on Reddit at age 15 to leading one of Europe's most prolific satellite operators. Throughout the episode, Julian shares how FOSSA Systems is revolutionising the satellite IoT industry through vertical integration and affordable connectivity solutions. He explains how the company has successfully launched 20 satellites to date, discusses their innovative use of LoRa technology to dramatically reduce costs, and outlines their vision for an 80-satellite network enabling global IoT connectivity. Julian also offers insights on building a diverse team, the challenges of scaling from an R&D startup to a commercial business, and the importance of creating technology that addresses genuine market needs while maintaining a passion-driven approach. Listen along for fascinating perspectives on democratising access to space, the future of satellite IoT connectivity, and how a teenager's Reddit post evolved into a groundbreaking NewSpace company. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 00:32 Meet Julian Fernandez: CEO and Co-Founder of Fossa Systems 01:28 - Julian's Journey into the Space Industry 03:59 - Launching the First Satellite: A Dream Realized 05:37 - Balancing Youth and Ambition 08:30 - The Birth and Growth of Fossa Systems 12:19 - Challenges and Innovations in Satellite IoT 23:13 - The Importance of Verticalization 25:33 - Talent Acquisition and Company Culture 31:59 - Quick Fire Questions and Final Advice 34:26 - Conclusion and Farewell
About our guest: Julian Fernandez is the CEO and Co-founder of FOSSA Systems, a Spanish and Portuguese scale-up that connects low-power IoT devices directly from space using LoRa technology. At just 17 years old, Julian founded FOSSA Systems after successfully launching the first Spanish PICO satellite (FOSSA SAT-1) at age 16, which began as a community project organised through Reddit. Under his leadership, FOSSA has launched 20 satellites since 2022 and positioned itself as the largest satellite operator in Spain. With experience in remote asset management, LoRa communications, IoT deployments and space infrastructure, Julian was recognised in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2022 for his groundbreaking work in democratising access to space and telecommunications. The Satellite & NewSpace Matters Podcast is brought to you by neuco, a global recruitment agency that specialises in sourcing brilliant people for groundbreaking companies.
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