Fit 4 Start alumni: From lunar landers to drug screening in space

When Kyle Acierno talks about his journey, he blends the excitement of space exploration with the pragmatism of building a business. After more than a decade working on lunar landers – spacecraft designed to transport equipment or robots from orbit down to the surface of the moon – he now leads Exobiosphere, a company using microgravity to accelerate drug screening. “We are able to find cures for diseases faster in space than we can on earth, because cellular growth is accelerated in the microgravity environment,” he explains.

Joining Luxembourg’s leading startup accelerator Fit 4 Start #15 in 2024 was a natural step. The programme’s reputation in Luxembourg and the promise of mentorship attracted the team. “We were eager to receive the mentorship, a structure to mitigate the growing pains that many companies face at their first year and of course the grant,” says Mr Acierno. What surprised him most was the visibility. 

Just being a part of the programme gave us a platform to speak to people within the government, new customers, new partners, new investors. That was really a unique opportunity.” Kyle Acierno, CEO and co-founder, Exobiosphere

Growth through coaching and community

The coaching sessions provided practical tools for scaling. “They helped us with marketing, communications, recruiting, retention, all of those things that are necessary to grow a business,” Mr Acierno recalls. Exobiosphere grew from three to 15 employees, closed two customer contracts, and generated over €2 million in commercial deals and grants during the programme.

Fundraising also benefited. “We used our acceptance into Fit 4 Start as part of our valuation setting,” he says. Mentors offered guidance during negotiations, adding confidence to the process.

The cohort experience was equally valuable. “We met other companies that were at our same stage and that was really helpful even though we were in different sectors. We shared feedback and helped each other through those hard times.”

Advice for future founders

Mr Acierno is clear that Fit 4 Start requires commitment. “Founders are extremely busy, so it is important to understand who is going to use their time to participate in the programme because it is really a lot of time,” he advises. Having a small team to share the workload is crucial. He also highlights the importance of showing up. “It is more than just the programme itself. It is also the people that are a part of the programme and especially in Luxembourg. It is a very small ecosystem, so you have to show up.”

Beyond the programme, Mr Acierno points out that Luxembourg offers strong support for research and innovation. “There are grants that cover up to 80 or 90% of R&D expenses, including patent support. We applied for one and it was extremely helpful, as it allowed us to secure a patent that strengthens our company,” he explains. Reflecting on the broader ecosystem, he adds with a smile that just as cell growth is accelerated in space, startups making use of Luxembourg’s support are accelerated in growth, a clear advantage of being based here.

Since graduating, Exobiosphere has raised over €3 million and continues to develop its prototype. Mr Acierno emphasises that the programme played a significant role in Exobiosphere’s journey and notes that he remains thankful for having taken part, acknowledging the dedication of the organisers whose support continues to make a difference.