RAFFERTY JACKSON
Rafferty first joined technology startups in 1997 working with Microsoft’s WebTV Networks, a web access set-top box for the television. At Macromedia, she supported the launch of revolutionary software products Dreamweaver, Flash, and the Flash Player. In 2005, she took Ubiquity Software, maker of the SIP-application server, public on the London Stock Exchange, and then sold it to Avaya for $144M. She joined the executive team responsible for the brands The North Face, Vans, JanSport, Reef, and Eagle Creek and in 2015, made a name for herself on the executive leadership team at Beats by Dr. Dre with its historic sale to Apple for $3B.
Now she helps deep tech founders, investors, and leaders with startup development, scaling, investment preparedness, and storytelling. She is an early-stage advisor to Xona Space Systems, Eartheye Space, and ANT61. She is on the Independent Investment Committee for Seraphim Space Ventures Fund II and a Senior Advisor (Space) for New Vista Capital. In 2023, she was awarded the Highly Commended acknowledgement for Outstanding Woman in Tech from the Women in Tech Employers Award UK when she served as the Non-Executive Director of Opteran Technologies.
events
September 30, 2026: Hyperspace Challenge Space-Tech Eco-System Exchange
Join me and the Hyperspace Challenge team supporting the AFRL and SpaceWERX on September 30, 2026 at the Q Station in Albuquerque for moderated discussions tackling what Hyperspace Challenge should change in 2027: to either remove one operational headache or to build one high-value resource. Free registration https://lnkd.in/gpnU8CFi
September 2026: Mentor Magic at Techstars Space Accelerator
What can be better than spending time with exceptional space startups in my Los Angeles hometown? The Fall 2026 Accelerator Class includes AMROK, Marasa, Extraterrestrial Power, Pulsar Space Systems, EO3, Multiscale Space Systems, Tessera Defense Systems, and OBSIDIA.
September 22, 2026: Harpoon Ventures Freedom Tech Summit
The Harpoon Ventures Freedom Tech Summit surpassed its promise of connecting, educating, and uniting defense startups, investors, and policy makers. From the Black Flag startup pitches to FBI Director Kash Patel, it was an exceptional day in DC at the Daughters of the American Revolution HQ.
March 24, 2026: SatEnlight wins the Startup Space Competition at 2026 Satellite Show
The Tenth Anniversary of the Satellite Show Startup Space Competition 2026 did not disappoint! SatEnlight, Space Solar, Ravee Optics, GoKnown, Orbit Arch, Mithril Technologies, Planetary Utilities, Bull Co Ltd, Ocean Solution Technologies, and Satlyt took the stage and expertly pitched. Congratulations to all of the competitors! 10 out of 10 across the board!
March 23, 2026: Finance Forum at the 2026 Satellite Show
Curated four finance panels to support the growth of the industry: Public Private Infrastructure, Financial Expertise, Public Market Perceptions of Space, and Transitioning from Startup to Scale Up. Our sessions helped 100's of attendees add important knowledge and contacts to their strategy plans.
March 4, 2026: SpaceWERX I2A Resilient MilComm Workshop on Fundraising
Helping DTI/The Br-dge deliver value to the SpaceWERX I2A cohort was an easy, "Yes!" After talking about early stage venture funding as an investment committee member at Seraphim Space Venture Fund II, I learned from co-panelists Patrick Beatty and Erik Clary on CFIUS, PE/VC, and resources available to startups. Thank you to Drew Busbee, Fiona De Rago, and Roxanne Aragon for making the webinar happen.
February 27, 2026: Startup Space at 10: A Launchpad for the New Space Economy
Thank you to Anne Wainscott-Sargent and Via Satellite for the outstanding coverage of the history of the Startup Space Competition at SATSHOW. The Tenth Anniversary is going to be epic with Space Solar, SatEnlight, Mithril Technologies, Planetary Utilities, Bull Co Ltd., OrbitArch, Satlyt, GoKnown, Ravee Optics, and Ocean Solution Technology taking the stage March 24, 2026.
January 13-14, 2026: Hyperspace Challenge Event with AFRL, SpaceWERX, US Space Force Operational Test and Training Infrastructure, and 10 SBIR Phase II Companies
Helped 10 selected SBIR II companies understand USSF OTTI's problems related to digital twins, proof of life, and data integration. Companies like Picogrid, GetChkd, Looking Glass Factory, Infinity Systems, Proteus, Rebel Space, Antaris, Schemata, MSBAI, and Silotech demonstrated poise, confidence, and hustle while listening and showcasing their solution's current status and future plans. New Mexico is a hub of space innovation in a beautiful landscape.
January 7, 2026: Venture Capital Leaders Pitch Networking with Hyperspace Challenge 2025 Cohort
Brought the Hyperspace Challenge cohort top tier VC's to prep the cohort for the live pitch event to the ARFL, SpaceWERX, and USSF. Thank you to Seraphim Space, Stellar Ventures, In-Q-Tel, Harpoon Ventures, New Capital Ventures, and Mac Ventures.
Week of October 13: Lunar & Mars Economy Summit plus LA Tech Week
First to Houston Space Center for the Payload Lunar and Mars Economy Summit and then back to my home turf for LA Tech Week and events at DTI supporting the US Space Force, including a panel at Astrolab. #LongLA