Anuj Ashar is an aerospace engineer, technology entrepreneur, and venture builder with a long-standing focus on space innovation and early-stage commercialisation. A multi-award-winning founder with multiple successful exits, Anuj founded Asteria Space to address one of the most persistent challenges in the sector: translating world-class research and deep-tech breakthroughs into globally scalable space companies.

With experience spanning space technology, artificial intelligence, and venture development, Anuj has founded, scaled, and sold multiple technology businesses, securing a combination of public and private funding along the way. He has worked extensively with early-stage deep-tech founders across the UK and Europe, supporting them through commercial strategy, funding pathways, and operational scale-up.

Prior to Asteria, Anuj served as a specialist advisor to Innovate UK, where he supported dozens of high-growth space and deep-tech companies, advising on grant funding, innovation strategy, and commercial readiness. His work has contributed to millions of pounds of non-dilutive and equity funding being secured by early-stage ventures and academic spin-outs.

Anuj’s achievements have been recognised by organisations including the United Nations, Forbes, and the University of Leicester, and he has received multiple accolades, including being the youngest ever recipient of Leicestershire 30 Under 30 and a GBEA Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in both 2024 and 2025.

Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Anuj has advised government on national innovation and growth initiatives, served as a trustee and board advisor to several charities and organisations, and is an international public speaker on space-tech, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Through Asteria Space, he is focused on building the infrastructure, and capital pathways required to position the UK as a global leader in early-stage space technology.