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Lewis Pinault is a Partner and Chief Science Advisor at Airbus Ventures, based in Tokyo, Japan. He manages the firm's Asia-Pacific investments and develops its global space portfolio, holding board director positions at Infostellar, Telexistence Inc, Transcelestial, Q-CTRL, and Atlas AI. Prior to joining Airbus Ventures, Pinault built a consulting career at BCG and served as a Financial Institutions Partner at Coopers & Lybrand. He has spent over a decade supporting Airbus innovation projects and previously designed corporate incubators for the UK Government’s Digital Catapult and Shell. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from MIT, a Master of Science from LSE, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Hawai‘i, where he was a NASA Space Grant Fellow. Pinault leverages his dual expertise in planetary science and finance to advance deep tech and aerospace innovation.
Lewis Pinault stands as a distinguished Partner at Airbus Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Airbus, where he is instrumental in driving investments into the most promising deep technology startups globally. His work at Airbus Ventures is centered on identifying and supporting companies that are poised to revolutionize the aerospace, defense, and space industries, as well as broader sectors impacted by advanced technologies.
Pinault's investment thesis is deeply rooted in the belief that disruptive innovation will define the future of mobility and industrial applications. He actively seeks out early-stage companies specializing in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, advanced materials, sustainable aviation technologies, and digital manufacturing. His portfolio focus includes ventures that enhance aerospace capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable future for air and space travel. Lewis Pinault is particularly keen on startups developing solutions for urban air mobility, satellite-based services, advanced propulsion systems, and next-generation sensor technologies.
Before joining Airbus Ventures, Lewis Pinault built a robust career marked by significant contributions across technology development, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. His diverse background provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by deep tech founders. This experience allows him to not only evaluate potential investments with a critical eye but also to offer strategic guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies. His journey has equipped him with a profound understanding of how to scale innovative technologies from concept to market leadership, making him a valuable asset to the startups he backs.
At Airbus Ventures, Lewis Pinault is known for his hands-on approach, working closely with founders to navigate complex technical and market landscapes. He champions companies that demonstrate strong technical defensibility, visionary leadership, and a clear path to commercialization within the aerospace ecosystem and beyond. While specific notable investments are often confidential in the early stages of venture capital, his influence is evident in the strategic direction and growth of many innovative companies within the Airbus Ventures portfolio that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aerospace and deep tech. His commitment to fostering innovation ensures that Airbus Ventures remains at the forefront of investing in the technologies that will shape tomorrow's world.
Lewis Pinault invests in deep tech startups across areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, advanced materials, sustainable aviation technologies, and digital manufacturing, with a strong focus on aerospace and future mobility.
Lewis Pinault works as a Partner at Airbus Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Airbus.