Milbank LLP Transportation and Space Group partner Dara Panahy, who heads the firm’s Space Business practice globally, spoke on the panel, “The Role of VCs in Small Satellite & Space Startups,” at Defense Strategies Institute’s (DSI) 8th Annual SmallSat & Space Access Summit on June 25, 2025. Mr. Panahy, joined by speakers from Promus Ventures and SpaceFund and moderator Steve Nixon from Outernet Council, provided insights into the critical role that venture investments are playing in the growth of small satellite and space startups.~~The conference, held June 25-26 in National Harbor, Maryland, brought together key stakeholders across the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, Federal Government and satellite industry for in-depth discussions on the latest advancements in commercial and government small satellite projects, launch capabilities and space access solutions.~~Mr. Panahy, who co-authors Milbank's monthly Space Business Review newsletter, focuses on the representation of satellite and space infrastructure operators, aerospace manufacturers, launch services providers, communications companies, banks, private equity firms and hedge funds in debt and equity offerings, project, structured and vendor financings, mergers & acquisitions, financial restructurings and in negotiating commercial contracts.~~Click here to learn more about DSI’s Annual SmallSat & Space Access Summit.