Fundraising Fox
Rick Tumlinson
InvestorFounderFounder & CEO at SpaceFund · Founder at Deep Space Industries · Founder & CEO at Spacefund
Austin, Texas
Writes $100K – $1M checks · typically $500K
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Ask Sagi Kfir to introduce you to Rick
You →Sagi · together at Deep Space Industries (2012–2017) →Rick
Ask Jamie Chen to introduce you to Rick
You →Jamie · 5 people · together at Space Frontier Foundation →Rick
Ask Sam Okafor to introduce you to Rick
You →Sam · 5 people · together at SpaceFund →Rick
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About
Known as the 'godfather' of the commercial space movement, Tumlinson has testified six times before the U.S. Congress and co-founded the XPRIZE, championing the shift toward entrepreneurial, commercially driven space exploration.
Founder at Deep Space Industries
Intro paths
In turn, Rick can intro founders to Deep Space Industries's investors below.
Deep Space Industries's investors · 1
Founder & CEO at Spacefund
Intro paths
In turn, Rick can intro founders to Spacefund's investors below.
Spacefund's investors · 1
Co-founders at Spacefund
Experience
- SpaceFundChair of the Board of Directors/Senior Managing Partnercurrent2026 — presentAustin, Texas, United States
- Self-employedAuthorcurrent2025 — presentAustin, Texas, United States
- iRoc Space RadioRadio-podcast Hostcurrent2022 — present
- New Worlds - Space Cowboy BallFounder2015 — 2026Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area
- EarthLight FoundationFounder2012 — 2026Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area
- EarthLight FoundationFounder2011 — 2026
- Space Frontier FoundationCo-Founder1988 — 2026
- Space Frontier FoundationFounder1988 — 2026
- SpaceFundFounder2018 — 2024Houston, Texas Area
- Deep Space IndustriesChairman of the Board and Co Founder2012 — 2017
- Texas Space AllianceCofounder2010 — 2013Texas
- FINDS (the Foundation for the International Non-governmental Development of SpaceCo-Founder/Executive Director1996 — 2002Los Angeles
- XPRIZEFounding Board Member1994 — 1995
- International Space UniversityMedia Production1987 — 1993
- SyFy ChannelConsultant1992
- Space Studies InstituteMedia Director1985 — 1990
- L-5 of New York CityFounder1985 — 1990New York City Metropolitan Area
Skills & more
+12 more
Strategic LeadershipArt DirectionMarketing CommunicationsDirectingMedia ProductionFilmStart-up VenturesExecutive DevelopmentMotivational SpeakingPublished AuthorEngaging SpeakerStrategic PlanningFrom Rick's professional profile.
Investments
Board seats
Per SEC Form D filings.
Colleagues at SpaceFund
Network2
Investors connected to Rick in public investor directories — a warm-intro map.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Rick Tumlinson?
- Known as the 'godfather' of the commercial space movement, Tumlinson has testified six times before the U.S. Congress and co-founded the XPRIZE, championing the shift toward entrepreneurial, commercially driven space exploration.
- Where does Rick Tumlinson work?
- Rick Tumlinson is Founder of Deep Space Industries and Founder & CEO at SpaceFund and Founder & CEO at Spacefund.
- What check size does Rick Tumlinson write?
- Rick Tumlinson typically writes checks of $100K – $1M.
- What companies did Rick Tumlinson found?
- Rick Tumlinson founded Deep Space Industries, Spacefund.
- What boards does Rick Tumlinson sit on?
- Rick Tumlinson holds tracked board seats at Deep Space Industries.
- Where did Rick Tumlinson go to school?
- Rick Tumlinson studied at Lakenheath HS, Lakenheath, England; Stephen F. Austin State University; Lakenheath, England.
Founder mafias
SpaceFund mafia4
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Stephen F. Austin State University mafia4
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Deep Space Industries mafia2
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Lakenheath High School mafia2
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Spacefund mafia2
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Same school
Also attended Stephen F. Austin State University13
+ 7 more
Also attended Lakenheath High School2
Shared employers
Also worked at EarthLight Foundation1
Also worked at SpaceFund7
+ 1 more
Also worked at Deep Space Industries8
+ 2 more
Also worked at XPRIZE48
+ 42 more