Space isn’t just for hardware anymore. In this episode, Rama Afullo, founder and CEO of Satlyt, shares how his team is building a virtual data center in orbit—leveraging software-only solutions to help satellites interconnect and monetize excess compute capacity.

With deep roots at SpaceX’s Starlink and Google Cloud, Rama reveals the realities and breakthroughs of edge computing off-planet, Satlyt’s collaborations with NASA, and how mission-driven innovation is fueling an open, decentralized future for space operators, agencies, and everyday users. The conversation covers interoperability, security, AI-powered optimization, and what the next generation of space entrepreneurship looks like.

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About the Guest

Rama Afullo is founder and CEO of Satlyt, the decentralized software platform turning satellites into interoperable nodes for compute and sensing in space. Prior to founding Satlyt, Rama helped scale Starlink at SpaceX, managed global AI startup programs at Google, and launched energy tech solutions for Tesla in Africa. His “Android-like” vision for Satlyt aims to democratize access, connect diverse satellite operators, and power a new era of in-space cloud and data services.

Learn more at:

• Satlyt.ai

• Satlyt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/satlyt

• Rama on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rama-afullo

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Takeaways

- Rama Afullo's journey from SpaceX and Google to founding Satlyt.

- Satlyt aims to create a virtual data center in space.

- Inter-satellite networks enable monetization of excess compute capacity.

- The importance of interoperability in the space industry.

- Challenges faced by startups in the space ecosystem.

- The role of AI and cloud in satellite optimization.

- Future vision for Satlyt as a major player in the space ecosystem.

- The impact of regulatory frameworks on space innovation.

- Collaboration opportunities with NASA and other agencies.

- Rama's personal insights on the future of space technology.

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Sound bites

- "Interoperability is key in the space industry."

- "AI and cloud are transforming satellite optimization."

- "Satlyt aims to democratize space access."

- "The future of space technology is bright."

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Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction to Rama Afullo and Satlyt

00:03:00 The Vision for Inter-Satellite Networks

00:09:00 Challenges and Opportunities in the Space Industry

00:15:00 The Role of AI and Cloud in Satellite Optimization

00:21:00 Future Vision and Collaboration with NASA

00:27:00 Challenges Faced by Startups in the Space Ecosystem

00:33:00 The Impact of Regulatory Frameworks on Space Innovation

00:39:00 Collaboration Opportunities with NASA and Other Agencies

00:45:00 Rama's Personal Insights on the Future of Space Technology

00:51:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Vision for Satlyt

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#Satlyt #satellite #datacenter #space #spaceindustry #technology #startups #compute #SpaceX #Google #nasa #RamaAfullo #letsactuate #actuateventures

What if companies could thrive like living ecosystems instead of running like machines? Andrew sits down with Dermot Mee, former COO of Singularity University, for an insightful conversation about innovation, mentorship, and the real forces behind progress.

Dermot shares his journey from rural Ireland to the frontlines of global technology and entrepreneurship. He reveals how convergence – the meeting of people, disciplines, ideas, and tools – drives transformation well beyond what linear thinking achieves.

Together, they explore why adaptable cultures, feedback loops, diverse perspectives, and authentic facilitation are essential for future-ready organizations. Dermot offers stories and actionable advice for anyone passionate about meaningful, purposeful change.

Want to build organizations and communities that embrace complexity and collaboration? This episode is for you.

About the Guest
Dermot Mee is a global executive, connector, and advisor, best known as former COO of Singularity University. With a background spanning biotechnology, operations, and startups, Dermot mobilizes diverse networks to solve complex challenges. He is passionate about helping leaders expand boundaries and create spaces for breakthrough ideas.

Connect with Dermot

Takeaways

• Anyone, regardless of origin, can become a key player by staying curious and open to change.
• Lasting organizational impact comes from shaping culture, not just executing projects.
• Permeable boundaries foster quicker learning and innovation.
• Dissent and diverse perspectives fuel leaps forward.
  Honest disagreement creates stronger, more resilient solutions.
• Facilitators must level the field for genuine participation.
• Modeling learning and growth is the best influence.
• Relationship-driven communities drive outsized impact.
• Every team member can bring creativity and resilience.
• Take risks, build, and iterate – instead of waiting for perfect conditions.
• Knowledge and empathy must come before investment or leadership.

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Quotes

• "You live in a live system. You have to create feedback loops."
• "Breakthroughs don’t happen one step at a time. They happen when worlds collide."
• "Collaboration without accountability is fragile. Accountability without trust kills creativity. It’s about balance."
• "It’s not what you say, it’s what you do that defines your impact on culture."
• "Progress comes from connecting people and ideas you’d never predict, but who share a sense of purpose."
• "You might not know everything, but you know someone who does. That’s the power of a true innovation network."

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Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

07:54 – Restructuring Company Operations for Future Success

11:39 – Thinking Exponentially and Embracing Contrary Opinions

16:26 – Creating Safe Spaces for Productive Conversations

23:47 – Foundational Principles for Innovation and Advancement

30:31 – The Power of Mentorship and Development

34:56 – Building Authentic Relationships and Communities

39:08 – Creating a Better Future through Purpose and Shared Vision

42:25 – The Power of Convening and Reconnecting

49:10 – Understanding the Human Brain for Effective Communication

52:25 – Adjusting Presence for Receptivity in Different Environments

58:01 – The Beginning of an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Period

1:05:15 – Creating Environments for Knowledge Transfer and Access

1:08:38 – Entrepreneurship: Taking Action and Embracing Creativity

1:13:51 – Investing in Exponential Technologies: Understanding Your Thesis

1:18:26 – Feedback and Continuous Learning for Growth

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Tags

#LetsActuate, #Innovation, #Technology, #Mentorship, #Entrepreneurship, #Community, #SingularityUniversity, #CorporateRestructuring, #Collaboration, #FutureThinking, #Leadership, #OrgDesign, #SystemsThinking, #PurposeDriven, #TeamDynamics, #Diversity, #Facilitation

What do Wild West stunt shows, M&A deal rooms, and meme-driven syndicates have in common? Colton Cray, now General Partner at Litquidity Ventures, joins Let’s Actuate to share his journey from the Pistoleros stage at Traildust Town to the frontlines of frontier investing.

Colton explores what it means to practice “risk respect,” which separates great founders from the merely bold. He explains why deep expertise in problem spaces and customer relationships – not engineering in stealth – create real traction, especially in tough fields like aerospace, defense, and applied sciences.

You’ll hear how he thinks about technical risk versus market risk, why successful investing means understanding the story behind the numbers, and how “flight to authenticity” is changing both consumer and investor appetites across tech. The group discusses the value of community, learning from hype cycles, and the signals that matter most for building companies that last.

Takeaways

• Practicing “risk respect” is essential for both founders and investors

• Real traction comes from problem obsession and engaging with customers, not from stealth or pitch decks

• Great companies require systems for decision making and a commitment to learning from failure

• The next tech and investment cycle is driven by a flight to authenticity – community, honesty, and experiences that ring true
• Success in tough markets requires understanding compliance, relationships, and how to drive adoption

• 
  

• Sound bites

  • “The stunt man to VC pipeline remains strong.”
  • “The biggest risk of all is not taking a risk.”
• • “Flight to authenticity is what I'm calling it, and that's my story and I'm sticking to it.”

  
  

  Chapters

  00:00 - Introduction

  08:21 - From Live Stunt Actor to Venture Partner

  15:06 - Choosing a Corporate Law Career as a Stepping Stone

  21:57 - Superpowers: Risk-Taking and Failure Tolerance

  29:15 - Investment Focus: Consumer, Retail, E-commerce, and Frontier Technologies

  38:41 - Building Authentic Solutions

  40:54 - The Potential of Deep Tech

  43:22 - The Importance of Knowing Your Customer

  46:39 - The Role of Product-Led Growth

  48:34 - Timing and Strategy in Entrepreneurship

  50:09 - The Shift Towards Transparency and Collaboration

  53:06 - Understanding Deep Tech

  57:04 - The "Flight to Authenticity"

  01:00:30 - Excitement in Aerospace and Defense

  01:01:34 - The Theme of Authenticity

  
  

  Guest Profile:
  Colton Cray is General Partner at Litquidity Ventures and a former M&A attorney with a quadruple major from the University of Arizona and Rothman Scholar at USC Law. He brings startup, digital media, and fintech experience to his role leading deals in frontier tech, built world, and enhanced digital services.

  Colton is an advocate for founder-market fit and “risk respect,” and is an advocate of taking the unconventional path forward.

  Colton on LinkedIn
  Litquidity Ventures

  
  

• References:

  • ⁠Litquidity Store⁠
• • ⁠Pistoleros Wild West Stunt Show⁠
  • ⁠Traildust Town⁠

• 
  

  Tags

  #LetsActuate, #ColtonCray, #Litquidity, #LitquidityVentures, #VentureCapital, #StartupLife, #DeepTech, #HardTech, #FrontierTech, #FutureOfWork, #Aerospace, #Defensetech, #Entrepreneurship, #Innovation, #FounderStories, #StartupStories, #Authenticity, #RiskTaking, #CustomerObsession, #ProductLedGrowth, #MemeticCulture, #BrandBuilding, #ProblemSolving, #CommunityBuilding, #AI, #ConsumerTech, #TechInvesting, #Investor, #Founders, #BrandStrategy, #BuildingInPublic, #GrowthMindset, #StartupAdvice, #Storytelling, #VC