Welcome Helene!

This is your Bits & Pretzels Journey

Helene Huby

Founder & CEO, The Exploration Company

About:

Helene is Co-Founder & CEO of The Exploration Company which builds reusable space capsules that carry goods and humans to space stations around the Earth and to the Moon. She has served as an executive at Airbus Defence & Space and ArianeGroup both in operational and strategic roles: from starting as Head of Innovation to leading major European space programs. She is the Founder and Chair of Urania Ventures, a deep tech investment company. She is the Founder and Chairman of The Karman Project, a non-profit foundation which fosters trust, independent dialogue and cooperation between the ones who shape the future of space. She graduated from ENS-Ulm, Sciences-Po Paris and ENA.

Ticket Category: VIP

Monday, September 29th - Conference Day 1

2:39 PM - 3:09 PM I Inspiration Stage

Tuesday, September 30th - Conference Day 2

9:45 AM - 10: 15 AM | Learning Stage

Briefings

In the briefing, you’ll receive all essential information about the event and its surroundings — everything you need to feel well-prepared and confident throughout the experience.

Get your Briefing

Your Agenda

Monday, September 29th, Conference Day 1

Time

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Conference Day 1

Immerse yourself in a day filled with visionary keynotes, hands-on masterclasses, and exclusive networking opportunities.

12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Bits50 Lunch

Your opportunity to connect with fellow Bits50 peers and exchange ideas with some of the most inspiring people in the ecosystem – all over a high-quality, shared meal. Important: Lunch requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

2:34 PM - 3:04 PM

Redefining Europe’s Role in the New Space Era

The global space industry is moving at breakneck speed and right now, the United States, driven by trailblazers like SpaceX, are setting the pace in rocket launches and satellite connectivity. The big question: how can Europe close the gap, compete on equal footing, or even take the lead in critical areas of space innovation? In this panel, top leaders from Europe’s space sector will share their vision for building a competitive, independent, and future-proof ecosystem. Adding a crucial political lens, Dorothee Bär, Germany’s Minister for Space and Technology, will discuss Europe’s strategic ambitions and Germany’s pivotal role in shaping a sovereign space future.

5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Bits50 Sundowner

Expect an informal setting, inspiring conversations, and cold drinks as the sun sets over Munich. Your moment to reflect and recharge before we move to the Oktoberfest for the VIP Dinner. Important: Sundowner requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

6:45 PM to 11:00 PM

VIP Dinner at Schottenhamel, Oktoberfest

Enjoy our unique VIP Dinner Experience. At the heart of Oktoberfest, where tradition and innovation collide in the oldest of all tents. Please note: the VIP Dinner is invite-only, no +1s allowed. Important: Dinner requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

Tuesday, September 30th, Conference Day 2

Time

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Conference Day 2

Experience deep-dive discussions, interactive panel talks, and curated matchmaking sessions that bring together the brightest minds in business and innovation.

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM

Rocketing a Startup: Scaling with The Exploration Company

Join Bessemer Partner Alex Ferrara and Helene Huby, CEO of The Exploration Company, as they chart the journey from ambitious startup to Europe’s leading challenger. They will unpack how Helene's founder resilience, bold vision, and leadership lessons enable rapid scaling, product innovation, and major space station partnerships. Learn concrete strategies for managing risk, nurturing teams, and building sustainable operations — plus fundraising insights and practical tips for navigating moonshot goals.

5:30 PM to 9:30 PM

VIP Dinner at Teatro-Spiegelzelt

The evening promises high-level networking in an exceptional venue, accompanied by exquisite cuisine. Please note: the VIP Dinner is invite-only, no +1s allowed. Important: Dinner requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

Wednesday, October 1st, Oktoberfest Day

Time

8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Table Captain Breakfast

The Breakfast is taking place at the one and only, legendary "Teufelsrad"! This isn't just a breakfast – the historic venue embodies Bavarian tradition, offering you a unique glimpse into Oktoberfest's joyful spirit. Please note: the Table Captain Breakfast is invite-only, no +1s allowed. Important: the Breakfast requires registration via the invitation; this is not a confirmation.

10:00 AM to 10:45 AM

Table Captain Networking

Doors open. Guests arrive and find their tables

10:45 AM to 11:30 AM

Table Captain Networking: Round 1

The first 45 minutes of Networking. Afterwards there is a 15 minute break for the attendees to switch tables.

11:45 AM to 12:30 AM

Table Captain Networking: Round 2

The guests should have rotated their table by now, the second round of Networking starts.

Social Media Graphics

Share it on social media to announce your role at Bits & Pretzels 2025 and tag #Bits25. If you want to get the most out of this, here are our tips to boost reach & engagement:

Add the Hashtag #bits25 and mention @Bits&Pretzels so we can  interact with your content.
Mention any fellow speaker/table captains who are also attending
Mention what companies/people you are excited to meet at Bits

Social Media Posts - LinkedIn

Open

Social Media Posts - Speaking Slot

Open

Your Ticket

Your ticket grants access to all three days of the event.
Please use the exclusive VIP/Speaker check-in at Entrance West (badge collection with ticket + valid ID).
Note: short waiting times may occur on Monday morning.

Your Presentation - deadline 24.09.2025

Upload Guidelines for Presentations

If you have a presentation, please ensure that you submit your materials/files in a single zip folder containing the following:

1. Presentation File:

Keynote file 16:9 (1920x1080px) or PowerPoint file (.pptx, 1920x1080px).
Please make sure all fonts and videos are embedded within the file, if applicable.

2. PDF File:

A PDF version of your presentation with all fonts embedded.

3. Fonts:

Any custom fonts used in your presentation (please include the font files).

4. Videos:

All videos included in the presentation must also be provided separately.
Format: 16:9 aspect ratio, 1920x1080px (Full HD).
File type: MP4 or .m4v.

Deadline: All presentation materials must be submitted no later than September 24, 2025.
This is necessary to allow our technical team to review and test the presentations in advance.