Brian Schettler is managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures, US-based aerospace firm Boeing’s corporate venture capital unit launched in April 2017 which invests in innovative aerospace technologies, business models and manufacturing processes.
Schettler reports to HorizonX vice-president Steve Nordlund, formerly vice-president of corporate strategy for Boeing Defense, Space and Security, the unit has screened more than 2,000 companies to date, and closed about 20 investments by the end of 2018.
The unit’s first two investments in hybrid electric aircraft producer Zunum Aero and augmented reality technology developer Upskill were announced simultaneously with the fund’s launch and were quickly followed by cognitive security analytics specialist group SparkCognition and C360 Technology, which manufactures 360-degree video camera systems.
In late 2017, HorizonX was also the lead investor in the first funding round of US-based startup Near Earth Autonomy, which develops autonomous flight technology, and in the seed round of aluminium alloys maker Gamma Alloys.
Last year’s deals included Australia-based nanosatellite technology developer Myriota which closed a $15m series A round in March and UK-based propulsion system developer Reaction Engines which raised $37.3m in April.
The unit also led a $16m series A round for US-based unmanned aerial vehicles-powered delivery service provider Matternet in June, a $10m series B round for US-based optical data transmission technology developer BridgeSat in September and a $3m funding round for US-based spacecraft propulsion technology developer Accion Systems in October.
The most recent deal HorizonX led was a $14m series A round in January for UK-based satellite antenna technology developer Isotropic Systems which agreed to collaborate with HorizonX’s other portfolio companies Myriota, BridgeSat and Accion Systems, all of which focus on space and satellite technologies, to develop its technology post-investment.
Schettler has more than 17 years of experience in aerospace, technology, and defence companies in areas of corporate and business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, business development, and product portfolio management. Most recently at Boeing, he was senior strategist for Boeing Military Aircraft, where he led mergers and acquisitions, business strategy, and partnership development in Silicon Valley and beyond. He also served as a strategist for Phantom Works, where he partnered with Boeing Research & Technology to build development strategies for new technologies and products while also building product and market strategies for new platforms and concepts.
Outside Boeing, Schettler has experience leading global companies in strategy and development. He spent three years as vice-president of corporate strategy at Cobham, a UK-based technology company, where he led corporate and business strategy development, including the evaluation and prioritisation of private venture investment across its diversified product lines. He spent another two years at ATK and was responsible for corporate strategy and portfolio development. Finally, Schettler led strategy and program operations for the Space Systems Division of Northrop Grumman, managing their technology portfolio and investments.
Schettler holds a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Northwestern University and an MBA from University of Maryland. He has completed executive education courses at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and has certifications from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.
