Dresden-Based Startup Accepted into U.S. Startup Hub
The Dresden-based space startup RATLOG, founded by four students from the Dresden University of Technology (TUD), has been accepted into the U.S. startup incubator Y Combinator. The team is developing reusable heavy-lift rockets to launch satellites into space more quickly.
It is currently working in San Francisco to further develop its technology. In December, it will present itself to international investors.
The Dresden-based aerospace startup RATLOG was founded in 2025 by Charlie Weise and Paul Kunhart—both of whom are studying aerospace engineering at TUD—as well as Felix Kelm (electrical engineering) and Matty Driesnack (business administration). The young company is developing reusable heavy-lift rockets to create additional launch capacity for the rapidly growing space industry. The startup is relying on a novel propulsion architecture that is expected to require up to 90 percent fewer components than conventional designs—which could enable significantly simpler and more cost-effective production.
- Heading to Silicon Valley with the Prototype
Within just a few months, the team developed an initial functional prototype and conducted a successful test. In addition, RATLOG has already secured letters of intent from customers for future launch capacity. The team was supported in this endeavor in particular by Thomas Kirchner and the YETI Fellowship, a Dresden-based scholarship program for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In the fall of 2026, RATLOG was accepted into Y Combinator, a U.S.-based startup incubator in San Francisco that supports startups with funding, advice, and connections during their first three years. “I first heard about Y Combinator two years ago in Prof. Schefczyk’s lecture on ‘Financing with Venture Capital.’ The fact that we’re now part of it ourselves is really something special,” says Matty Driesnack. Currently, the four-person founding team is working in Silicon Valley to further develop the technology, acquire new customers, and prepare for the next round of funding. To cap things off, the startup will present itself to international investors at a Demo Day in December.