Santiago Bolivar
Admiral Bolivar’s illustrious career spans over four decades dedicated to the Spanish Navy, culminating at the highest echelons of operational command. With extensive experience both at sea and within strategic organizations, including leadership of the Spanish Fleet and the Maritime Surveillance and Security Command, his expertise encompasses critical aspects of naval operations and command. His deep understanding of international defence structures, including his leadership of the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR), provides invaluable insight into multi-national maritime strategies and force projection. He currently contributes his strategic guidance as Chairman of the Board of Directors at HISDESAT, S.A., a testament to his enduring leadership in critical defence capabilities.
Javier Taibo
A distinguished entrepreneur, aeronautical engineer, and economist, Javier Taibo brings over four decades of profound experience across the defence, aviation, and specialized media sectors. As the president and majority shareholder of a leading editorial group in defence and air transport, his strategic acumen in these domains is unparalleled. His roles on the boards of key aviation entities and as a Senior Advisor to a major aerospace group on strategy and international relations underscore his comprehensive understanding of the aerospace ecosystem. Recognized as a Brand Ambassador of the Spanish Army, his insights bridge the gap between technological innovation and defence operational needs, enhancing VARSOM’s strategic positioning within the industry.
Miguel Bello
Miguel Bello brings a distinguished career spanning decades across high-level leadership roles in space, innovation, and strategic national initiatives. His extensive experience includes serving as Chairman of the Board at Orbex. He has held pivotal roles such as Commissioner for the Aerospace PERTE at the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain, and Director at the Spanish Space Agency, demonstrating deep engagement with national space strategy and industrial development. His tenure as CEO of AIR Centre – Atlantic International Research Centre and Managing Director at DEIMOS Space highlights expertise in leading complex international research and technology ventures. His strategic leadership across public and private sectors provides VARSOM with unparalleled insight into space-enabled defence capabilities and innovation ecosystems.
Matías Urrera
With over two decades of distinguished service in military operations, strategic communications, and institutional relations, Matías Urrera possesses unparalleled expertise in national and international defence frameworks. His background includes significant roles at the Spanish Space Agency, where he leads initiatives reinforcing national security and advancing scientific progress in the space sector. His prior experience as Director of Communications at the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) and Chief of Strategic Communications at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) highlights a critical role in shaping defence communication strategies. As Spain’s delegate to the European Space Agency’s Communication Committee, his deep expertise in defence, security, and innovation is a vital asset for VARSOM’s strategic engagements.
Victor Cobos
Based in Monaco, Victor Cobos is a visionary entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience accelerating business growth at the intersection of innovation, marketing, and communications, including work with Formula 1 Management and C-suite roles at leading creative agencies. A multi-entrepreneur and investor, he is active across the Deep Tech and Dual-Use technology sectors. As President and a major shareholder of Avantgard Capital, a deep-tech focused Investment firm and Bernico Vanguard, the leading Belgian high-performance maritime defence engineering company. As an Executive Board Member at Hispano Suiza—combined with an active mentorship within NATO’s DIANA program—he champions a transatlantic innovation ecosystem that blends technical excellence with financial sophistication and strategic cooperation.
Julio Cobos
Julio Cobos brings a deep and extensive background in corporate finance, auditing, and strategic investment. With over two decades of experience across major financial and consulting firms, including leadership roles at Implica Corporate Finance, BDO Spain, Grant Thornton, and Deloitte, he has a proven track record in financial strategy, corporate governance, and supporting growth-stage companies. His expertise encompasses auditing, financial management, and strategic advisory for complex corporate structures. This financial acumen and a keen understanding of investment vehicles are critical for VARSOM’s capital management, strategic expansion, and long-term stability in the high-stakes defence technology market.
Francisco Valles
Francisco Valles contributes a wealth of strategic advisory and corporate governance expertise, honed over decades of senior roles within prominent organizations. His background spans corporate finance, independent professional counseling, and leadership in influential brand and industry associations, including Socio Director at Implica Corporate Finance and long-standing roles as Secretary General for key Spanish brand and defence associations. His understanding of market dynamics, brand development, and strategic corporate oversight provides VARSOM with guidance for growth, reputation management, and robust institutional positioning within the defence technology ecosystem.
Alex Garcia-Ingrisano
Alex Garcia-Ingrisano possesses over two decades of extensive experience in innovation, investment, and multidisciplinary entrepreneurship, successfully leading ventures in both the USA and Europe. He brings a profound understanding of international markets and deep tech sectors. As Managing Partner at Avantgard Group, his role is pivotal in supporting companies and institutions that drive global leadership in Deep Tech and Dual-Use technologies, including the biotech industry. His experience as Managing Partner at venture capital firms and investment funds, with a focus on technology transfer and alternative investments, underpins a strategic approach to fostering innovation within critical industrial sectors. His leadership extends to academia as an adjunct professor of innovation and entrepreneurship at the International University of Monaco.
The collective expertise of VARSOM’s Founding Partners spans military strategy, advanced engineering, global finance, and international relations. This multi-faceted background ensures a holistic approach to defence innovation, driving strategic growth and resilient solutions for our partners across all domains. Their commitment to ethical development and operational excellence is the cornerstone of VARSOM’s mission.
