Ángel Navarro, ASA: “Investment Requires Patience, Time, and Managing Expectations”

Aerospace Sealant Application (ASA) is one of Foro Capital Pymes’ success stories. The company successfully completed its funding round through investors connected with Foro Capital Pymes.

Introduction

In a sector as demanding and specialized as aerospace, achieving rapid growth without compromising quality is one of the greatest challenges any company can face. ASA, Aerospace Sealant Application, has successfully established itself in this niche market, strengthening its international presence and achieving its funding objectives following its participation in Foro Capital Pymes.

We spoke with Ángel Navarro, CEO of the company, about the challenges of scaling within the aerospace industry, the reality behind raising investment, and the key factors that have enabled ASA to carve out its place in the market.

Interview

1. When was ASA founded, and what exactly does the company do?

ASA (Aerospace Sealant Application) was conceived as an idea in 2022 and was formally incorporated in 2023. The company specializes in the commercialization of products and services for the application of aerospace sealants, a critical process within the aerospace industry.

To understand its importance, one fact is enough: a commercial aircraft such as an Airbus A320 may contain approximately 500 kilograms of sealant. These solutions are used in multiple areas of the aircraft, from windows to critical structural components, making them an essential element of the aerospace manufacturing process.

Today, ASA operates from San Fernando de Henares (Madrid, Spain) and offers a catalog of more than 200 product references, serving customers worldwide.

2. The aerospace sector is highly demanding. What has been your biggest technical and market challenge?

Our main challenge has been managing growth without compromising quality. ASA works with multiple international customers, including several Airbus facilities, which means handling hundreds of orders involving different references, quantities, and destinations.

This operational volume requires flawless execution. The real challenge is not simply growing, but growing while maintaining the standards demanded by such a critical industry as aerospace.

3. What has your fundraising journey been like?

ASA began seeking financing in 2023, bringing investors on board as it achieved key milestones. One of the most important factors has been surrounding ourselves with strong advisors and building a solid business plan.

However, the investment process is far from immediate. It requires time, negotiation, and alignment between the expectations of entrepreneurs and investors.

4. What lessons learned would you share with other industrial companies?

One of the main lessons is simple: timelines are always underestimated. Everything takes longer than expected.

In addition, every challenge must be addressed individually, regardless of the industry. Business growth means constantly facing new obstacles, and there are no shortcuts.

It is also essential to manage expectations throughout the investment process, as closing deals can take months or even years.

5. How has ASA evolved since participating in Foro Capital Pymes?

From a growth perspective, ASA has experienced a significant boost, tripling its activity compared to the previous year.

In terms of financing, the impact has been particularly significant, as the company successfully achieved all of its investment objectives thanks to its participation in Foro Capital Pymes.

6. What value does participating in an investment forum provide?

Participating in an investment forum acts as a showcase. It provides access to all types of investors, from those who may not be fully aligned with the company to others with a strong strategic fit.

A key point is that finding the right investor is not always predictable. In ASA’s case, the agreement with its lead investor emerged from an informal 20-minute conversation, while other more structured meetings produced no results.

7. Would you recommend Foro Capital Pymes to other companies?

Yes, regardless of the sector.

What truly matters is not the type of business, but the strength of the project and the business plan behind it.

If the value proposition is strong, the sector becomes secondary.

8. What advice would you give to a company participating in an investment forum for the first time?

The main advice is to be patient.

In addition:

  • Prepare your message thoroughly.
  • Clearly explain your business model.
  • Understand that the process is long and constantly evolving.

Meetings may be delayed, rescheduled, or extended, and in the meantime the company must continue operating. That is why managing expectations is so important.

9. How was the preparation process before the forum?

The preparation process helped ASA simplify and better focus its message for investors.

In these types of presentations, investors only dedicate a few minutes of attention, so effectively communicating the key ideas is essential.

10. How was the post-forum follow-up process managed?

The post-forum team was agile and effective in managing contacts and investor follow-up.

However, the variability in investor behavior is an important factor to consider. There are significant differences in professionalism, timing, and investment culture, particularly in international environments.

11. Do you think investors understand the potential of an industrial company like ASA?

Not always. One of ASA’s main challenges is that it operates within a very specific niche of the aerospace sector.

Many investors associate aerospace with advanced technology or disruptive innovation and may not initially understand business models based on industrial consumables such as sealants.

Furthermore, because this is a relatively unfamiliar field, there is a significant barrier to understanding. If an investor is not familiar with aerospace manufacturing processes, it becomes more difficult to capture their interest.

12. Where do you see ASA in the next five to ten years?

The company expects strong growth over the next five to ten years. ASA has identified a niche market with significant potential and is strengthening its team—particularly within international sales—to accelerate expansion.

The company currently employs 11 people and continues to grow, further consolidating its position in the global market.

Conclusions

ASA Aerospace Sealant Application’s journey demonstrates that even in highly technical and specialized industries, it is possible to grow and attract investment when there is a solid project and a clear vision behind it.

Throughout the interview, Ángel Navarro emphasizes the importance of patience, managing expectations, and being able to explain complex businesses in a simple way. He also highlights the role of investment forums as platforms that help connect companies with investors and create real growth opportunities.

With an expanding team, international customers, and strong future prospects, ASA continues to strengthen its position within a strategic niche of the aerospace industry.

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