Famous Disney Channel Actress Now Works On Space Satellite Data, Launches Own Startup
Former Disney Channel actress, singer, and multi-degree holder Bridgit Mendler has added another impressive title to her resume -- space CEO.
The 31-year-old actress launched the El Segundo, California-based startup Northwood Space in October 2023.
Known for her roles in Disney's "Good Luck Charlie" and "Wizards of Waverly Place," Mendler established Northwood alongside her husband, Griffin Cleverly, and engineer Shaurya Luthra.
On Monday, Mendler shared via X, formerly Twitter, the exciting news that Northwood Space has secured $6.3 million in funding, emphasizing the company's mission to construct a "data highway between earth and space."
"We are designing shared ground infrastructure from first principles to expand access to space. We have a lot of work ahead of us but that's the fun part," she wrote.
According to its website, the startup aims to revolutionize space data accessibility, describing its vision as transitioning from "a one-lane rickety road for space data" to a "10-lane highway routing continuous traffic across the globe."
Northwood Space is focused on simplifying the transmission of data to and from space, particularly addressing the challenge of locating access points for satellites.
Northwood plans to mass-produce ground stations, crucial components that connect with satellites in space. The company aims to connect to a spacecraft in orbit this 2024.
"For me, why the ground-side matters is because it actually is about bringing the impacts of space home to people," Mendler told CNBC.
In addition to achieving fame as a Disney Channel star and a successful music career, Mendler's long list of accomplishments include graduating from the University of Southern California in 2016 and obtaining a master's and doctorate of philosophy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2020 and 2024, respectively, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
This year, she also received a doctorate of law from Harvard Law School.
During her academic pursuits, Mendler developed a passion for space law while working at the Federal Communications Commission's Space Bureau.
The startup's co-founders, Cleverly and Luthra, bring engineering expertise from their time at companies such as Lockheed Martin and Capella Space.
Their company was named after a lake in New Hampshire, where Mendler conceptualized the idea while spending time with her family during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mendler received support from fans and social media users after news of her startup made headlines.
"Damn that’s a hell of a career path you’ve got there!" one fan wrote. "Watched your shows with my kids while they were growing up… the 'Lemonade Mouth' soundtrack was quite catchy. You obviously have boundless talent. Good luck on this next adventure! If it’s anything like everything else you’ve done, you’ll crush it."
Another user dubbed Mendler an "iconic queen."
Some also asked her about future music projects, with one person writing: "I'll always love you, but just know when you’re back from space, the pop industry needs some saving."
Mendler is known for playing Teddy Duncan in Disney's "Good Luck Charlie" from 2010 to 2014 and Juliet in "Wizards of Waverly Place" from 2008 to 2012.
She also starred in the 2008 film "The Clique" and the hit 2011 Disney Channel original movie "Lemonade Mouth," in which she was also featured in the soundtrack.
In 2012, she dropped her studio album, "Hello My Name Is...," which was followed by several singles in 2017.
Mendler's last acting project on her IMDb page is the 2019 Netflix sitcom "Merry Happy Whatever."