Kevin Weil, a veteran tech executive with a proven track record at Twitter, Meta, Planet Labs, and OpenAI, has joined the board of Stoke Space, a pioneering Seattle-based startup.
Stoke Space is on a mission to disrupt the space industry by developing reusable rockets that can fly multiple times without the need for extensive refurbishment. This ambitious goal is a direct challenge to the dominance of SpaceX, with its Starship rocket.
According to Andy Lapsa, CEO of Stoke Space, the company’s journey began when he cofounded it in 2020. At the time, Lapsa had no experience in fundraising or navigating the complexities of Silicon Valley. However, he had the good fortune of meeting Kevin Weil, an early investor in the company through his fund Scribble Ventures. Weil’s involvement proved invaluable in helping Lapsa think strategically about fundraising and getting the company off the ground.
Under Weil’s guidance, Stoke Space has secured a staggering $1.34 billion in funding, including a $510 million Series D funding round in 2025. This significant influx of capital has enabled the company to accelerate its development of a rapidly reusable rocket that can fly this year. Weil’s role in the company’s success cannot be overstated, and it is little wonder that Lapsa has invited him to join the board as a director to help scale the company’s operations.
Kevin Weil’s background is characterized by his experience in digital products and platforms, which may seem unrelated to Stoke Space’s focus on space technology. However, Weil’s most recent position as the head of OpenAI’s efforts to accelerate scientific research has provided him with a unique understanding of the intersection of AI and space exploration. His tenure at OpenAI also saw him serve as the company’s chief product officer from June 2024 until October 2025.
One question that naturally arises from Weil’s appointment to the Stoke Space board is whether he will serve as a link between OpenAI and the company. There have been rumors that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, was considering an investment in Stoke Space, a move that could have significant implications for the space industry. However, Lapsa has declined to comment on these rumors, stating that Weil’s role is to focus on Stoke Space’s operations.
Stoke Space is working on a revolutionary rocket called Nova, which is designed to be completely reusable and can be flown multiple times. This technology has the potential to disrupt the space industry by reducing the cost and increasing the efficiency of launches. The company’s Nova rocket is a game-changer in the space industry, and Weil’s involvement will undoubtedly help Stoke Space navigate the complex landscape of space technology.
Weil’s experience in bridging the gap between Silicon Valley and the Department of Defense will also be invaluable to Stoke Space. As one of the four tech movers and shakers who joined the US Army Reserve to improve recruitment and cooperation between the Army and industry, Weil has a unique understanding of the complexities of working with government agencies. This expertise will be essential in helping Stoke Space secure military contracts, which will be crucial to the company’s success.
Weil’s past experience as the president of Planet Labs, a satellite earth observation company, has also given him a deep understanding of the space industry. During his tenure at Planet Labs, the company went public in 2021, and Weil’s leadership played a significant role in its success. His experience in the space industry will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to Stoke Space as it continues to develop its reusable rocket technology.
