Kevin Weil, a seasoned technology executive with experience at Twitter, Meta, Planet Labs, and OpenAI, has joined the board of directors at Stoke Space, a Seattle-based startup developing reusable rockets to compete with industry leaders like SpaceX.
Weil’s relationship with Stoke Space began in 2020 when the company participated in Y Combinator’s winter batch. As an early investor through his fund, Scribble Ventures, Weil provided valuable guidance to CEO Andy Lapsa, particularly in fundraising and navigating Silicon Valley’s ecosystem. Lapsa, who transitioned from an engineering background to entrepreneurship, credits Weil with helping the company secure significant investments, including a $510 million Series D funding round in 2025.
Stoke Space is focused on developing Nova, a fully reusable rocket designed for rapid turnaround between flights. This approach aims to address the growing demand for cost-effective and frequent access to space. While SpaceX’s Starship has made strides toward reusability, achieving full and rapid reuse remains a significant challenge in the aerospace industry.
Weil’s expertise in digital products and platforms, honed during his tenure as OpenAI’s Chief Product Officer from June 2024 to October 2025, brings a unique perspective to Stoke Space. His experience in accelerating scientific research and product development is expected to contribute to the company’s strategic initiatives as it scales operations and prepares for upcoming launches.
Stoke Space’s ambitious goals align with the broader industry trend toward reusable launch systems, which promise to reduce costs and increase the frequency of space missions. The company’s success in securing substantial funding and attracting top talent like Weil underscores the growing confidence in its innovative approach to space access.
As the space industry continues to evolve, Stoke Space’s progress will be closely watched. The integration of experienced leaders from diverse technology sectors, such as Weil, may provide the company with a competitive edge in the race to develop fully reusable rockets. This development highlights the increasing convergence of technology and aerospace industries, signaling a dynamic future for space exploration and commercialization.
