Kevin Weil, a prominent figure in the tech industry with a background spanning Twitter, Meta, Planet Labs, and OpenAI, has taken a new role as a director on the board of Stoke Space. The Seattle-based startup is making headlines for its ambitious goal of developing a fully reusable rocket, a technological feat that could revolutionise space travel and access. Weil's appointment signals a significant endorsement of Stoke's vision and the broader potential of the reusable rocket market.
Stoke Space, founded in 2020 by CEO Andy Lapsa, aims to build a rocket named Nova that can be flown repeatedly, overcoming the immense challenges associated with re-entry and rapid turnaround. While SpaceX has made considerable progress with its Starship rocket, achieving full and rapid reusability remains an elusive goal for the industry. Lapsa, who previously worked at Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, recognised the long-term potential of this approach, stating that the world is now acknowledging that the 'launch problem' is far from solved.
Weil's involvement with Stoke Space predates his board appointment; he was an early investor through his fund, Scribble Ventures. His expertise in fundraising and navigating Silicon Valley's intricate ecosystem proved invaluable to Lapsa in the company's early stages. Stoke has since secured substantial funding, including a notable $510 million Series D round in 2025, bringing its total raised to $1.34 billion. This capital injection underscores investor confidence in the company's ability to compete in the burgeoning private space sector.
Before joining Stoke's board, Weil served as OpenAI's chief product officer from June 2024 to October 2025, and most recently led the company's efforts to accelerate scientific research. His prior experience also includes a three-year tenure as president of Planet Labs, a satellite earth observation company that went public in 2021. This diverse background, particularly his previous involvement in the space business and his work bridging the gap between Silicon Valley and the US Department of Defense, positions him uniquely to contribute to Stoke's strategic growth, including potential military contracts.
The implications of fully reusable rockets extend beyond mere launch cost reduction. The concept of distributed data centres in space, powered by solar energy and free from terrestrial political constraints, is gaining traction among venture capitalists. However, the economic viability of such ventures hinges entirely on the ability to launch vast quantities of computer chips into orbit at a significantly lower cost. Stoke Space's Nova rocket, if successful, could unlock these opportunities, making space-based infrastructure a more realistic prospect.