Stoke Space
Facts
- HQ
- Kent, WA
- Sectors
- Defense and Space Manufacturing
- Founded
- 2019
- Employees
- 445
- Stage
- startup
- Total raised
- $1.1B SEC Form D filings Total of this company's SEC Form D filings
- Last round
- $275M · Feb 2026 SEC Form D
Stoke Space raises $1B Series E to build fully reusable rocket to compete with SpaceX
Dealroom reports that Stoke Space is raising $1 billion in a Series E round to develop a fully reusable rocket aimed at competing with SpaceX.
Stoke Space Technologies Raises $1 Billion to Fund Fully Reusable Nova Rocket Competing With SpaceX
Stoke Space Technologies is raising $1 billion to accelerate development and production of its fully reusable Nova rocket aimed at competing with SpaceX.
Former OpenAI CPO Kevin Weil Seeks $150M at $750M Valuation for New AI Science Startup
Kevin Weil, a former OpenAI chief product officer, is seeking to raise $150 million at a valuation of at least $750 million for a new AI-for-science startup aimed at gathering scientific data for AI models. His fundraising highlights a broader trend of senior OpenAI and Google alums forming startups to apply AI to accelerate scientific discovery.
SpaceX launches Starfall reentry capsule on June 23, carrying at least one payload and challenging reentry startups
SpaceX launched the first test flight of Starfall, a commercial reentry capsule, on June 23; at least one payload from Starbase Brewing tested yeast exposure to space, and SpaceX’s entry into the reentry market creates validation and competitive pressure for startups developing return capsules for microgravity research and manufacturing.
Nominal opens permanent Seattle office, led by Stephen Slattery, after $80M raise at $1B valuation
Los Angeles-based industrial-software startup Nominal is opening a permanent Seattle office, led by Stephen Slattery, and plans to more than double its local team after raising $80 million at a $1 billion valuation. The company, which serves defense, energy, robotics and automotive customers, cited Seattle's engineering and aerospace talent as key reasons for the expansion.
Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-I — India’s first privately developed orbital rocket — launches July 18, 2026, from Sriharikota
On July 18, 2026, Hyderabad startup Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-I, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, demonstrating 3D-printed, all-carbon-composite design and signaling a shift toward private-sector-led space activity in India.
Ascend series: Seattle’s ‘Third Act’ — physical AI startups on Lake Union signal a shift toward software-enabled hardware
The piece reports from Lake Union to argue Seattle is entering a third industrial era—'physical AI'—where hardware-enabled intelligent machines mix with legacy maritime and aerospace industries, exemplified by startups like Overland, Anduril, Brinc, and Endurance Energy. The authors say Seattle has the talent, infrastructure, and institutions to lead but needs more risk-taking, investor capital for hardware, and pro-innovation policy to fully capitalize on this shift.
Ex-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz Warns Washington’s Taxes and Failing Schools Drive Entrepreneurs Out in WSJ Op-Ed
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz warned in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that Washington state's high taxes and failing schools are causing entrepreneurs to leave, using rocket startup Stoke Space as a key example. He cautioned Governor Bob Ferguson and Washington Democrats about the risk of economic stagnation due to poor policies.
Former OpenAI CPO Kevin Weil Joins Stoke Space Board Before Nova Rocket’s Orbital Flight
Stoke Space has appointed former OpenAI chief product officer Kevin Weil to its board, leveraging his product leadership and fundraising experience ahead of its first orbital flight attempt this year. Weil, an early investor, will support Stoke Space's mission to build a fully reusable orbital rocket, a unique feat in American aerospace.
Former OpenAI VP Kevin Weil Joins $1.34 Billion-Funded Space Startup Stoke Space Competing with SpaceX in 2026
Former OpenAI VP Kevin Weil joined the board of Stoke Space, a Seattle-based space startup competing with SpaceX, which has raised $1.34 billion to date. His departure from OpenAI coincides with major leadership changes at the AI company in 2026.
Startup Angel Bazaar Hosts Investor Events in Boston, DC, and New York July 14-16 Featuring Keynote Satish Jha
Startup Angel Bazaar is hosting a three-city investor series from July 14-16 in Boston, Washington D.C., and New York to connect accredited investors and startup leaders and discuss emerging investment opportunities. The Washington event on July 15 features keynote Satish Jha, who will focus on building companies with enduring value rather than short-term exits.
Former OpenAI CPO Kevin Weil Joins Stoke Space Board as Startup Targets 2027 Reusable Rocket Test Flight
Kevin Weil, former Chief Product Officer at OpenAI, has joined the board of reusable rocket startup Stoke Space, signaling growing Silicon Valley interest in commercial spaceflight. Stoke Space aims to challenge SpaceX with innovative reusable rocket designs, targeting its first test flight in 2027.
Kevin Weil Joins Stoke Space Board to Drive Funding and Support Nova Rocket Launch
Kevin Weil, a seasoned tech executive from Twitter, Meta, Planet Labs, and OpenAI, has joined the board of Seattle startup Stoke Space to enhance funding and investor relations as it prepares for the potential first flight of its Nova rocket. Stoke Space has raised over $1.34 billion, including a $510 million Series D in 2025, aiming to scale rapidly in the reusable rocket market.
OpenAI’s Kevin Weil Joins Stoke Space Board as Company Prepares First Launch of Fully Reusable Nova Rocket
OpenAI chief product officer Kevin Weil has joined the board of reusable rocket startup Stoke Space as it prepares for the launch of its fully reusable Nova rocket. Weil's expertise in scaling tech and AI products is expected to help guide Stoke from development to commercial operations.
Ex-OpenAI Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil Joins Stoke Space Board to Advance Fully Reusable Rocket Technology
Kevin Weil, former Chief Product Officer at OpenAI and instrumental in ChatGPT's development, has joined the board of Stoke Space, a startup developing fully reusable rockets to significantly reduce launch costs. His appointment highlights a notable crossover between AI tech leadership and the advancing commercial space industry.
Rocket Lab to Acquire Satellite Communications Provider Iridium to Expand Into Space Applications and Services
Rocket Lab plans to acquire satellite communications provider Iridium to achieve vertical integration and expand into space-based applications and recurring satellite services revenue. The acquisition supports Rocket Lab's strategic vision to combine launch, manufacturing, and satellite services for new markets including internet access and secure navigation.
Starcloud Becomes Fastest Y Combinator Unicorn at $1.1B as Fusion Leader Helion Tops GeekWire 200 with $15.5B Valuation
The latest GeekWire 200 highlights a shift in the Pacific Northwest startup scene toward physical products like rockets, fusion reactors, and space-based data centers, with Starcloud becoming the fastest Y Combinator unicorn valued at $1.1 billion. Helion maintains the top spot with a $15.5 billion valuation, while notable companies like Stoke Space, Overland AI, and new unicorn XBOW also make significant moves.
Weekly Startup Funding Report: 24 Deals Raise $1.3B Ending 6/20/26 Highlighting KLIPY and Ergo
The Weekly Notable Startup Funding Report for the week ending 6/20/26 highlights over $1.3 billion raised across 24 startup deals, including significant rounds for companies like KLIPY ($3.8M) and Ergo ($2.8M). These startups operate in diverse sectors such as short-form media platforms and AI revenue infrastructure.
Space Northwest and Commercial Space Federation Launch Accelerator for Early-Stage Space Companies in Kent, WA
Space Northwest and the Commercial Space Federation are launching a regional space business accelerator in Kent, Washington, aimed at supporting up to 10 early-stage space companies with local support from the City of Kent, a hub for space industry businesses like Blue Origin and Stoke Space. The program will begin with an executive roundtable this summer, followed by a 12-week accelerator starting in autumn, focusing on investment readiness, tech commercialization, and integration into the global space supply chain.
Cowboy Space Raises $275M at $2B Valuation, Plans 40-60 Hires for Seattle Satellite and Rocket Hub
Cowboy Space Corp., founded by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt, raised $275 million in a Series B round valuing the company at $2 billion and is hiring 40-60 employees for its new Seattle satellite and rocket engineering hub. The company develops solar-powered satellites that function as data centers and builds integrated rockets to launch them, competing for talent in Seattle's aerospace sector.
2026 GeekWire Awards Celebrate Seattle Tech Scene with Over 300 Attendees and Winners Including Carbon Robotics, HouseWhisper AI, and Omeros
The 2026 GeekWire Awards celebrated Seattle's vibrant tech community with over 300 attendees honoring top startups, founders, and leaders across multiple categories at Showbox SoDo. The event highlighted Seattle as a hub for innovation with winners like Carbon Robotics, HouseWhisper AI, and Omeros recognized for their contributions.
Seattle Startups Raised $1.5B in Q1 2026 with Lowest Deal Count Since 2020, Ranking 7th in VC Capital Invested
Seattle-area startups raised $1.5 billion across 69 deals in Q1 2026, marking the lowest deal count since mid-2020 amid a trend of larger funding rounds concentrated in fewer companies, particularly in AI. The Seattle region ranked seventh nationally by capital invested but tenth by deal count, reflecting a national pattern of venture capital focusing on a small number of high-profile startups.
Aetherflux, Founded by Robinhood's Baiju Bhatt, Expands to Seattle for Solar-Powered Orbital Data Center Satellite Development
Aetherflux, a space startup founded in 2024 by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt, is expanding to Seattle to develop solar-powered orbital data center satellites aimed at supporting AI energy needs, with a commercial launch planned for 2027. The company joins a growing aerospace community in Seattle, focusing on leveraging space-based infrastructure to overcome limitations of ground-based AI computing resources.
Stoke Space adds $350M to Series D, taking October round to $860M to speed Nova production and launch-pad activation
Kent-based reusable rocket startup Stoke Space added $350 million to its October Series D, bringing that round to $860 million to accelerate production of its reusable Nova rocket and activate Launch Complex 14; the company has raised over $1.1 billion since January last year.
Stoke Space Raises $350M More in Series D, Totals $860M to Ready Reusable Nova Rocket for First 2024 Launch
Stoke Space Technologies has raised an additional $350 million in its Series D round, totaling $860 million, to support completion of its Florida launch complex and production of its reusable Nova rocket. The medium-lift Nova vehicle is expected to launch for the first time from Cape Canaveral later this year.
People
See all 4-
Andy Lapsa Founder, Co-Founder, CEO, Executive Officer, Director
-
Lapsa Founder, Co-founder and CEO
-
Tom Feldman Founder, Co-Founder, Executive Officer, Director
