Andy Lapsa
Andy Lapsa is Co-Founder and CEO at Stoke Space, where he is leading efforts to develop fully reusable rockets. He previously held engineering and director roles at Blue Origin and has expertise in propulsion engineering and reusable space technologies.
Stoke Space raises $1B Series E at $10B valuation to fund Nova Pathfinder and larger Nova Block 2
Stoke Space raised $1 billion in a Series E led by Point72 Ventures and Spark Capital at a roughly $10 billion valuation to accelerate development of its Nova Pathfinder reusable rocket and a larger Nova Block 2. Pathfinder is slated to debut in 2027; Block 2, using 14 Zenith engines and able to carry up to 15 metric tons reusable (23 expendable), aims for a first flight in 2029.
Stoke Space raises $1 billion Series E to fund Nova Block 2 and prep early‑2027 launches; total funding $2.3B
Kent-based reusable rocket startup Stoke Space raised $1 billion in a Series E round led by investors including Point72 Ventures and Spark Capital, bringing its total funding to $2.3 billion as it readies launches and develops its Nova Block 2 rocket for early 2027.
Stoke Space closes $1B Series E, total funding $2.3B; unveils 15-ton Nova Block 2 and readies Nova Pathfinder for early‑2027 launch
Stoke Space closed an initial $1 billion Series E round, taking total funding to $2.3 billion, as it prepares the Nova Pathfinder for a targeted early-2027 orbital launch. The company also unveiled the larger 15-ton Nova Block 2 vehicle, aiming for a 2029 first flight and rapid production ramp.
Organizations
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Stoke Space Executive Officer, Director 2021–present, Co-Founder, CEO 2019–present, Founder · current
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Blue Origin Director, BE-3 and BE-3U Engines 2017–2019, Propulsion Engineer, BE-4 2011–2017, Propulsion Engineer, R&D 2009–2011 · past
Education
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Y Combinator 2021
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University of Michigan Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering · 2004–2009
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Cornell University Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Mechanical Engineering · 2000–2004
