David Kirtley
David Kirtley is the Founder and CEO of Helion Energy, a privately funded fusion electricity company. He previously held research and engineering roles at Air Force Research Laboratory, MSNW, NASA Glenn Research Center, and Red River Engineering.
Helion Energy to Provide Fusion Power to Microsoft Data Center by 2028 Amid $1.5B Funding; Zap Energy Raises $330M with DOE Support
Helion Energy, with $1.5 billion raised, will supply fusion-generated electricity to Microsoft's Central Washington data center by 2028, while rival Zap Energy, backed by $330 million and the U.S. Department of Energy, is also exploring nuclear fission. These moves reflect the urgent demand for power in AI data centers exceeding current grid capacity and the strategic hedging against fusion timeline risks.
Fusion energy: Wishing upon a star in a jar — Introducing 'Positive Charge' from GeekWire
This week on the show, we're sharing the debut of Positive Charge, a new GeekWire podcast from reporter Lisa Stiffler and producer Laura Scott about the innovations that could help save the planet. In this episode, they dig into the high-stakes race to harness the power of the sun and make fusion energy real, visiting two Seattle-area startups chasing this dream, and asking whether limitless clean power is finally within reach. Also out this week: their debut episode on the "forever chemicals" in our water and the companies figuring out how to destroy them. Follow Positive Charge wherever you get…
Helion Energy Secures World’s First Regulatory Licenses for 50-Megawatt Fusion Power Plant in Washington
Helion Energy became the first company globally to receive regulatory licenses for a fusion power plant, securing critical Radioactive Materials and Air Emissions Licenses for its 50-megawatt fusion facility in Washington. This milestone advances Helion’s efforts to commercialize clean fusion energy, with plans to supply electricity by 2028 following a deal with Microsoft.
Helion Becomes First U.S. Fusion Energy Firm to Secure All Regulatory Licenses for Reactor in Washington
Helion Energy has become the first U.S. fusion energy company to obtain all required regulatory licenses, enabling it to construct a fusion reactor in Washington state and supply power to Microsoft by 2028. The company emphasizes the environmental benefits of fusion energy and progresses toward commercial power generation despite some skepticism about fusion timelines.
Helion Energy Secures $465M at $15.5B Valuation to Advance Fusion Energy with Polaris Prototype
Helion Energy raised $465 million in a Series G funding round at a $15.5 billion valuation to advance its fusion energy technology, bringing total capital raised to $1.5 billion. The company uses a unique Field-Reversed Configuration and Magneto-Inertial Fusion approach, aiming to demonstrate electricity production from fusion with its Polaris prototype.
Helion Raises $465M, Valued at $15.5B in Series G Funding Led by Thrive Capital
Helion, a nuclear fusion energy company backed by OpenAI co-founders, raised $465 million in a Series G round led by Thrive Capital, valuing the company at $15.5 billion. The funds will accelerate commercial deployment, expand manufacturing, and support clean electricity delivery as Helion advances fusion technology and builds its first power plant in Washington.
Helion Energy Raises $465M, Valued at $15.5B, Targets Commercial Fusion Power by 2028
Helion Energy raised $465 million, increasing its valuation to $15.5 billion, as it aims to commercialize fusion power by 2028 with projects like the 50-megawatt Orion plant in Washington. Despite ambitious plans and partnerships like the one with Microsoft, the company faces skepticism due to technical challenges and limited scientific disclosures.
Helion Energy Builds 166,000 Sq. Ft. Omega Facility and Commercial Fusion Plant to Scale Fusion Power Manufacturing
Helion Energy is advancing its seventh-generation fusion prototype while building a commercial power plant and a large-scale manufacturing facility named Omega to produce components for future fusion plants. The company emphasizes manufacturing and rapid growth, aiming to deliver fusion-generated electricity to the grid despite ongoing technology uncertainties.
Helion Energy Secures Permit to Build Reactor Building for Orion Fusion Plant in Washington
Helion Energy has received a permit from Chelan County, Washington, to proceed with building the reactor building for its Orion fusion power plant, aiming to be the world's first commercial fusion facility. Construction is planned to begin in July 2025 near Malaga, Washington, on land leased from the local Public Utilities District.
Helion Energy Breaks Ground on World's First Commercial Fusion Plant in Washington, Targeting 2028 Operation
Helion Energy has begun construction on its Orion fusion power plant in Malaga, Washington, aiming to be the world's first commercial fusion facility. The project, backed by a historic power purchase agreement with Microsoft, targets operational status by 2028 despite significant industry challenges.
Helion Energy to Build World's First Fusion Plant in Malaga, Washington, Powering Microsoft Data Centers with 50MW
Helion Energy plans to build the world's first fusion power plant near the Rock Island Dam in Malaga, Washington, aiming to begin construction this summer and provide 50 megawatts of clean energy to Microsoft data centers. The company, backed by over $1 billion in investments from notable investors like Sam Altman and SoftBank, has been engaging extensively with the local community and authorities to secure permits and support.
Helion Energy Raises $425 Million from Sam Altman, SoftBank, and Others, Valued at Over $5.4 Billion to Advance Fusion Power
Helion Energy, a Seattle-area fusion startup, raised $425 million from investors including Sam Altman and SoftBank to advance fusion power development, boosting its valuation above $5.4 billion. The funding emphasizes progress toward clean, carbon-free energy solutions crucial for powering AI data centers.
Washington Leaders Visit Everett Fusion Startups as Industry Raises Over $900 Million in 2023 with Growing Policy Support
Washington state leaders Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. Patty Murray visited local fusion startups Helion Energy and Zap Energy amid a surge in fusion funding exceeding $900 million last year and growing policy support. Despite technological challenges, fusion is seen as a promising carbon-free energy source, with over $7.1 billion invested globally and new federal and state regulations advancing its development.
Microsoft and Helion Energy to Build First Commercial Fusion Power Plant by 2028 in Washington State
Microsoft and Helion Energy have announced an agreement to build the world’s first commercial fusion power plant in Washington state, aiming to operate by 2028. This plant could provide a limitless, carbon-free energy source to power Microsoft’s global data centers, marking a significant step from fusion research toward practical, clean energy production.
Startups, superheroes, and the economy at a crossroads: Voices from Seattle's tech community
After holding the GeekWire Awards virtually for the past two years, there was a feeling of real catharsis Thursday evening as hundreds of people streamed through the doors of the Showbox Sodo in Seattle for our annual celebration of the Pacific Northwest's top tech startups, leaders, and innovations. For the finalists in the 2022 GeekWire Awards, recognition at the superhero-themed show came with the added bonus of knowing that their companies made it through a period of unprecedented challenge and change. But the week also brought a new sense of uncertainty about what's to come. [Related Post: 2022 GeekWire Awards…
GeekWire updates Seattle list as Highspot raises $248M at $3.5B; SeekOut and Icertis added to 16 local unicorns
GeekWire updated its list of Seattle-area 'unicorn' startups (privately held companies valued at $1B+) after additions and a valuation change for Icertis, noting recent entrants like SeekOut and Highspot, which raised $248 million at a $3.5 billion valuation. The article highlights that the Seattle cohort includes 16 unicorns, none led by a female or Black CEO, and that many CEOs have Microsoft backgrounds amid a global surge in unicorns and venture funding.
Helion Raises $500M — Potential $1.7B More — to Build Polaris Fusion Generator, Aiming for 2024 Demonstration in Everett, Wash.
Helion Energy raised $500 million (with up to $1.7 billion more contingent on milestones) to build its Polaris fusion generator and finish a demonstration facility in Everett, Wash., aiming to operate in 2024 and move toward commercializing fusion power.
Organizations
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YPO Member 2023–present · current
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Helion Energy Founder and CEO 2010–present, Co-founder and CEO · current
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MSNW Principle Investigator and Fusion Lead 2011–2017, Propulsion Lead 2008–2017 · past
Education
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Y Combinator 2014
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University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School PhD, Aerospace Engineering · 2003–2008
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University of Michigan Master's degree, Nuclear Engineering · 2003–2005
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University of Michigan Master's degree, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering · 2003–2005
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University of Michigan BS, Aerospace Engineering · 1999–2001
