Former OpenAI executive joins board of rocket startup

Kevin Weil, a former OpenAI executive, has joined the board of Stoke Space, a Seattle startup developing a reusable rocket. Stoke CEO Andy Lapsa said Weil became an early investor through his fund Scribble Ventures and later provided guidance on fundraising. The company raised $1.34 billion, including a $510 million Series D round in 2025.

Weil's career Weil most recently led OpenAI's scientific research program until April. He served as the company's chief product officer from June 2024 to October 2025. He previously held roles at Twitter, Meta and Planet Labs.

Stoke's development plans Stoke is building the Nova rocket, intended for full and rapid reuse. The company aims to complete a flight this year. Lapsa said the firm has addressed a portion of technical risks but still has work ahead. Lapsa declined to comment on reports about possible OpenAI investment in the company.

He said Weil's board role centers on Stoke's own operations. Military contracts and potential space data centers are cited as future growth areas. Weil previously served three years as president of Planet Labs before its 2021 public listing.