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Joe Laurienti

Founder at Ursa Major

Joe Laurienti is the founder and former CEO of Ursa Major Technologies, an aerospace company specializing in rocket propulsion systems. He founded the company in 2015 after working as a propulsion engineer at SpaceX and Blue Origin.14

Laurienti, now 33 years old, graduated with a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California.2 During his time at USC, he supported research in fluid dynamics and participated in a group that designed, built, and flew hobby rockets.2

At Ursa Major, Laurienti focused on developing advanced propulsion systems using 3D printing technology, which allows for faster iteration and more cost-effective production.1 Under his leadership, the company grew to over 250 employees and raised more than $276 million in venture capital funding.13

Ursa Major's achievements include:

  • Testing their Hadley engine (America's first oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine) for over 20,000 seconds2
  • Building two world-class test facilities2
  • Initiating three engine programs2
  • Scheduling the first missions powered by their Hadley rocket engines for summer 20231

Laurienti's approach to entrepreneurship emphasizes the importance of developing "thick skin" to handle rejection and criticism, as well as being flexible and ready to adapt plans quickly.1

As of February 2025, it appears that Laurienti is no longer the CEO of Ursa Major, as Dan Jablonsky was hired as CEO at some point after July 2021.4

Highlights

Sep 30 · builtin.com
Ursa Major Careers, Perks + Culture - Built In
Sep 30 · theorg.com
Joe Laurienti - Founder & CEO at Ursa Major - The Org
Aug 2 · govconwire.com
Dan Jablonsky to Succeed Joe Laurienti as Ursa Major CEO
Jun 19 · coloradobiz.com
Entrepreneur of 2023: Joe Laurienti - ColoradoBiz
Entrepreneur of 2023: Joe Laurienti - ColoradoBiz
URSA MAJOR LTD overview - Find and update company information
Jul 27 · ursamajor.com
About Us - Ursa Major
Jul 27 · ursamajor.com
Ursa Major: Home

Related Questions

What inspired Joe Laurienti to start Ursa Major?
How did Joe Laurienti's background in aerospace engineering influence his approach to founding Ursa Major?
What are the key innovations in Ursa Major's Hadley rocket engines?
How has Ursa Major's approach to additive manufacturing impacted the aerospace industry?
What challenges did Joe Laurienti face when starting Ursa Major, and how did he overcome them?
Joe Laurienti
Joe Laurienti, photo 1
Joe Laurienti, photo 2
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Location

Denver Metropolitan Area