General Matter
Overview
General Matter, established in 2024, is an enriched uranium startup focused on advancing the nuclear power sector. Based in Los Angeles, California, the company was founded by Scott Nolan, a former engineer at SpaceX, and Lee Robinson, who led investments for the Defense Innovation Unit. Initially, it raised $50 million in a funding round led by Founders Fund, with Peter Thiel joining the board. General Matter aims to produce high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), a critical component for advanced nuclear reactors.
Recent Developments
- April 14, 2025: General Matter announced it had raised $50 million in new funding to develop a uranium enrichment facility. Peter Thiel, a partner at Founders Fund, joined the board of directors, signaling strong confidence in the company’s mission. The funds are earmarked for the production of HALEU, which is essential for modern nuclear reactors.
- 2025: General Matter received contracts from the U.S. Department of Energy to enhance domestic production capabilities of enriched uranium, as reliance on foreign sources like Russia and China proves limiting. The plans include selecting a site for the new enrichment facility, with potential locations in Wyoming, Texas, Washington, and Utah, with construction projected for 2026.
- 2025 Internship Program: The company has expanded its operations and is actively recruiting engineering interns for summer 2025, reflecting its growth and investment in future workforce development.
- Strategic Shift: Scott Nolan has shifted his full professional focus to General Matter, stepping back from day-to-day roles at Founders Fund to dedicate himself entirely to scaling the company. The strategic focus is to produce enough enriched uranium to meet up to two-thirds of U.S. domestic consumption.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2024 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California |
| Founders | Scott Nolan, Lee Robinson |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Founders Fund, led by Scott Nolan |
| Industry | Nuclear Energy |
| Number of Employees | Approx. 24 (as of latest reports) |
Early History
General Matter originated from Scott Nolan’s vision to address the growing need for enriched uranium in the U.S., particularly HALEU, which is vital for the next generation of nuclear reactors. The venture began after Nolan's tenure at SpaceX and his decade-long career at Founders Fund. He teamed with Lee Robinson to form General Matter in Los Angeles, drawing on a pool of engineers and scientists from national labs and the private sector. Early on, the company secured support from Founders Fund, which positioned it distinctively within the emerging nuclear sector.
Company Profile and Achievements
General Matter’s business model prioritizes the production of HALEU, intended to fuel advanced nuclear reactors pivotal for meeting future energy demands.
- Core Production: By enriching uranium to 19.75%, General Matter ensures compliance with international non-proliferation standards, as this keeps the uranium just below weapons-grade.
- Strategic Partnerships and Investments: The significant backing from Founders Fund and Peter Thiel’s involvement highlight the strategic importance and confidence investors have in the company’s potential.
- Facility Development: Plans underway to construct a major enrichment facility signify the company's forward-looking approach to scaling operations nationwide.
- Workforce Development: Through initiatives like engineering internships, General Matter is investing in skills development, leveraging fresh talents to sustain its technological and operational growth.
Current Operations and Market Position
General Matter operates at the intersection of nuclear energy and technological advancement, securing pivotal contracts with the U.S. Department of Energy to address the U.S.'s limited HALEU production. The company competes strategically with legacy entities like Centrus Energy Corp by focusing on technological efficiency and aligning with national energy strategies to ensure robust supply chains. The relocation and expansion plans to Wyoming, Texas, Washington, or Utah will mark a significant industrial footprint necessary to meet projected economic and energy demands.
Conclusion
General Matter is positioned as a transformative player in the nuclear energy sector, with a clear mission to enhance domestic uranium enrichment capacity. Under strategic leadership, including that of industry luminaries like Peter Thiel and Scott Nolan, it combines engineering expertise and strategic investment backing to pioneer a new era of clean energy. As it progresses towards building its new facility and enriches uranium to meet advanced nuclear reactor needs, General Matter is set to play a crucial role in meeting the U.S.'s future energy requirements and enhancing its energy security.