Stephane Lintner (HelicitySpace)
Overview
Stephane Lintner is a prominent figure in the field of space technology and financial services. He is best known as the co-founder of Helicity Space, a pioneering startup focused on developing fusion propulsion engines for space exploration, and JIKO, a modern custodial bank built on US Treasury Bills. Born in France, Lintner has an illustrious academic background with a PhD in Applied and Computational Mathematics from Caltech, and a Master’s degree in Machine Learning and Computer Science from the Ecole Normale Superieure. His career trajectory includes a significant tenure as a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, where he was involved in leveraging technology to modernize the bank's operations.
Recent Developments
Stephane Lintner's work with Helicity Space has seen significant developments in recent years, particularly in securing investments and advancing fusion propulsion technology.
- April 2024: Helicity Space announced that it received investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures, an endorsement that enhances its credibility and provides crucial funding for ongoing research and development. The investment indicates strategic support from a major player in aerospace and defense (SpaceNews).
- December 2023: Helicity Space secured a $5 million seed funding round from a consortium of investors including Airbus Ventures, Voyager Space Holdings, and others. This round aims to push the development of fusion propulsion technologies. Helicity focuses on creating engines that use short bursts of fusion, promising significant propellant efficiency and power for deep space missions (TechCrunch).
- 2023-2024: Throughout this period, Lintner emphasized the potential of fusion propulsion for deep space exploration, advocating for its advantages over traditional propellant methods. He highlighted the company's collaboration with strategic advisors and experts from NASA and other institutions to advance its pioneering technology (Business Wire).
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephane Lintner |
| Born | France |
| Nationality | French |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Scientist |
| Known For | Co-founding Helicity Space and JIKO |
| Education | PhD in Applied and Computational Mathematics, Caltech |
| Languages Spoken | French, English, German, Spanish |
Early Life and Education
Stephane Lintner was born and raised in France. His academic prowess led him to the prestigious Ecole Normale Superieure, where he pursued a Master’s degree in Machine Learning and Computer Science. His quest for knowledge brought him to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the United States, where he earned his PhD in Applied and Computational Mathematics. His formative years were marked by a strong interest in computational sciences and mathematics, which played a critical role in shaping his perspective on technology and its applications.
Career and Notable Achievements
Stephane Lintner embarked on a career marked by a blend of financial acumen and technological innovation. His major career milestones include:
- Goldman Sachs: As a Managing Director, Lintner capitalized on technological advancements to drive modernization within the bank's Securities Division. His role emphasized the integration of state-of-the-art computational methods to streamline operations (LinkedIn).
- Helicity Space: Founded in 2018 with co-founders Setthivoine You and Marta Calvo, Helicity Space focuses on revolutionary fusion propulsion technology aimed at enhancing space travel efficiency and feasibility.
- JIKO: As the CEO and co-founder, Lintner has been instrumental in creating a banking platform leveraging US Treasury Bills to redefine custodial banking operations.
Current Work and Impact
As of 2025, Stephane Lintner continues to be a driving force in Helicity Space, pursuing ambitious goals in the realm of space travel technology. His efforts with fusion propulsion are set to redefine space missions, lowering dependence on conventional propellants and enabling more efficient space exploration. The technology holds promise not only for space travel but also for potential energy applications on Earth, showcasing Lintner's commitment to innovation with widespread implications.