Biography of Halen Mattison: CEO and Co-Founder of General Galactic -Entrepreneur
Halen Mattison and General Galactic
Halen Mattison is the CEO and Co-Founder of General
Galactic, a cutting-edge startup focused on addressing the world's climate
crisis. General Galactic is dedicated to transforming carbon dioxide (CO₂) into
clean fuels and chemicals to fight climate change. The company's unique
approach involves leveraging advanced technology to capture CO₂ emissions from
industrial processes, air, or waste and converting it into renewable fuels.
Halen’s journey as a leader in this field stems from his vast experience in aerospace
engineering and a strong educational foundation, with a passion for making a
global impact.
The Genesis System – A Revolutionary Solution
General Galactic's core innovation is the Genesis system, a
breakthrough technology inspired by aerospace principles. This proprietary
system captures CO₂ and combines it with renewable electricity and water to
produce high-purity, renewable hydrocarbon fuels. The Genesis system provides a
solution to reduce CO₂ emissions while offering a carbon-neutral alternative to
traditional fossil fuels. With applications across various industries,
including maritime transportation, agriculture, and industrial processes,
General Galactic aims to make clean energy more accessible and sustainable for
the planet.
Halen Mattison's Academic Background
Halen Mattison's academic journey plays a significant role
in his leadership at General Galactic. He completed his Master's degree in
Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, where he achieved a perfect 4.0
GPA. This rigorous education provided him with the skills to develop innovative
solutions for complex engineering challenges. Halen's background in mechanical
engineering, along with his expertise in aerospace technology, directly
contributed to the creation of the Genesis system. Prior to Stanford, he earned
his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State
University, where he was named the class valedictorian.
The Birth of General Galactic
General Galactic was co-founded by Halen Mattison and his
business partner Luke Neise after they met at Stanford University. The two
shared a vision for tackling the global energy crisis and decided to combine
their expertise in aerospace engineering and mechanical design. Their goal was
to develop a solution that could help reduce CO₂ emissions while providing an
alternative to fossil fuels. General Galactic was born out of this vision, and
today, it stands at the forefront of clean energy innovation, offering
scalable, renewable solutions to decarbonize industries.
From Space to Clean Energy
Before founding General Galactic, Halen Mattison had a
stellar career in the aerospace industry. He worked at SpaceX, where he
contributed to various projects, including the development of Starship hardware
and life support systems for NASA’s Artemis program. His time at SpaceX, where
he held roles such as Crew Starship Engineer and Human Spaceflight Integration
Engineer, exposed him to groundbreaking technology that would later inspire
General Galactic's innovations. This experience in space exploration significantly
influenced his approach to clean energy and sustainability.
Focus on Carbon-Free Fuels
At General Galactic, the focus is on converting CO₂
emissions into carbon-neutral fuels. The company’s first product is fossil-free
natural gas, which is a 100% carbon-neutral alternative to traditional natural
gas. The unique aspect of this product is that it can seamlessly integrate with
existing infrastructure, making it easier for industries to transition to
cleaner energy without costly upgrades. General Galactic's solution offers a
practical path toward decarbonization, benefiting industries that rely on
energy-dense fuels.
The Vision to Decarbonize Industries
One of the main goals of General Galactic is to provide
affordable, clean, and sustainable energy to industries that are traditionally
heavy carbon emitters. By targeting sectors such as maritime transportation,
agriculture, and industrial processes, the company aims to drastically reduce
their carbon footprints. General Galactic’s modular and scalable approach makes
it easier to deploy its solutions across different industries, ensuring that
clean energy is accessible to a broader range of businesses, large and small.
Biography of Halen Mattison: CEO and Co-Founder of General Galactic -Entrepreneur#startup#carbon-neutral fuels#age#net worth#investor#Halen Mattison
The Journey to Seed Funding
In November 2024, General Galactic successfully closed an $8
million seed funding round, bringing its total funding to $10 million. The
round was led by Harpoon Ventures and Refactor Capital, reflecting the strong
investor confidence in the company's innovative technology and its potential to
revolutionize the clean energy landscape. This funding will help General
Galactic expand its operations and accelerate the deployment of its Genesis
system to tackle CO₂ emissions on a larger scale.
The Future of Clean Energy and Space Exploration
While General Galactic’s immediate focus is on providing
clean energy solutions on Earth, the company’s long-term vision extends beyond
our planet. The Genesis system is also designed to support space exploration,
with the goal of eventually fueling spacecraft and enabling human settlements
on Mars. Halen Mattison and Luke Neise's experience in the aerospace industry
has equipped them with the knowledge to think big, and they are determined to
position General Galactic as a key player in both the clean energy and space
exploration industries.
Clean Energy for a Sustainable Future
General Galactic is dedicated to solving one of the planet's
most pressing challenges – reducing carbon emissions. By converting CO₂ into
usable, carbon-neutral fuel, the company offers a powerful solution to the
global climate crisis. As industries around the world seek to reduce their
environmental impact, General Galactic’s clean fuel technology provides a
viable, scalable alternative that doesn’t require complete overhauls of
existing infrastructure. The company’s focus on sustainability and innovation positions
it as a leader in the transition to a greener future.
Halen Mattison's Recognition and Future Goals
Halen Mattison’s leadership and contributions to the field
of clean energy have not gone unnoticed. In 2025, he was named to the Forbes 30
Under 30 list in the Manufacturing & Industry category, a recognition of
his entrepreneurial spirit and the impact of his work at General Galactic.
Looking ahead, Halen is focused on continuing to scale the company’s operations
and bring its innovative clean energy solutions to a wider audience. His vision
is clear: to create a sustainable world powered by clean, renewable energy
sources.
The Impact of General Galactic’s Work
The work that General Galactic is doing has the potential to
transform not only the clean energy sector but also the way industries think
about sustainability. By providing a solution that can decarbonize major
sectors without requiring significant changes to infrastructure, the company is
paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. Halen Mattison
and Luke Neise’s dedication to innovation and sustainability reflects a growing
trend in the business world, where environmental responsibility is becoming a
driving force behind progress and success.
Timeline for story
2012: Halen graduates with a Bachelor's in Mechanical
Engineering from North Carolina State University, named valedictorian.
2014: Completes a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
from Stanford University, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA.
2014-2019: Works at SpaceX, contributing to Starship
hardware and NASA’s Artemis program.
2020: Co-founds General Galactic with Luke Neise, focusing
on carbon-neutral fuels.
2024: General Galactic closes an $8 million seed funding
round, raising its total funding to $10 million.
2025: Halen is named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in the
Manufacturing & Industry category.
Ongoing: General Galactic develops scalable solutions for
clean energy, targeting various industries.