Inertia co-founder Jeff Lawson’s next big bet is fusion: Go inside it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

The cost of developing fusion energy technology drops significantly if Inertia can successfully scale manufacturing.

Jeff Lawson, co-founder of Twilio, is now focusing on fusion energy as the co-founder and CEO of Inertia. The company recently secured $450 million in Series A funding, led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with participation from GV and other investors. This funding will support the development of laser systems and the mass manufacture of fusion fuel targets, crucial steps for Inertia's goal of bringing fusion power to the grid. Inertia has established a 50,000-square-foot headquarters in Livermore, California, dedicated to advancing its fuel-target manufacturing processes and laser technologies. The company has also recruited experienced leaders from firms like Apple, Corning, and Waymo to bolster its manufacturing and supply-chain capabilities. Lawson will discuss this transition from software to deep tech at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.

Lawson's shift to Inertia, a capital-intensive deep tech venture, signifies a growing trend of experienced software entrepreneurs venturing into complex hardware and scientific domains. This move is supported by a substantial $450 million Series A raise, indicating strong investor confidence in the potential of fusion energy and Lawson's leadership. The company's recruitment of talent from established tech and manufacturing giants suggests a strategic approach to overcoming significant engineering and supply chain hurdles.

The success of Inertia could redefine the fusion energy landscape, potentially accelerating the timeline for grid-scale power. It also presents a case study for how software-honed methodologies in product development, team building, and fundraising can be adapted to the unique challenges of hardware and scientific innovation. Investors and founders alike will be watching how Inertia navigates the intersection of ambitious scientific goals and the practical demands of scaling a capital-intensive business.