After scaling Twilio into a global telecommunications giant with over $4 billion in revenue and a customer base of 300,000, Jeff Lawson is tackling a significantly more complex challenge: bringing nuclear fusion to the electrical grid. As the co-founder and CEO of Inertia, Lawson will examine this dramatic industry shift during a fireside chat at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.
Titled “How Twilio’s Founder Is Tackling the Power Problem,” the session will take place on the Smart Systems Stage. The discussion aims to dissect how the methodologies that drive success in software development translate—or fail to translate—when applied to deep-tech ventures reliant on lasers, heavy manufacturing, and monumental engineering hurdles.
Lawson’s entry into the energy sector is backed by substantial capital. In February, Inertia closed a $450 million Series A round led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with additional investment from GV and other financial backers. This funding is designated for the development of high-power laser systems and the mass production of fusion fuel targets, which are critical components in the company’s strategy to move fusion from laboratory experiments to utility-scale energy generation.
Physical infrastructure for the venture is already taking shape. Earlier this July, Inertia inaugurated a 50,000-square-foot headquarters in Livermore, California. The facility is equipped to handle both the advancement of laser technologies and the establishment of fuel-target manufacturing processes. To support these efforts, Lawson has recruited executive talent from major technology and industrial firms, including Apple, Corning, and Waymo, to strengthen the company’s supply chain and production capabilities.
Lawson brings a diverse track record to the table, having not only co-founded Twilio but also held early product leadership roles at Amazon Web Services and served as the founding CTO of StubHub. At TechCrunch Disrupt, he plans to address the nuances of hiring for specialized expertise, setting realistic milestones, and securing funding in an environment where technical progress and commercial viability are deeply intertwined.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is scheduled for October 13–15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. The event will host more than 10,000 founders, investors, and technology decision-makers. Early registration offers savings of up to $200 for individual tickets and up to 30% for groups of four or more, with price increases taking effect on September 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Livermore location makes sense given the national labs nearby. Smart move for talent and collaboration.
I hope he talks about why software methods don’t work here. Physical constraints are unforgiving compared to code.
Manufacturing fuel targets at scale is the real bottleneck. Laser power is easy; volume production? That’s the hard part.
Finally someone says it—fusion never dies, just sleeps. Can’t wait for Lawson’s take at Disrupt.
Twilio to fusion is quite the pivot. $450M is a lot of faith in lasers making power.