Matthew Chasen
About Matthew Chasen
Matthew Chasen is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of LIFT Aircraft, where he has worked since 2017. He has a diverse background in engineering and entrepreneurship, having also founded uShip and Hitch, and has held various roles in the aerospace and transportation sectors.
Work at uShip
Matthew Chasen is the Founder and Board Director of uShip, a company he established in 2003. He served as the CEO until 2016, leading the organization for 13 years. Under his leadership, uShip developed a platform that connects shippers with transporters, enhancing logistics and freight solutions. His ongoing role as Board Director allows him to guide the strategic direction of the company, which is based in Austin, Texas.
Current Role at LIFT Aircraft
Since 2017, Matthew Chasen has held the position of Founder, Chairman, and CEO at LIFT Aircraft in Austin, Texas. The company focuses on developing personal flying vehicles, contributing to advancements in urban air mobility. His engineering background supports the integration of technology in transportation, aiming to improve efficiency and user experience in the aviation sector.
Education and Expertise
Matthew Chasen studied at The University of Texas at Austin, where he completed the Engineering Honors Program and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from 1994 to 1998. He furthered his education at the Texas McCombs School of Business, obtaining an MBA with a focus on Private Equity Finance and Entrepreneurship from 2002 to 2004. His academic background in engineering and business equips him with a unique skill set for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Background in Aerospace and Venture Capital
Matthew Chasen has a diverse professional background that includes experience at NASA - Langley Research Center as part of the LARSS Research Program in 1996. He also worked at The Boeing Company from 1998 to 2002 as a Business Development Engineering Analyst and Senior Systems Engineer. Additionally, he interned at Hunt Ventures as a Venture Capital Intern from 2003 to 2004. This combination of aerospace and venture capital experience informs his current ventures.
Involvement with Hitch
In 2018, Matthew Chasen co-founded Hitch, a modern platform designed for intercity ridesharing. The initiative aims to optimize the use of empty car seats for city-to-city travel, enhancing transportation efficiency. His role as Co-founder, Investor, and Chairman allows him to leverage his expertise in technology and entrepreneurship to drive the company’s mission.