Launching into Hard Tech with Seyka Mejeur
In this episode, we sit down with Seyka Mejeur, co-founder of Ad Astra, to explore the high-stakes world of hard tech recruiting. From her early days discovering the aerospace industry to building the teams behind breakthrough space and clean energy startups, Seyka shares invaluable advice on finding mentors, assessing startup viability, and why making mistakes is a vital part of early career growth.
Hello! Welcome back to Debugged, the Congressional App Challenge’s alumni-led podcast that connects the country’s youth with technology by debugging the intricate world of computer science.
In this episode, host Teddy Lampert talks with Seyka Mejeur, the co-founder of Ad Astra (also known as AstroTalen), a premier recruiting firm specializing in executive and technical placements for the most ambitious hard tech startups. Unlike standard software firms, Seyka’s team works exclusively with companies building physical hardware in sectors like space, clean tech, defense, and biotech.
Seyka’s journey into the world of aerospace began unexpectedly while working in talent acquisition for manufacturing sites in Los Angeles. After being introduced to the work of SpaceX and Tesla by her husband, she became captivated by the frontier technology and the brilliant engineers driving the industry forward. Today, she finds her greatest pride in building the co-founding teams that turn revolutionary breakthroughs into reality.
During the conversation, Seyka shares expert advice for students looking to move beyond apps and into hardware: embrace the muscle memory of mistakes, find mentors intentionally, and assess long-term success.
Seyka also provides a look at the challenges of balancing a high-growth career with family life. As a mother of two and a licensed private pilot, she emphasizes that while the early years of a career require intense effort, that dedication creates a launchpad for future success and personal fulfillment.
Listen to this week’s episode to hear more about Seyka’s journey and her advice for the next generation of hard tech founders and engineers. Stay tuned for our next episode in 2 weeks!