The astronomer's ascent to fame has truly transcended earthly bounds. At least, that's how it strikes Pete DeJoy, the startup's newly appointed interim CEO, who assumed the helm after a viral video from a Coldplay concert prompted the exit of his predecessor, Andy Byron. In a July 21 LinkedIn announcement of his new role, Pete penned, "The events of the past few days have garnered a media frenzy unparalleled by few, especially startups in our niche corner of the data and AI universe. The limelight has been both bizarre and surreal for our team, and though I would never have wished for such circumstances, Astronomer has now etched its name into the popular consciousness."
He further noted that Astronomer has never shied away from challenges since its inception nearly a decade ago. "We stand tall because Astronomer is crafted by individuals who thrive on tackling formidable problems, staying late to mend what's broken, and holding a profound passion for doing things right," Pete added. "Our presence is grounded in the trust our customers place in us for their most ambitious data and AI endeavors. And above all, we endure because our mission transcends fleeting moments."
Pete also conveyed a heartfelt message to the company's employees and broader supporters. "To our team, thank you for your unwavering resilience and dedication to forging something extraordinary," Pete concluded. "And to our community and customers, thank you for entrusting us with your faith. We are committed to honoring that trust."
Pete's message followed hot on the heels of Astronomer's announcement of Andy's resignation, amid online whispers that he and another believed-to-be employee were the stars of the viral Coldplay concert moment, captured on July 15. In the fan-cam footage, a couple embraced before ducking out of sight upon realizing they had become the focus of the jumbotron.
Meanwhile, Grace Springer, the fan who captured the viral video, recently shared her perspective on the experience's aftermath. "I was hoping to catch a glimpse of myself on the big screen, and I'm always eager to capture special moments, hence my phone was out," she told hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary on the July 21 episode of This Morning. "At the time of filming, I didn't think much of it, but of course, everyone around was buzzing."
While expressing empathy for those affected by any consequences stemming from the video, she noted, "With over 50,000 people there, I wasn't the only one who caught it on camera. So, even if I hadn't uploaded it, someone else surely would have." Grace also clarified that her viral fame hadn't translated into monetary gains. "I haven't made any money from the video or its views," she explained. "It's not monetized."
