An expert has warned that the tech firm where the infamous Coldplay couple work could face an exodus of customers over their viral moment.
AI-tech start up Astronomer has been thrust into the limelight this week after a moment of intimacy between CEO Andy Byron and his Head of People Kristin Cabot was caught on camera at the band’s Boston concert on Tuesday night.
The company has launched a HR investigation into the incident which has launched the pair into viral fame, but their troubles might not end there.
Peter Davenport, senior strategic consult with marketing firm Definition, told The Wall Street Journal that it could kill the potential for new clients at the company.
He said: ‘While the visibility puts a spotlight on who Astronomer is, this is not usually the kind of publicity that brings in new customers.
‘In fact, it threatens to erode trust and authority built over years, especially in industries where reputation and reliability matter most.’
The pair tried to hide when the kiss-cam panned to them at Boston’s Gillette Stadium, as front man Chris Martin joked: ‘They’re either having an affair, or are very shy.’ Neither Byron or Cabot have commented on the clip.
Public records indicate that while both were married in the past, they now live separately from their spouses.
The pair tried to hide when the kiss-cam panned to them at Boston’s Gillette Stadium on Tuesday
Peter Davenport, senior strategic consult with marketing firm Definition said it could kill the potential for new clients at the company
The company said on Friday: ‘Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.
‘The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.’
It is unclear at this time how much the firm knew about their closeness, they have not clarified if the pair are still in their positions, or if they’ll be placed on leave.
In the viral moment, the two were seen enjoying the show when the camera operator working the jumbotron panned to them.
Byron had his arms wrapped around Cabot and the pair swayed in unison as the music rang out.
The intimate moment descended into chaos as panic set in, Byron seemingly fell to his knees while Cabot put her head in her hands as the crowd laughed.
Byron’s firm is valued at over $1 billion, with the company experiencing rapid growth since he became CEO in 2023.
That year, Astronomer reported a 292% growth in revenue for its ‘Astro’ platform.
The couple were seen covering their faces, with Byron, the head of the AI startup Astronomer, diving out of view and Cabot turning away from the camera
Andy Byron (left) and Kirstin Cabot (right) are seen in their company headshots
Just a week before his viral fame, Byron appeared on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) TV to celebrate the company after it raised $93 million in its Series D round of financing.
A beaming Byron described the investment as ‘a huge opportunity’ and ‘very exciting’ for the firm.
When Cabot joined the firm as HR boss in November 2024, Byron heaped praise on her, saying she would be a ‘perfect fit’ at his company.
‘Kristin’s exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and scaling people strategies will be critical as we continue our rapid trajectory,’ he said in a press release at the time.
‘She is a proven leader at multiple growth-stage companies and her passion for fostering diverse, collaborative workplaces makes her a perfect fit for Astronomer.’
The fan who captured the moment has since been identified as New Jersey native Grace Springer, she told the US Sun she had no idea who the pair were.
She said the moment became the talk of the show due to their ‘interesting reaction’, and admitted that ‘a part of me feels bad for turning these people’s lives upside down.’
But she added in a cheeky swipe: ‘Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.’
Springer said there was ‘a lot of talk’ about the kiss cam at the show, but ‘no one knew who they were’.
