To the right audience, the name “Astromech” evokes the iconic Star Wars droids—like R2-D2—that provided navigation and technical support to the heroes of the franchise. While the company has not publicly connected its branding to the films, the reference underscores the blend of futuristic vision and advanced engineering that Lamm and Church aim to capture with their new AI venture.
Astromech’s Launch
According to financial filings, Ben Lamm has raised $30 million for Astromech, his latest technology venture co-founded with scientific collaborator George Church. The funding places the startup among well-capitalized AI entrants, with resources to advance technology development and operations.
Operating in stealth mode, Astromech has disclosed little about its specific focus or market applications. SEC documentation confirms the financing but provides minimal detail about its technical objectives. The company is incorporated in Delaware, following standard practice for venture-backed technology firms.
Dual Commitments
Lamm continues to serve as CEO of Colossal Biosciences while developing Astromech, underscoring his commitment to both biotechnology and artificial intelligence. His experience managing large-scale, science-driven projects at Colossal provides relevant expertise for his new AI-focused venture.
The collaboration with Church—an acclaimed Harvard geneticist and pioneer in genomics and synthetic biology—builds on their partnership at Colossal, where the duo is known for ambitious projects in de-extinction and genetic restoration.
Investment Climate
The timing of the raise reflects the surge of investor interest in artificial intelligence across multiple industries. Lamm’s track record and Church’s scientific credentials likely helped secure backing, with Astromech positioned to carve out a role in a crowded and highly competitive market.
Whether the name is a playful nod to Star Wars or simply a coincidence, Astromech is entering the AI space with serious capital and a proven founding team. For now, the company remains in stealth—leaving industry observers to watch closely for when Lamm and Church reveal their next move.