#United States #Orlando #Andromeda Ventures #SpaceCom 2026 #Dr. Christyl Johnson

Andromeda Ventures Launching at SpaceCom 2026

On January 20, 2026, Andromeda Ventures announced a significant move in the venture capital landscape by launching its platform dedicated to mission-critical, dual-use technologies. This innovative firm is poised to make its official debut at SpaceCom | Space Congress 2026, taking place in Orlando, where it will feature a keynote fireside chat led by Co-Founder and General Partner Dr. Christyl C. Johnson, alongside Operating Partners Clayton Turner and Daniel Fata. This event will not only mark Andromeda's entry into the competitive field of venture capital but also shed light on how government-validated technology needs can transform into scalable commercial opportunities.

Andromeda Ventures aims to invest across various sectors, including space, defense, energy, health, and AI-enabled autonomy. What sets this firm apart from traditional venture funds is its commitment to investing in technologies that align with validated government technology roadmaps, ensuring that the technologies they back possess the capability to perform reliably, even in extreme conditions. This approach is geared toward addressing clear capability gaps that often hinder progress across different industry sectors.

Dr. Johnson, a former Associate Administrator and Deputy Associate Administrator at NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, emphasizes the importance of transitioning validated mission requirements into tangible commercial solutions. In her words, "Many technologies required to operate in extreme environments also strengthen resilience here on Earth." This dual focus creates a unique opportunity for founders looking to accelerate their business solutions while also contributing to broader societal resilience.

Christian Elam, also Co-Founder and General Partner, echoes this sentiment, stating, "We're building an institution, not just a fund. We bridge government requirements, frontier technology, and global capital so companies can scale into both public and commercial markets." Elam brings a wealth of experience from his past as the founder of Bachmanity Capital and an early investor in defense technology. His advocacy for technology and public interest is highlighted by his involvement in co-authoring the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act and being appointed a United Nations Peace Ambassador in 2024.

The strategies employed by Andromeda Ventures go beyond mere financial investment; they provide portfolio companies with validation pathways, regulatory insight, and opportunities for strategic partnerships, all while leveraging an extensive global network for international market entry. The firm anticipates investing in around 30 to 35 companies, with a geographical focus that is approximately 70% U.S. and 30% international.

About Andromeda Ventures

Andromeda Ventures aims to invest in areas where significant advancements are being made, particularly focusing on the intersection of space exploration, defense modernization, and creating resilient infrastructure. By leveraging government-validated technology roadmaps and building deep strategic partnerships, Andromeda Ventures is positioned to support mission-critical technologies that have an immediate impact on Earth while simultaneously enabling humanity's future in space.

For more information, visit Andromeda Ventures or contact [email protected]

About SpaceCom | Space Congress

As the flagship event of Commercial Space Week, SpaceCom | Space Congress serves as a crucial platform for collaboration within the commercial sector, government agencies, and academia. Attendees come together to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and explore technologies and strategies that will advance our future possibilities in space exploration. For more details, visit SpaceCom Expo.