Availability dot

Available to book

CEO of X & moonshot innovation leader

Astro Teller

Transform innovation culture with Astro Teller, speaker and CEO of X (Alphabet's moonshot factory). Astro helps organizations develop breakthrough technologies and foster moonshot thinking, recognized among Wired's Top 25 Most Influential Innovators and recipient of the Edison Achievement Award.

Trusted by X (Alphabet's moonshot factory)

Astro Teller
Astro Teller

Astro Teller

Los Angeles, United States

Typical fee range

$100k and over

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get Astro's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Astro

Los Angeles, United States

Starting from

$100k and over

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Astro Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Astro Teller's biography

At a glance

  • Captain of Moonshots at X, Alphabet's innovation lab
  • Co-founder of BodyMedia and Cerebellum Capital
  • Renowned speaker on technology and innovation topics

Dr. Astro Teller is the co-founder and CEO of X, Alphabet’s moonshot factory, where he leads the development of breakthrough technologies aimed at solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. Known for his visionary approach, Astro has overseen the creation of innovations that have transformed into independent companies and integral parts of Google. His work is central to the successful launch of several moonshots, and he continues to shape the future of technology through his leadership at X.


Astro’s entrepreneurial journey spans multiple industries. Prior to his time at X, he co-created several companies, including BodyMedia, a wearable body monitoring company, and Cerebellum Capital, a hedge fund firm leveraging machine learning for investment decisions. He also founded Zivio Technologies and Sandbox Advanced Development, both focused on cutting-edge technology and business innovation.


In addition to his executive roles, Astro is a prolific writer and speaker. His early academic career included teaching at Stanford University and conducting engineering research at leading technology organisations. His first novel, Exegesis, was published by Random House in 1997, followed by Among These Savage Thoughts and several thought-provoking op-eds and journal articles.


Astro’s expertise has earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Innovators by Wired and receiving the prestigious Edison Achievement Award. He continues to contribute to global conversations on innovation, creativity, and intelligent technologies, sharing his insights at conferences, universities, and in media outlets worldwide.

Astro's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Building a Moonshot Factory

Astro Teller explores the practicalities behind transforming ambitious ideas into reality at X. He addresses the challenges faced by visionary projects as they move from concept to execution and how they are accelerated through iterative learning. Drawing on his vast experience, Astro offers a unique perspective on the principles and processes that enable moonshots to thrive in the unpredictable real world.

The Future of AI

In this session, Astro Teller delves into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its transformative potential. He examines the promises and challenges of AI technologies, offering a forward-thinking approach to understanding their societal and economic impact. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how AI is reshaping industries and how organisations can harness its power responsibly.

Getting Started on a Big Idea

Astro shares practical advice on how to embark on the journey of launching a bold, transformative idea. Drawing from his entrepreneurial ventures, he discusses the importance of identifying problems worth solving and how to cultivate the right mindset and environment for innovation. His insights are especially valuable for those looking to scale ambitious projects in a complex, fast-paced world.

Entrepreneurship Thought Leadership

Astro offers an in-depth look at the mindset needed for successful entrepreneurship in the innovation space. He reveals how embracing failure and identifying critical flaws early on can set the stage for world-changing breakthroughs. With a focus on fostering a culture of risk-taking and learning, this session provides a roadmap for turning visionary ideas into impactful ventures.

How to Drive Innovation Inside Organisations

Astro explores the keys to fostering a culture of innovation within organisations. He draws from his experience leading X and other ventures to share actionable strategies for cultivating creative thinking, risk-taking, and collaboration. Participants will gain practical tools for driving continuous innovation while navigating the inherent challenges of larger organisations.

Why we recommend booking Astro

Book Dr. Astro Teller to inspire your team with insights on innovation, failure, and transformative technology. His experience at X will empower your organisation to embrace bold ideas and tackle complex challenges, driving meaningful change and growth.

Check Astro's availability

Trusted by X (Alphabet's moonshot factory)

Featured Projects

Astro Teller - Sacred Cows: The Truth About Divorce And Marriage book cover
Astro Teller - Among These Savage Thoughts book cover
Astro Teller - Exegis book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Astro Teller for my next event?

Email astro.teller@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Astro's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

What is Astro Teller's speaking style like?

Astro Teller structures sessions around the operational mechanics of moonshot development at X, using iterative learning cycles and real-world case studies drawn from his direct experience leading Alphabet's innovation lab to illustrate how ambitious projects move from concept to execution.

What topics does Astro Teller specialise in?

Astro Teller speaks on moonshot development and iterative innovation, the societal and economic implications of artificial intelligence, and the practical steps behind launching transformative ideas. He is the co-founder and CEO of X, Alphabet's moonshot factory, where he has overseen the development of breakthrough technologies that have spun out as independent companies and integral parts of Google.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.

What happens after I send a brief?

Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.

What does the typical fee range mean?

The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.

Have all the speakers on the website worked with PepTalk before?

Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.

How far in advance should I book a speaker?

Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.