Joshua Baer, 50, a well-known entrepreneur in Texas, died in a small jet crash on a Texas highway. Baer was a key figure in Austin’s technology evolution and founded Capital Factory, a venture capital firm supporting tech startups.
Austin’s Tech Community Mourns
Baer described himself as an ‘Austinpreneur’ and was passionate about helping people start businesses. His LinkedIn page reflected this, with a message saying ‘I help people quit jobs.’ Capital Factory’s downtown headquarters is among the offices of tech giants like Google.
Thom Singer, CEO of the Austin Technology Council, said of Baer’s death, ‘Whether you’re in technology or not, there’s a hole in the heart of Austin today.’ Baer’s life strategy was ‘Plant lots of seeds. Water everyone’s. Repeat,’ and he was recognized for his contributions to the city, receiving a key to the city from the Austin mayor in 2023.
Baer was aboard a business jet that crashed after reporting mechanical problems. His LinkedIn profile mentioned a wife and three children, but it’s unclear if the three young survivors were family members. Baer often spoke to high school students and was ‘entrepreneur in residence’ at the University of Texas.
Texas U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn expressed sadness over Baer’s death, with Cornyn calling him an ‘innovative & creative leader in Austin’s entrepreneurial culture.’ Baer’s legacy will be remembered in the Austin tech community, where he made a significant impact.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
