
The tech world has lost one of its giants. Capital Factory CEO Joshua Baer died Tuesday night in a plane crash. Described as the “godfather” of Austin’s startup scene, Baer founded Capital Factory, a venture firm that backs Texas-based businesses. The private plane he was traveling in took off from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico and was bound for Austin when it crashed onto Texas State Highway Loop 20 in Laredo. The crash killed two people and injured four others. The identities of the other passengers have not yet been released, but Jose Baeza, an investigator with the Laredo Police Department, said they were friends and family flying home from San José del Cabo. Capital Factory president Bryan Chambers called Baer, 50, “a brilliant partner and a dear friend.” The father of three, whose billionaire status was confirmed in a September 2025 Instagram post, also co-founded the Baer Family Foundation with his wife to support disadvantaged children. Tributes poured in from across the tech and business worlds, including from podcast host Jason Calacanis. “Joshua was a relentless supporter of founders and Austin, and was filled with joy,” Calacanis wrote on X.















