Incident Overview
Joshua Baer, the founder and chief executive officer of the venture capital firm Capital Factory, was killed in a plane crash near Laredo, Texas, at approximately 10 p.m. local time on 16 June 2026. The business jet, which was carrying six occupants, was en route from San José del Cabo, Mexico, to Austin when it went down on a highway near Laredo. Police confirmed that Baer was the only fatality; the remaining five passengers survived.
Company Statement
Capital Factory President Bryan Chambers issued a statement to the Austin American‑Statesman, describing Baer as a “fearless leader, a brilliant partner, and a dear friend.” Chambers affirmed that Capital Factory remains fully operational and is completely committed to continuing Baer’s mission.
Background on Capital Factory
Founded in 2009, Capital Factory operates as a venture firm, startup accelerator, and coworking space. The firm manages multiple investment funds that have supported hundreds of companies, focusing on technology and manufacturing businesses in the defense, aerospace, robotics, and biotechnology sectors. Its portfolio includes companies such as WP Engine, Apptronik, Colossal Biosciences, and Firefly Aerospace. The coworking space has also hosted military‑technology accelerator programs, including the Army Futures Command, the Air Force’s AFWERX, and the Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit.
Publication Details
The article was published by Investing.com on 17‑06‑2026 at 11:14 pm, authored by Editor Vlad Schepkov, and includes a note that it was generated with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.