This Week in Startups E1063: The Power of Accelerators E5 Joshua Baer, CEO & Founder of Capital Factory shares lessons from investing in 400+ startups, best practices for transitioning accelerators to remote, insights on SXSW cancellation & more
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May 20, 2020 
Josh Baer, CEO and Founder of Capital Factory, shares his insights as a pivotal figure in Austin’s startup landscape. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to remote operations amidst COVID-19 and the impact of canceling major events like SXSW. Josh also explores how startups are adapting with rolling cohorts and engaging Slack communities. He emphasizes the importance of backing talented founders, reflecting on the traits he values most. His experiences reveal both mistakes and learnings that have shaped his journey through economic downturns.
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Slack Community Building
- Jason shares tips for building a thriving Slack community, including dedicated channels, AMAs, and book clubs.
- He emphasizes clear guidelines and moderation to encourage participation and discourage marketing spam.
Pay It Forward Model
- Capital Factory utilizes a "pay it forward" model where mentors fund and run the accelerator program.
- Startups contribute 1% equity to a pool shared by mentors, fostering collaboration and a sense of shared success.
Capital Factory's Origins
- Josh Baer started Capital Factory during the Great Recession, viewing it as an opportune time due to reduced competition.
- He believes this downturn will be larger but also presents opportunities for startups.