Posted on 06/17/2026 10:54:33 AM PDT by DFG
The CEO of a tech startup has been identified as one of the victims killed in a horror private jet crash on a Texas highway.
Joshua Baer, 50, the CEO of Capital Factory, was described as a 'visionary force, mentor, and champion for the Texas technology and startup ecosystem' by his company as it confirmed he was killed in the crash on Tuesday night.
Baer was often described as the 'Godfather' of the startup scene in Austin, Texas, where he based his venture capital firm Capital Factory.
The private jet had taken off from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico and was bound for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport when it crashed around 10pm on Texas State Highway Loop 20.
Footage showed the plane burst into flames as heroic bystanders and first responders raced to rescue those inside, with officials saying two people died and four others survived the wreckage and were hospitalized.
Capital Factory president Bryan Chambers issued a touching tribute to Baer on Wednesday morning following the crash, describing the tech executive as a 'fearless leader' in the business world.
'(He was) a brilliant partner and a dear friend to so many of us,' Chambers said. 'While we are devastated by this unimaginable loss, Josh built an incredibly resilient organization and a deeply capable team.'
Business and political leaders including Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn paid tribute to Baer, with many remembering him as a revolutionary businessman who transformed Austin into a leading startup hub.
Baer was a father of three, and he had set up the Baer Family Foundation with his wife Amy to help disadvantaged children.
His firm Capital Factory is a 'startup accelerator' that seeds and funds businesses across Austin, and Baer was credited with leading the city's tech industry for years.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.com ...
“The private jet had taken off from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico and was bound for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport when it crashed around 10pm on Texas State Highway Loop 20.” Somebody in Mexico didn’t much like him?
“CEO of a tech startup “
So basically he has no money of his own. Blowing VC funds to lease or rent a private jet and fund his lifestyle. I guess he won’t be doing that anymore.
Looks like he had some. Not a lot but some. But still, flying commercial even first/business class, is so beneath them for these people.
Rest In Peace, Joshua.
Good question.
Jesus man, how about a little more venom.
What in this story indicates he had no money of his own? This was a NETJETS plane (owned by Berkshire Hathaway) so somebody on board had some serious money.
“two people died and four others survived”
Sad. I hope it’s possible to determine what happened.
“Jesus man, how about a little more venom.”
No kidding. I don’t understand the pointless nastiness of some people hereon.
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