Joshua Baer Obituary, LAREDO, TEXAS — Joshua Baer, the founder and CEO of Austin-based startup accelerator Capital Factory, has died following a private jet crash on a Texas highway that left the technology community mourning the loss of a prominent entrepreneur and mentor. Baer was 50 years old.
Authorities said the crash happened Tuesday night, June 16, 2026, on Loop 20 in Laredo, Texas, when a business jet carrying six people went down while attempting an emergency landing. The aircraft crashed onto the roadway and caught fire. Baer was identified as the only person who died in the incident.
The aircraft, a Cessna Citation Latitude business jet, was traveling from San José del Cabo, Mexico, to Austin, Texas, when the pilots reported mechanical issues and attempted to divert for an emergency landing. Officials said the remaining passengers survived the crash, while the National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Baer was widely recognized as a major figure in Texas’ technology and startup ecosystem. He founded Capital Factory in 2009, helping support and mentor hundreds of startups while playing a significant role in the growth of Austin’s innovation community.
Colleagues and community leaders remembered Baer as a passionate entrepreneur, investor, and mentor who dedicated much of his career to helping founders build successful companies. His work helped establish connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders across Texas.
Following the crash, tributes poured in from members of the business and technology communities who honored Baer’s leadership, vision, and impact. Capital Factory confirmed his death and expressed commitment to continuing the mission he helped build.
As family, friends, and colleagues remember Joshua Baer, many are reflecting on his contributions to entrepreneurship and the lasting influence he had on the people and organizations he supported. His legacy as a technology leader and mentor will continue through the many startups and founders he helped along the way. May he rest in peace.
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