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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Losses in Virtual Meetings
- Two major losses occur with virtual meetings: serendipity and in-person connection capital.
- While virtual meetings increase convenience, they hinder spontaneous interactions and the building of authentic relationships.
SXSW Cancellation
- Josh Baer recounts Capital Factory's experience during the SXSW cancellation, highlighting the complex decision-making process.
- They were deeply involved as a major SXSW venue partner and faced similar financial implications.
Clear Event Contracts
- Jason recommends writing clear contracts for events, specifying force majeure and rescheduling terms.
- This ensures all parties understand their obligations and fosters a collaborative spirit.