Texas Tech Boom: Joshua Baer of Capital Factory on Startup Ecosystems
Release Date: 01/15/2025
Bridging government and venture capital with Yanev Suissa of SineWave Ventures
Driving Alpha
What happens when a venture capitalist brings a deep understanding of government into the startup world? Yanev Suissa, Founder and Managing General Partner of SineWave Ventures, has done just that, carving out a powerful niche by helping commercial-first startups break into government markets. His journey from NEA to the Bush and Obama administrations gives him a perspective few investors can match. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:42 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:24 Yanev Suissa's Background and Career Path 02:19 The SineWave Ventures Model 03:33 Navigating the...
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Inside Cathay Innovation: Simon Wu on industry-powered venture capital
Driving Alpha
What if your venture capital firm could plug you directly into the world's most influential corporations; unlocking growth, customers, and global scale overnight? That’s exactly what Simon Wu does as a Partner at Cathay Innovation. Leading U.S. investments at the $2.5B global VC, Simon’s work sits at the intersection of innovation, industrial strength, and strategic capital. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:41 Introduction to Alpha Partners and Guest Simon Wu 01:33 The Origin Story of Cafe Innovation 03:06 Growth and Expansion of Cafe Innovation 05:59 Unique Corporate...
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A new power dynamic in venture with Paige Hendrix Buckner from All Raise
Driving Alpha
In venture capital, power isn’t just about capital, it’s about who gets to decide where it flows. Paige Hendrix Buckner, CEO of All Raise, is redefining who sits at the decision-making table. With a background spanning public policy, education, and founder support, she’s leading a movement to shift both the culture and the calculus of VC, proving that diverse check-writers create better outcomes. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:42 Welcome to the Driving Alpha Podcast 00:52 Meet Paige Hendrix Buckner: CEO of All Raise 01:38 Paige's Journey: From Education to...
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How corporate venture capital drives startup growth with David Horowitz from Cerity Partners Ventures
Driving Alpha
What if your investor could also be your first customer, biggest champion, and gateway into a massive market? David Horowitz, Partner at Cerity Partners Ventures and a corporate VC pioneer, has spent over 20 years proving that venture capital can do more than write checks, it can open doors. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:43 Introduction and guest welcome 01:21 David Horowitz's early career and venture capital journey 04:49 founding Touchdown Ventures 06:38 The evolution and success of Touchdown Ventures 08:16 Cerity Partners merger and wealth management 13:16...
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How AI is redefining enterprise with Eric Benhamou of Benhamou Global Ventures
Driving Alpha
Can AI truly transform the enterprise, not just improve it? Eric Benhamou, legendary tech CEO and founder of Benhamou Global Ventures, believes it already is. He reveals how his firm is leading the charge with “Enterprise 5.0”, a new era defined by full-stack, AI-native solutions. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:43 Intro to Alpha Partners 01:00 Meet Eric enhamou: A Pioneer in Tech 02:09 Understanding Enterprise 5.0 04:26 Case Study: Events and AI Accessibility 07:37 Selling to Enterprises: Insights from a Fortune 500 CEO 09:42 The Global Edge: Investing...
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Heather Hartnett (Human Ventures) on finding human alpha: how strategic connection is reshaping VC
Driving Alpha
What if your greatest edge as a VC wasn’t data or deal flow, but your network? Heather Hartnett, CEO and General Partner of Human Ventures, is proving that authentic human connection can drive real alpha. From startup studio to powerhouse VC platform, she’s built one of New York’s most trusted early-stage ecosystems. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:40 Introduction to the Driving Alpha Podcast 00:51 Meet Heather Harnett: CEO and Co-founder of Human Ventures 00:57 Heather's Career Journey and Achievements 02:21 The Founding Story of Human Ventures 02:39...
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How Trust Ventures Unlocks Value in Regulated Markets, with Salen Churi
Driving Alpha
What if the biggest venture opportunities aren’t in the next SaaS tool, but in the markets everyone avoids? Salen Churi, founder and general partner at Trust Ventures, is proving that regulation-heavy industries hold the keys to outsize alpha. A former law professor turned VC, Salen helps startups turn red tape into competitive edge. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:40 Introduction to Driving Alpha Podcast 01:58 Salen Churi’s Background and Family History 03:30 The Intersection of Innovation and Regulation 05:41 Founding Trust Ventures 12:29 Case Studies: Oklo...
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How Ira Weiss from Hyde Park Venture Partners built Midwest VC success with ShipBob & Audit Site
Driving Alpha
Can a PhD in accounting build a top-tier VC firm in the heartland, and beat the coastal giants? Ira Weiss did just that. As founding partner of Hyde Park Venture Partners and a professor at Chicago Booth, Ira has quietly helped turn the Midwest into a serious startup engine, backing breakout companies like ShipBob and Audit Site before they were household names. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:48 Introduction to Driving Alpha 01:00 Guest Introduction: Ira Weiss 01:14 Ira's Academic and Professional Journey 01:50 Hyde Park Venture Partners 03:07 Personal Connection...
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From Techstars to AI trends: Brad Feld of Foundry VC on building enduring legacies
Driving Alpha
Brad Feld isn’t just a name in venture capital; he’s one of the architects behind the startup ecosystem as we know it. From launching Techstars to mentoring hundreds of founders and fund managers, his legacy is rooted in building, not boasting. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:48 Introduction to Driving Alpha 01:38 Brad Feld's Journey and Achievements 03:38 Reflections on Life and Career 05:51 The Future of Foundry Group 08:02 Mentorship and Its Impact 10:52 Influential Mentors in Brad's Life 15:17 The SoftBank Connection 23:29 Star Wars vs. Star Trek 27:58...
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From Google to Geek Ventures with Ihar Mahaniok: backing immigrant founders in AI & Robotics
Driving Alpha
What happens when a Google and Facebook engineering leader turns his focus to helping immigrant founders dominate in AI and robotics? Ihar Mahaniok, Founder and Managing Partner of Geek Ventures, has invested in over 100 startups, including five unicorns, and is now channeling his experience into backing the next generation of world-changing entrepreneurs. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:41 Welcome to Driving Alpha Podcast 00:51 Meet the Guest: Ihar Mahaniok of Geek Ventures 01:38 Ihar's Journey: From Coding to Angel Investing 03:26 Building Geek Ventures: Focus on...
info_outlineHow do you turn Texas into a global innovation hub? For Joshua Baer, founder and CEO of Capital Factory, the answer lies in empowering unstoppable founders, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial community, and leveraging Texas’s unique advantages.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- 00:43 Introduction to the Driving Alpha Podcast
- 00:54 Meet Josh Baer: Texas Startup Powerhouse
- 01:37 The Impact of Capital Factory
- 03:44 Josh Baer's Entrepreneurial Journey
- 07:07 Early Ventures and Lessons Learned
- 11:06 The Birth of Capital Factory
- 13:58 Investment Strategies and Focus
- 17:22 The Future of Robotics and AI
- 18:02 AI's Impact on Humanoid Robotics
- 18:22 The Inflection Point of GPS in Smartphones
- 19:31 Capital Factory's Open-Door Policy
- 20:21 Texas: A Hub for Startups and VCs
- 21:12 The Path to Becoming a VC in Texas
- 26:46 Government and Dual-Use Technology
- 31:15 The Booming Tech Scene in Texas
- 34:34 Conclusion: Reflections and Future Prospects
In this episode...
On this episode of Driving Alpha, host Steve Brotman explores Joshua’s journey from launching a startup in his dorm room at Carnegie Mellon to building Capital Factory into the most active early-stage investor in Texas. With nearly 1,000 investments, the firm isn’t just funding startups—it’s creating an ecosystem.
Capital Factory focuses on “dual-use” startups that serve both commercial and government markets, with Texas positioned as a leader in AI, robotics, and national security. Companies like Aptronic, a pioneer in humanoid robotics, showcase Texas’s growing role in transformative industries.
“Texas is our nexus,” says Joshua. “It’s where we have a unique advantage—a center of gravity for innovation.”
By combining talent-driven investing with a collaborative model that partners with VCs, Capital Factory is redefining what’s possible in venture capital.