Joshua Baer, a prominent figure in Austin’s tech scene and the founder of Capital Factory, tragically lost his life in a business jet crash that occurred Tuesday night near Laredo, Texas.
The crash involved a Cessna Citation Latitude twin jet carrying six passengers. It went down shortly after 10 p.m. on Loop 20, according to Laredo Police Department investigator Jose Baeza. The plane had departed from San José del Cabo, a popular Mexican resort city, and was en route to Austin, Texas, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
In response to the loss, Bryan Chambers, president of the software acceleration and investment firm, expressed his sorrow to the Austin American-Statesman, stating, “Joshua was a fearless leader, a brilliant partner, and a dear friend to so many of us. While we are devastated by this unimaginable loss, Josh built an incredibly resilient organization and team.”
Chambers further emphasized that Capital Factory will continue to operate fully and remain dedicated to Baer’s vision of supporting unstoppable founders.
Baer was last seen publicly in November 2023, speaking at a University of Austin event in Texas. In the aftermath of Tuesday’s crash, efforts were made to rescue the passengers from the wreckage along the highway.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
The pilot, while radioing air traffic controllers, “mentioned low fuel and a power outage,” Laredo International Airport Director Gilberto Sanchez said, according to The Associated Press.
“They had mechanical issues, and they lost communication with the tower,” Sanchez said Wednesday, “and that’s when the accident happened.”
Baeza also said a vehicle was struck by the aircraft. The person in that car was sent to a hospital in stable condition, the AP reported.
Video posted to social media showed the plane on its side and smashed into a highway barrier as the tail was ripped from the fuselage.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Wednesday that he and his wife Heidi were “deeply saddened by the passing of Josh Baer and the tragic plane crash in Laredo.”
Former President Barack Obama speaks with Capital Factory Founder Joshua Baer, center, and former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park during a tour of Capital Factory, a tech start-up incubator and co-working space in Austin, Texas, in May 2013. Â Â Â Â (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)
“Josh has been one of the most significant figures driving innovation and entrepreneurship across America. In Texas, he made our state a global leader. His impact was incalculable,” Cruz wrote on X. “Our prayers are with his family and the others aboard the aircraft.”
“Josh was an innovative and creative leader in Austin’s entrepreneurial culture and a stalwart supporter of growing Central Texas’ military ecosystem,” added Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Authorities initially did not report serious injuries on the ground, though five responding officers were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation, according to Baeza. Loop 20 also was temporarily closed after the crash, Baeza added.
NetJets said in a statement that the crash involved one of its planes. The company said it is working with authorities.
News Media has reached out to Capital Factory for comment.
The University of Texas at Austin said Baer lived in Austin with his wife and three children.
People attempt to pull passengers out of a plane after it crashed on a highway Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Laredo, Texas. (Zayra Garza /AP)
“At UT Austin, Josh co-teaches the Longhorn Startup Seminar and Lab,” it said in a biography of him on its website. “He also acts as the Entrepreneur in Residence for the Department of Computer Science.”
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