Austinpreneur Capital Factory

Explore the dynamic launch of Austin's innovative liberal arts and entrepreneurship college as Capital Factory's Venture Principal, Nick Spiller, sits down with Keri Waters, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Austin (UATX). Tune in to uncover the institution's pioneering vision, curriculum, and strategic collaboration with Capital Factory.
In a historic milestone, the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board granted The University of Austin (UATX) with the authority to confer undergraduate degrees in October 2023, marking the state's first new university in over 50 years. With UATX's inaugural class of 100 students set to embark on their academic journey in Fall 2024, each recipient of a full 4-year academic scholarship, the college stands poised for transformative impact. Backed by a monumental $100M donation from Elon Musk's charitable foundation and under the leadership of Executive Chairman Joe Lonsdale, UATX is primed to shape the future of education.
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Dive into this episode, recorded for a live audience at Capital Factory House during SXSW® 2024 , for a discussion with a seasoned serial entrepreneur boasting a portfolio of 15 successful ventures, including the renowned telemedicine giant Teledoc, Michael Gorton. Join Nick Spiller, Venture Principal at Capital Factory, as he sits down with Gorton to explore the nuances of market timing, cultivating a vibrant company culture, and venturing into the intriguing realm of tachyon tunnels through a lens of physics.

Michael's curiosity has no limits with his degrees in Physics, Engineering, Law and a minor in English. On top of pioneering telemedicine, Michael founded Internet Global where he developed the world's first DSL and VOIP networks. He's also an accomplished author in a variety of categories including business, science fiction and historical fiction. Outside of work, Michael is a runner, Second Degree Black Belt in Kenpo and a mountain climber having scaled the highest elevation in 43 states.

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Uncover the dynamic convergence of the defense innovation community in the heart of Texas, where venture-funded enterprises are actively shaping the future of national security. Join Nick Spiller, Venture Principal at Capital Factory, and Joseph Kopser, Capital Factory's Special Advisor for Defense Innovation, in a discussion recorded for a live audience at Capital Factory House during SXSW® 2024, shedding light on the latest advancements in the Department of Defense's initiatives to fund startups emanating from Austin.
Joseph Kopser is a serial entrepreneur, long-time Austin startup community leader and served the U.S. Army for 20 years. He co-founded a transportation company, RideScout, from scratch and sold it to Mercedes. Joseph is currently a defense and military advisor for Capital Factory and The University of Texas at Austin. As an investor, Joseph is an LP in multiple Austin based venture funds including Capital Factory, Moonshots Capital and ATX Venture Partners.

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Discover the dynamic intersection of the U.S. Navy's influence in Texas, spanning from SXSW to ongoing initiatives. In this episode, recorded live at Capital Factory House during SXSW 2024, Nick Spiller, Venture Principal at Capital Factory, chats with Graham "Gray" Chynoweth, naval officer, operator, and investor. Together, they delve into the innovative landscape cultivated by the Department of Defense's new Joint Innovation Space at Capital Factory, where prominent innovation groups such as NavalX, AFWERX, DIU, and ARCWERX converge. Tune in as this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the Navy's collaborative ventures and strategic presence in the heart of Texas.

Gray serves in multiple capacities both inside the DoD and as a private investor. In the Navy, he is Deputy Director of NavalX where they connect the people, tools and resources our modern Sailors and Marines need. He is also Director of Global Investments for the Office of Strategic Capital which rolls up to the Secretary of Defense. As an investor, he is General Partner at Millworks Fund where they invest in New Hampshire's startup community.

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Tune into this episode, recorded for a live audience of Capital Factory founders during SXSW® 2024, featuring an interview with SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman by Joshua Baer, CEO & Founder of Capital Factory. Get ready to dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship as Administrator Guzman sheds light on the pivotal role of the Small Business Administration in enabling entrepreneurs to secure funding and foster growth. Discover firsthand the latest policy shifts spearheaded by Administrator Guzman within the SBA.

Isabel Casillas Guzman, serving as the 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration under President Biden, advocates for America's 33 million small businesses and startups. With a background in entrepreneurship influenced by her father's business and her own ventures, she brings experience from her roles in the Obama-Biden Administration and leading California's Office of the Small Business Advocate. Guzman oversees the SBA's $500 billion portfolio, annually deploying $50 billion to support small businesses, with a focus on increasing access to capital, contracting opportunities, and resources for underserved communities. Her leadership has enhanced the agency's ability to provide essential support and growth opportunities for American entrepreneurs.

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Explore societal implications of artificial intelligence with Mike Millard, Partner at Ecliptic Capital, and Nick Spiller, Venture Principal at Capital Factory, in this week's episode. With roots tracing back to his role at Dell in 1999, Mike's extensive experience in Austin's tech landscape includes notable positions at Austin Venture and the launch of MassChallenge Texas before assuming his current role as a VC at Ecliptic Capital.
The conversation centers around Ecliptic's recently published report on artificial intelligence, offering valuable insights into this rapidly evolving field. Check out the report firsthand by clicking here.

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