Capital Factory

Packed house at Capital Factory for Dual-Use Academy. Lots of first time founders.

Dual-Use Academy is happening Monday 💥 and you don’t want to miss it. We’re bringing together founders, operators, and leaders across defense, intel, and national security for a full day designed to accelerate your impact in the federal arena. If you’re building dual-use technology or looking to break into government markets, this is the room to be in. What’s on deck: ⚙️ How to Be a Dual-Use Startup 🌐 Understanding the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) with ATX Defense 🤖 Capital Factory Announcement 🚀 Partnering with AFWERX 🪖 How to Work with the Army: T2COM & Army Applications Laboratory 🎤 Open Mic: Audience Pitch Edition Dual-Use Academy is all about real insights, real opportunities, and real connections with the people shaping the future of national security. 🎟️ Spots are limited — secure your ticket and get connected to the mission. 👉 https://hubs.ly/Q03T34l00

In a time when most investors follow the crowd, Mike Maples, Jr has made a career out of running toward the outliers. From backing world-changing startups like Twitter and Twitch to spotting trends before they had names, 💥 he’s proof that conviction—not consensus—drives breakthrough innovation. In the newest episode of #Austnpreneur, recorded live at #AustinTechWeek2025, Mike joins Joshua Baer to unpack how AI, defense tech, and industrial innovation are reshaping venture capital 🤖 and why bold, purpose-driven founders are leading the charge. Tune in to learn how to invest—and build—at the intersection of purpose and profit. Catch the full conversation now on #Austinpreneur — streaming everywhere & on YouTube 🎧 https://hubs.ly/Q03SDPxc0

🔥 Houston — we’re back! This Thursday, Cup of Capital returns — co-hosted by Silicon Valley Bank and Mercury Fund — bringing together founders, investors, and innovators who are shaping the future of Houston’s startup scene. This is where momentum happens ⚡️ fueled by coffee, curiosity, and the kind of conversations that lead to what’s next. Whether you’re building, funding, or just curious about what’s driving the next wave of innovation in Houston, this is the room to be in. Come grab a cup, meet your people, and feel the momentum behind Houston’s rise as a leading force in Texas innovation. RSVP 🎟️ https://hubs.ly/Q03RHWgw0

💡 90 Days Since Capital Factory’s First Look BUY-IT.AI Update It’s been 90 days since I took the stage at Capital Factory’s First Look, and these months have been truly transformational for Buy-it.ai. Here’s what’s new 👇 🏆 Growth & Partnerships We’ve just landed our first U.S. furniture retail partnership, with two more in the pipeline, which is a major step toward scaling our vision of media-driven commerce. We also welcomed two outstanding board advisors: - Derrick Bonyuet, PhD, CFA, CFP, CPA - Rudy Mirran Their experience is helping us strengthen both our business model and execution strategy. 🧠 Product Evolution We’ve implemented CPC and CPV monetization models directly within our web app allowing us to monetize viewer engagement while giving retailers and brands transparent, performance-based value. At the same time, we’ve redesigned our UX/UI, evolving from a landing page to a true e-commerce platform, where users can browse, discover, and shop products inspired by what they see on screen. 🤝 The Capital Factory Effect Over the past 90 days, I’ve logged over #100 #mentor #hours, learning from an extraordinary group of people whose insights have guided every step. None of this would have been possible without the incredible Capital Factory community and the team that makes opportunities like this real: Cyndi Schultz, Morgan Odell, Luis Martinez, Marissa Faris, MBA, Joshua Baer, Bryan Chambers, Nick Spiller, Lyndon Lay, Alexys Mathis, Oleksandra Torubara, Jordan Joelson, Aaron Handwerker, Alec Ohanian, Noah Iommi, Kyle Hendrick, Jonathan R., Kira Baum, Gordon Daugherty, Cole Maita, Your guidance and belief are the foundation of this progress. 🔭 What’s Next We’re now focused on: • Scaling #retail and #media partnerships • Expanding #AI #automation for product recognition • Continuing our #patent #filings to secure our IP The groundwork is set — now it’s time to accelerate. 🧠⚡ #BuyitAI #CapitalFactory #AI #Ecommerce #MediaTech #StartupTraction #AustinTech #Innovation #Founders

ICYMI 🎧 Defense startups aren’t easy to fund — but Leonid Capital Partners is changing that. This week on #Austinpreneur, James Parker shares how Leonid turns government contracts into capital and long-term growth. Tune in to learn how financial innovation is fueling national security startups. 🎙️ https://hubs.ly/Q03S3-sM0

The countdown is on ⏰ Capital Factory’s Dual-Use Academy is just weeks away! Join top leaders from the DoW to learn how startups can navigate federal funding, contracting, and partnerships in the dual-use space. And now — the agenda is LIVE! 💥 Get ready for expert sessions and tactical workshops, including: 📝 How to Be a Dual-Use Startup ⚙️ CMMC: What’s New with ATX Defense 🤝 Partnering with AFWERX 🚀 How to Work with the Army: Get Started with Army Applications Laboratory 🎤 Open Mic: Audience Pitch Edition Plus — networking, a company spotlight, and a happy hour to wrap up the day in Austin style. 🍸 Explore the full agenda and grab your spot for November 17 🎟️ https://hubs.ly/Q03RSMbC0

Innovation is alive and well in Texas! 🤠 We’re thrilled to highlight an incredible project coming out of University of Austin (UATX), where a passionate team of students is taking on one of the toughest challenges in engineering — building a functional tunnel boring machine (TBM) prototype. In just one month, they went from idea to impact 🚀 designing a machine that can bore a 9” diameter tunnel with a custom launch frame, actuator, and vacuum system. Now, they’re scaling up to a version six times larger, equipped with sensors to simulate advanced real-world controls. Why does it matter? Because tunneling is really hard, but unlocking that challenge means massive opportunity for infrastructure, utilities, and defense. At Capital Factory, we love seeing the next generation of Texas innovators roll up their sleeves and build the future from the ground down. Keep digging, UATX — we’re cheering you on! 🌎

Most banks run away from early-stage defense contractors. Leonid Capital Partners runs toward them. In this week’s #Austinpreneur episode, sponsored by Every, James Parker reveals how Leonid transforms government contracts into real liquidity — fueling a new wave of defense innovation. 💡 Evaluating risk through data, not decks 💰 Financing 50–75% of remaining contract value 🏗️ Using stacked contracts as collateral to drive acquisitions and consolidation 🎙️ Recorded live at #FedSupernova2025, this conversation dives into the financial strategies powering the next generation of national security startups. Catch the full conversation on #Austinpreneur — streaming everywhere & on YouTube 🎧 https://hubs.ly/Q03RzZP90