Austin's Capital Factory Expands National Reach With ARK Invest and Tim Draper

Two of venture capital's most recognizable names are helping Austin's Capital Factory expand its reach across the country.

Cathie Wood's ARK Invest and billionaire investor Tim Draper are joining forces with Austin-based Capital Factory to build a national network connecting founders and investors from Austin to St. Petersburg, Florida, and Silicon Valley.

The partnership is part of All Access 2027, Capital Factory's program connecting promising startups with investors, customers, and industry experts. The goal is to make it easier for ambitious startups to find the capital and connections they need to grow.

Why these investors?

Cathie Wood is the founder of ARK Invest, an investment firm known for backing emerging technologies like AI, robotics, biotechnology, and energy.

Tim Draper is a Silicon Valley venture capitalist whose early investments include Tesla, SpaceX, Skype, Coinbase, and Robinhood.

Both already have ties to Capital Factory's portfolio.

• Apptronik: The Austin humanoid robotics startup joined Capital Factory's portfolio in 2017. ARK's venture fund is also an investor.
• Colossal Biosciences: The Dallas-based genetic engineering company joined Capital Factory's portfolio in 2021 and previously received funding from Draper.

Rather than continuing to work with these companies independently, the three organizations are now formalizing their relationship.

What it means for Austin founders

Capital Factory says its All Access program has supported approximately 100 startups annually since 2017, helping companies from Seed through Series B connect with investors and potential customers.

The expanded network will focus on companies developing technologies in:

• AI and robotics
• Space and defense
• Energy and advanced manufacturing
• Biotechnology

Under the new partnership, Capital Factory and ARK will share investment opportunities and due diligence, helping promising companies get noticed earlier.

Capital Factory is also expanding its presence into St. Petersburg, Florida, placing a member of its venture team inside ARK's existing 45,000-square-foot Innovation Center to identify promising startups across Florida. In return, companies in ARK's Florida startup network will gain access to Capital Factory's Austin connections, while Tim Draper will help connect founders to Silicon Valley investors.

ARK and Draper are joining as investors and strategic partners, and the financial terms haven't been disclosed yet.

The bigger picture

Capital Factory has spent more than 15 years connecting Texas founders with investors, customers, and government partners. Now, it's extending that network beyond Texas, connecting Austin's startup ecosystem with major investors and emerging technology companies on both coasts.

For Austin founders building ambitious technology companies, that could mean a shorter path to some of the biggest names in venture capital.

Founders interested in the program can learn more about All Access here.