Capital Factory

The Last Word: Quincy Preston On the ‘Most Innovative People in Artificial Intelligence’ in Dallas-Fort Worth

by | Feb 22, 2024
At Capital Factory's "Future of AI" salon Tuesday, the AI 75 list—a new program recognizing the most innovative people in artificial intelligence in Dallas-Fort Worth—was officially announced by Dallas Innovates in partnership with the Dallas Regional Chamber, and Dallas AI.
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A ‘Moonshot’ for Strengthening the Brain: Founder Sandi Chapman on UTD’s Center for BrainHealth at 25
by | Feb 15, 2024
Now a quarter-century old, the Dallas-based cognitive neuroscience facility has grown from a "ragtag team" to a globally significant research institute dedicated uniquely to building better brain function. Here’s how it happened under chief director Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD.
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‘Innovation Meets Investment’: Venture Dallas Sets Sights on National Stage with New Branding, Expanded 2023 Summit
by | Sep 27, 2023
The rebrand "marks the start of our next chapter of growth," says Venture Dallas Chair Aaron Pierce. The nonprofit's 2023 summit, backed by JPMorgan Chase and Perot Jain, is set for October 25.
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Meet the Top VCs in Dallas-Fort Worth, According to Business Insider

by | Mar 3, 2023
If you've founded a North Texas startup, chances are you'd love to meet a venture capitalist. Here are a four to know in North Texas.
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How Dallas-Fort Worth Has Become a Hotbed of Artificial Intelligence Technology
by | Feb 16, 2023
"AI now is where the web was in the mid- to late-'90s," Sentiero Ventures' David Evans says. And North Texas is becoming central to the AI revolution, he and other local tech leaders contend. DFW's role as an AI hub has been burnished by its tech workforce, the breadth and diversity of its industries, its thriving startup community, and its wealth of AI-oriented universities and research institutions. Most important of all, though, is the region's status as a magnet for Fortune 500 companies, many of which are eager to partner with AI's local pioneers.

Here's what leading North Texas experts have to say.
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The Last Word: Co-Founder Brent Bushnell on Engineering Entertainment and Social Fun at Dallas’ New Two Bit Circus
by | Jan 11, 2023
After a soft open two months ago, Two Bit Circus officially launched yesterday at Dallas' Shops of Park Lane, featuring 35,000 square feet of tech-enhanced entertainment. Attractions include arcade games; VR, AR, and "extended reality" experiences; "story rooms"; reimagined carnival games; and more. We talked to the co-founders about how playing in groups is a big part of the fun, why their VR games prove "humans are hackable," and more.

Here's a look inside the Texas-sized micro-amusement park.
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‘It’s a Different World Out There’: Investors Share Their Insights on the Changing Funding Landscape

by | Nov 14, 2022
At the recent Venture Dallas conference, a panel of leading investors talked market trends and shared insights to help those on both sides of the cap table. Here are key takeaways—from tips for fundraising founders to what startups need to offer to what makes Dallas an exciting place to invest. “As an entrepreneur, just hustle. Don't take ‘No’ for an answer. You're going to get a lot of ‘No’s,’ so just keep at it," said Pialy Aditya, chief strategy officer at Republic.
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Tech Talk and ‘Meaningful Connections’: 10 Takeaways From Venture Dallas 2022
by | Nov 7, 2022
At last week's Venture Dallas conference, more than 400 VCs, angel investors, startups, and business leaders gathered for a showcase of North Texas' entrepreneurial and venture ecosystem. Here's a look at the highlights—from Troy Aikman saying "There are no shortcuts" to Alto Founder Will Coleman on the power of doing "the opposite" to Mark Cuban's "ready, fire, aim" approach. “Regions like Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth, we’re the model for the rest of the nation on how to get things done," Ross Perot Jr. said at the conference kickoff.
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SMU Is Bringing Its ‘Innovative Biotech Research’ to Pegasus Park
by | Oct 24, 2022
The Biotech+ Hub at Pegasus Park in Dallas has been attracting more and more life science startups and university teams. Now a whole herd of Mustangs are about to stampede there. The SMU Institute for Computational Biosciences at Pegasus Park will have space at the 23-acre development. SMU researchers from a variety of disciplines will be focusing on bio-scientific discoveries, leveraging advanced computational algorithms and technologies.

"We're excited to give SMU faculty this new opportunity to pursue world-changing research for good and to do so in close proximity to a broad range of academic, medical, corporate, and non-profit collaborators," says SMU Provost Elizabeth Loboa. "We're excited to give SMU faculty this new opportunity to pursue world-changing research for good and to do so in close proximity to a broad range of academic, medical, corporate, and non-profit collaborators," says SMU Provost Elizabeth Loboa.
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Venture Dallas Brings ‘the Premier Venture Capital Conference in North Texas’ to George W. Bush Presidential Center this November
by | Oct 4, 2022
Venture Dallas 2022—a full-day conference to be held Nov. 3 at the George W. Bush Presidential Center—will connect investors from all over the U.S with the “best founders in our region” with the goal of sparking “collisions” and “meaningful connections," co-founder Aaron Pierce says. He adds that those could potentially lead to fundings—and successful exits. Here's a look at why the North Texas startup and VC scene is hopping, and what Venture Dallas 2022 could mean for you.
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With Fresh Funding, Firehawk Aerospace Is Developing Rocket Engines and 3D-Printed Fuel As It Plans Move to New HQ in Addison

by | Sep 28, 2022
Firehawk Aerospace is developing hybrid rocket engines and 3D-printed solid rocket fuel to provide a safer, more cost-effective approach to launching payloads as it nears the close of a $17 million fundraising effort.

Co-founder and CEO Will Edwards has said his company's rocket engine "will power the next generation missile and defense systems and plans to support both launch and other systems requiring in-space propulsion."
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DSW Dispatches: Startup Mentor Helps Founders Craft Their Pitch
by | Aug 9, 2022
“Remember, we're just one pitch away from changing the world,” says Wen Zhang. “It's our job as a founder, as a co-founder to show people the world that we are seeing.”

The founder and CEO of the INNW Institute helps leaders hone their pitches when approaching venture capitalists and other investors
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Follow the Money: Southlake Biotech Raises $14.9M, American Airlines Invests in Innovative Engine Maker, and More
by | Aug 8, 2022
Plus: 7-Eleven acquires last-mile delivery startup; American Heart Association invests in $43M healthcare innovation fund; Fort Worth real estate investors raise $32.4M for new fund; Dallas College Lands $8.8M to boost biotech workforce; UT Southwestern researchers land funding for hypothermia therapy study; and more North Texas deals.
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Follow the Money: Dallas Unicorn Adds Cisco Investments as New Backer; Fort Worth Glove Maker Lands $58M for Facility, HQ Upgrades; and More
by | Jul 29, 2022
Plus: Southlake SPAC to take financial services firm public; real estate startup Nada Closes $8.1M seed round; Southlake PE firm is raising two biotech-focused funds; Jones family-backed investment firm acquires travel software company; and more North Texas deals.
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