If you are trying to convince your parents that quitting your corporate job to live off instant ramen in your basement is actually a 'Joshua Baer-approved' life path, you might need a better pitch deck.

For years, being spotted at Capital Factory felt like trying to get an autograph from the city's unofficial mayor of innovation himself.

His sudden passing served as a sobering reminder that even the most tireless architects of a local dream are mortal, leaving an entire startup community to navigate the future without its primary catalyst.