Slow Ventures Kicks Off $60M Creator Fund with Initial Investment in Woodworking Founder

Slow Ventures’ Creator Fund has made a $2 million investment in Jonathan Katz-Moses, a leading woodworking content creator who boasts roughly 600,000 followers and nearly 75 million video views, along with an exclusive line of woodworking tools.

This marks the inaugural investment from Slow’s $60 million Creator Fund, initiated in February. The fund is designed to support creators in launching their businesses, based on the premise that their success in influencing can effectively translate into entrepreneurship.

In a conversation with TechCrunch, Slow Ventures partner Billy Parks, who spearheaded the investment, pointed out the remarkable transformation of creators over the last decade, moving from mainly media and brand sponsorships to developing significant “off-platform” projects.

“The pandemic has fast-tracked growth in direct-to-consumer ventures for numerous creators. However, the true indicators are those who have sustained and broadened their efforts beyond that initial boom, showcasing their ability to create lasting and viable businesses,” Parks remarked.

He emphasized that a successful creator-entrepreneur approaches their work as a business leader, “not in pursuit of fame, but in crafting authentic businesses that they own and oversee.”

This is where Katz-Moses fits in. His woodworking tutorials have led to the creation of his own tools and accessories tailored for his audience. He has assembled a team focused on business development, operations, and YouTube content creation. Slow’s investment will enhance his business and various content projects.

Katz-Moses turned to woodworking following a traumatic attack in 2010. In a recent video, he recounted waking up covered in blood with police and emergency responders around him, reflecting on his severe injuries, including a broken eye socket and requiring 80 stitches. He described that moment as one of the happiest of his life, simply because he survived.

Following that incident, he committed himself to woodworking, determined to pursue his passions and leave anything unfulfilling behind. He bought a camera and started sharing his creations on YouTube, gradually building a loyal following. As his brand evolved, he faced common founder issues, such as inventory management for his tools and ensuring a steady income.

Katz-Moses emerged as one of 700 candidates for the Slow Creator Fund, expressing his excitement to TechCrunch when Parks reached out to further discuss his business.

“Billy Parks from Slow contacted me in March about the possibility of a meeting,” Katz-Moses shared with TechCrunch.

“When we visited him at his impressive 30,000-square-foot workshop in Santa Barbara, we were genuinely struck by his deep commitment to his brand and his vision for a scalable business,” Parks elaborated about Slow’s decision to invest in Katz-Moses.

Parks noted that Slow aims to partner with creators early in their journeys, offering support at the most impactful times for growth. (They have already established agreements with several creators independently of this fund).

The Creator Fund from Slow illustrates how firms are increasingly investing in the creator economy and engaging with influencers, as they transition into new entrepreneurial roles. (Other creators are also seeking venture capital to advance careers and support peers.)

Parks emphasized that Slow prefers to team up with creators in well-defined niches rather than those in general entertainment, spotlighting individuals with engaged communities and expertise in their crafts. “This combination fosters businesses with solid foundations and sustainable growth,” Parks noted, drawing parallels to traditional evaluations of founders by investors.

Since securing the investment, Katz-Moses has onboarded product developers, filed for patents, and is exploring new product lines while planning to expand educational content on woodworking. “Our target is to distribute content across all major platforms,” he stated. “Nonetheless, our primary focus will always be on YouTube.”

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