Slow Ventures Invests $2 Million in Woodworking Creator Jonathan Katz-Moses
Jonathan Katz-Moses, a prominent woodworking influencer with nearly 600,000 followers and over 75 million video views, has secured a $2 million investment from slow Ventures’ Creator Fund. Beyond his thriving online presence, Katz-Moses has launched a specialized line of woodworking tools tailored to the needs of his dedicated community.
Empowering Creators Through Slow Ventures’ $60 Million Fund
This investment represents the first deal from Slow Ventures’ newly established $60 million Creator Fund. The fund aims to support creators in transforming their digital influence into lasting business ventures. It operates on the belief that authenticity,community engagement,and expertise-the very traits that fuel creators’ success-also equip them to become effective entrepreneurs.
The Shift from Content creation to business Ownership
Billy Parks,partner at Slow Ventures and lead investor in this round,highlights how the creator economy has evolved substantially over recent years.”Creators are no longer solely focused on media deals or brand sponsorships,” he explains. “They are increasingly building tangible businesses beyond social media platforms.” Parks points out that while many experienced rapid growth during the pandemic-driven surge in direct-to-consumer sales, those who have demonstrated resilience are those who have continued expanding their enterprises post-pandemic.
“Successful creator-founders focus on building enduring companies they control rather than chasing short-lived fame,” Parks emphasizes.
Jonathan Katz-Moses: Turning Adversity into Entrepreneurial Drive
Katz-Moses’ passion for woodworking was ignited following a traumatic event in 2010 when he survived a violent assault resulting in serious injuries including a fractured eye socket and multiple stitches. Instead of succumbing to despair, this experience inspired him with gratitude for life and motivated him to pursue work aligned with his true passions.
Soon after recovering, he invested in quality recording equipment and began sharing complete woodworking tutorials on YouTube. His content gradually attracted an engaged audience eager not only for expert guidance but also for high-quality tools designed by Katz-Moses himself. Navigating inventory management challenges and establishing steady revenue streams became key steps as he expanded beyond content creation into entrepreneurship.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Vision
Katz-Moses was chosen from more than 700 applicants seeking support through Slow’s Creator fund-a reflection of both his dedication and entrepreneurial potential. When Billy Parks approached him earlier this year about collaboration opportunities,Katz-Moses embraced the chance to scale further.
Parks recalls visiting Katz-Moses’ extensive workshop near santa Barbara: “We were struck by his commitment not just as an artisan but as someone intent on growing a lasting business.” This alignment with Slow’s mission-to invest early when capital can most effectively accelerate growth-was pivotal in cementing their partnership.
The Rise of venture Capital Interest Within the Creator Economy
This funding exemplifies broader trends where venture capital firms increasingly view creators as capable founders launching scalable companies grounded in niche expertise rather than broad entertainment appeal alone.Many influencers now seek startup-style funding options to professionalize operations or develop new product lines tailored specifically for their communities.
Parks stresses that ideal candidates combine deep domain authority with active audience engagement-key ingredients necessary for building resilient brands poised for long-term growth akin to conventional startups undergoing rigorous vetting processes.
Looking Ahead: Product Innovation & educational Expansion
As receiving investment capital, Katz-Moses has accelerated hiring efforts including product developers while filing patents related to innovative tool designs aimed at improving user experience among woodworkers globally. He plans expanded educational outreach across multiple platforms but remains primarily committed to YouTube due its strong connection with fans seeking hands-on learning resources within woodworking communities worldwide.
