Slow Ventures’ Creator Fund has invested $2 million into Jonathan Katz-Moses, a popular woodworking content creator with around 600,000 followers, nearly 75 million video views, and his own line of woodworking tools. This marks the first investment for Slow’s $60 million Creator Fund since its launch in February.
The fund aims to help creators launch businesses, under the belief that the qualities that made them successful influencers can also make them strong founders. Speaking to TechCrunch, Slow Ventures partner Billy Parks, the lead investor on the deal, explained that the role of creators has significantly evolved over the past decade. Creators are no longer solely focused on media and brand deals but are now building real, off-platform businesses.
“The pandemic accelerated direct-to-consumer growth for many,” Parks said. “But the real signal is in those who have maintained and grown beyond that boom, proving they can build something lasting and sustainable.” He emphasized that a strong creator-founder thinks like an entrepreneur, prioritizing business ownership and control over chasing fame.
Katz-Moses fits this vision perfectly. His woodworking tutorial videos have expanded into selling tools and accessories to his audience. He now has a team handling business development, operations, and YouTube content creation. Slow’s investment will support his business growth and content expansion.
Katz-Moses turned to woodworking after a life-changing event in 2010, when he was violently assaulted. In a recent video, he recounted waking up in a pool of blood, surrounded by police and paramedics, with severe injuries including a broken eye socket and gashes requiring 80 stitches. Despite the trauma, he called it the happiest moment of his life because he survived. Shortly after, he pursued woodworking, leaving behind unfulfilling work to chase his passion.
He bought a camera and began posting his creations on YouTube, building a loyal following. As his business grew, he faced typical founder challenges, such as inventory management and securing a stable salary.
Katz-Moses was one of 700 applicants to Slow’s Creator Fund. He described the excitement when Parks reached out to learn more about his business. “Billy Parks from Slow contacted me in March to set up a meeting,” Katz-Moses said.
Parks was impressed by Katz-Moses’ dedication. “When we visited his 30,000-square-foot shop in Santa Barbara, we were blown away by his serious, long-term commitment to building a scalable brand,” Parks explained.
Slow aims to partner with creators early in their journeys to provide impactful support. The firm has already made deals with other creators outside this fund, reflecting a broader trend of investors backing the creator economy.
Parks noted that Slow seeks creators operating in well-defined niches with engaged communities and expertise in their craft. “That combination leads to businesses with strong foundations and durable growth,” he said, comparing the vetting process to traditional founder evaluations.
Since the investment, Katz-Moses has expanded his team, filed patent applications, and explored new product development. He also plans to increase educational woodworking content. “The goal is to post across all major platforms,” he said, “but YouTube will always remain our primary focus.”