Cam Houser

Background

Cam Houser holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His early career was rooted in product design and development, working as a mechanical engineer for various firms where he focused on creating physical consumer products and developing the processes to bring them to market.

Major Contributions

Houser is the founder of 3 Day Startup (3DS), a global non-profit organization with a methodology for launching real companies over an intensive three-day period. This program has been implemented at over 180 universities in 35 countries. He is also a co-founder of the Capital Factory, a prominent technology incubator and co-working space in Austin, Texas, which serves as a central hub for the state's startup ecosystem. His primary theoretical contribution is the formalization and scaling of the "3 Day Startup" program model, which provides a structured framework for experiential entrepreneurship education.

Impact on their Field

The 3 Day Startup program has directly impacted the field of entrepreneurship education by shifting it from a theoretical, classroom-based subject to a hands-on, experiential practice. Its methodology has been adopted by major academic institutions worldwide to cultivate practical skills and launch viable companies. By co-founding Capital Factory, Houser helped create a physical and programmatic center that significantly accelerated the growth and connectivity of the Texas startup community, providing essential mentorship, funding, and resources to countless early-stage companies.

Current Work/Relevance

Cam Houser remains the CEO of 3 Day Startup, continuing to oversee its global expansion and program development. He is an active mentor and advisor within the Capital Factory ecosystem and frequently speaks at universities and conferences on topics of experiential learning and startup acceleration. His work remains highly relevant as educational and governmental institutions increasingly seek effective, hands-on models to teach entrepreneurship and stimulate economic development through innovation.

Cam Houser is an entrepreneur and educator best known as the co-founder of 3 Day Startup, a global non-profit organization. His background is rooted in a passion for teaching practical business skills, moving from a career in consulting to focusing on experiential education. Houser’s mission has always been to demystify the process of starting a company, making it accessible to students and aspiring founders everywhere.

Why they matter

Houser’s key achievement is creating a powerful educational model that has launched real companies and impacted thousands of lives. The 3 Day Startup program condenses the chaotic early stages of a startup into an intense, hands-on 72-hour experience. Under his leadership, the program has expanded to over 175 universities across 35 countries, fostering a new generation of innovators and creating a tangible pipeline from the classroom to the business world.

What they’re known for

Cam Houser is almost exclusively known for his work with 3 Day Startup. This program is his popular and defining work.

It teaches participants how to validate ideas, build prototypes, and pitch to real investors.

It has been implemented at prestigious institutions like MIT, Harvard, and UT Austin.

The program’s success stories include numerous ventures that have gone on to secure significant funding and market traction.

Houser is recognized as a leading voice in pragmatic entrepreneurship education, championing learning by doing.