Austin Technology Council

Last night ATC had a happy hour for our “Ambassadors” and our Board of Directors. Special thanks to Weaver for hosting the event. The ATC Ambassador Program was created to give special networking and community building opportunities for people in the companies who sponsor ATC events. We could never host events if it for the local TECH companies, law, firms, banks, credit unions, consultancies, accounting firms, PR firms, and others. So we created the Ambassadors so they could quarterly meet and establish better connections in the community. As we look to 2025 we will be seeking unique ways to celebrate the Ambassadors with special Roundtable lunches, happy hours, and maybe some special hands on event (open to ideas). Thanks to all the companies who sponsored ATC in 2024… We look forward to having one or more of your team members participate in the ambassador events next year! If your company is interested in sponsoring an ATC event… We have some great events coming up next year… And you get added to the ambassador program! Also, your tech company has a leader who would like to get some board experience… We are looking to expand the board in the new year

Next week is our last ATC in person event of 2024..... the November Roundtable Breakfast. Wednesday, November 13th 8:30-10:00 AM. "Lessons from Building a Sustainable People-Centric Company" will be hosted at the offices of Wise in the Domain. It will feature a great presentation by Isabel Naidoo - the Chief People Officer at Wise. If you have not yet been to an ATC in-person event in 2024....but have said "Oh, these look like good events, and I should go check it out"....Do it for this breakfast. Or.... who on your team do you always think needs to engage and network more in the Austin tech scene? ..... Send them to this breakfast. Special thanks to Wise for being the sponsor and host of this breakfast. ATC is working to provide a variety of events that will help our tech community via education, networking/community, and advocacy. We are a grassroots organization, which means we need YOU and YOUR COMPANY to show up and engage. We want this tech community to have a place where everyone is invited to attend and everyone's voice is welcome. Please help spread the word about our November breakfast. More info can always be found on the ATC website.

Get ready to dive into the latest episodes of the Austin Tech Connect podcast! If you haven’t tuned in yet, here’s what you’ve been missing: Two weeks ago- ▪ Taylor Capito, an incredible guest, shares insights into her company, GenRAIT, and the innovative work they’re doing. This conversation is a must for anyone looking to stay ahead in the tech space. Last week- ▪ The audio recording from the 2024 “C-Suite Summit and Industry Think Tank” panel is now live! Gain valuable perspectives on the current state of funding for small and midsize tech companies—an essential topic for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders alike. Thanks to the panel Linda Ginac (TalentGuard) , Andrew Cozewith (MUFG), Jenifer Smith (Latham & Watkins) , and Andrew Vogeley (Sapphire Ventures). Don’t miss out on these thought-provoking discussions. You can find Austin Tech Connect on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Start listening today and keep your finger on the pulse of Austin’s tech ecosystem! #austintech

Great recap by Laura Lorek - and an important conversation between two local tech leaders. The past, present, and future of Austin is always a worthy topic… as we did not get here by accident and we will not lead into the future without good people showing up, having conversations, and freely giving back to the community. Brett A. Hurt and Joshua Baer are right - “We’re living in the best age in Austin’s history”… and the secret to how Austin got to where it is today is via the culture of people being willing to support the community and lift others up. The growth and evolution of Austin’s tech ecosystem is one of the best stories ever told in the business world. And yes, the future of Austin is going to see many more changes (in the world of tech and the city itself… we are still in the early stages of our region’s evolution). Having our tech leaders convene and lift others up will continue to the the secret sauce!

The 2024 ATC “C-Suite Summit and Industry Think Tank” was a fantastic launch to “Austin Tech Week”! (There is a lot happening in Austin this week… Don’t miss it) With 100+ tech leaders gathered, the half-day event was a reminder of the strength and potential within Austin’s tech community. As we look toward the future, it’s clear that bringing civic-minded entrepreneurs together is vital for sustaining and growing Austin’s innovative ecosystem. A huge thank you to our keynote speakers, Razat Gaurav and John Nehme and our featured panel - Jenifer Smith , Linda Ginac , Andrew Vogeley and Andrew Cozewith - for sharing their insights. We’re also grateful to St. Edward’s University for hosting us in such a welcoming space. But the biggest thank you goes to all the participants—your ideas, energy, and commitment are what make this community exceptional. Austin’s brightest days ahead! The ATC needs your involvement and support. A connected community is the secret to our regions future! #AustinTech #austintechweek #ATC

Last chance to sign up for the ATC C-Suite Summit! 🚀 Austin’s tech ecosystem is stronger when leaders show up—and this event is all about coming together to envision the future. Join other tech company execs on October 28th (1-6 PM At St Edward’s University) for inspiring talks, roundtable discussions, and a bit of Austin flair. This isn’t just another conference; it’s where we plant the flag for what’s next. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something impactful and fun. Kick off Tech Week with ATC! #austintechweek #austintech

Great event this week hosted by our friends at Opportunity Austin. The A-List Awards are an annual celebration of our growing tech community. ATC was proud to support this event and to be at a “community partner” with OA and so many other of our local business organizations. Our business nonprofit support and promote each other the whole community wins! As we look to the best days of Austin tech being ahead of us … Now is the time for our tech leaders to come together and celebrate the past, be present NOW, and look to the future!!! (****Speaking of our tech community… Monday October 28th is the Austin Technology Council’s “C-Suite Summit”. 1;00-6;00 PM at St Edward’s University. As part of the Austin Tech ecosystem… It’s important that your tech company send one of your leaders to be part of this conversation as we look to the future. (More info at ATC website).*****)

Monday is the big day... the 2024 "C-Suite Summit and Industry Think Tank". Now is the time to make sure your company has one or more of your leadership team planning to attend. The event is on October 28th (Kicking off Austin Tech Week) from 1-6PM at St Edward's University (Ragsdale Ballroom). Agenda- Opening keynote: Razat Gaurav - CEO Planview Featured Panel on the "State of Funding for Small and Mid-Sized Tech Companies (with leaders from MUFG, Sapphire Ventures, Latham & Watkins, and TalentGuard) The "Industry Think Tank" (top rated part of last year's Summit) where leaders talk about the issues facing Austin. Closing Keynote: John Nehme - President & CEO Allies Against Slavery Then we cap off the day with a great Happy Hour. Sponsors: MUFG, Weaver, Pierpont, Precina, and St Edward's University. If your company want to be engaged in the conversation about the future of Austin, make sure you have your voice at the table. This event is for leaders in TECH COMPANIES and a few sponsors. As we look to the future of our tech ecosystem, ATC is seeking civic minded leaders who want to talk about how we go from here to our next phase in the world. Austin is poised for continued success....but to make it happen we need YOU.

Next week is the ATC "C-Suite Summit and Industry Think Tank" on Monday October 28th from 1-6 PM at St Edward's University. Make sure your tech company has at least one leader planning to attend this half day event. As we look to the future of Austin, we need our local leaders to convene and talk about the important issues facing Austin. You can sign up if you are in a leadership role of a tech company in Austin (homegrown company or multinational with an office here). And THANK YOU to our sponsors for this event: Pierpont MUFG Weaver St Edward's University Precina If it wasn't for local organizations that sponsors the business non-profits like ATC... we could never have the amazing events that take place in our tech ecosystem all year long. Every time you see a sponsor - be sure to tell them "WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU DO FOR OUR COMMUNITY". #AustinTech #AustinTechWeek #AustinTechnology

We have witnessed many changes over the past three decades. Yet, despite economic fluctuations, Austin's trajectory has consistently been "up and to the right."   This week, however, we heard from a few friends in our ATC family who experienced layoffs. Also, the news of Intel letting go of 250 employees in Austin, as reported yesterday by AustinInno, is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the tech industry. Over the past 10 months, several local companies have undergone similar cost-cutting measures.   But, there is still reason for optimism. The latest unemployment rate for our region stands at 3.5%, significantly lower than the national average of 4.1% in September 2024. With anything below 6% typically considered healthy, Austin’s tech sector continues to show resilience. While layoffs are never easy for those affected, history shows that our community bounces back quickly. We at ATC are confident that the future of Austin remains bright.   However, we cannot rest on our laurels. The competition is intensifying, and many more cities have created tech communities that are actively attracting bigger employers and startups. For nearly 20 years, Austin was the hottest alternative to the "Big Tech Cities," but many now see us as having become one of those established tech hubs. We must stay vigilant and aware of local, national, and international trends and focus on staying competitive.   The Austin Technology Council is committed to preserving our history, being present in the NOW, and actively shaping the future. I encourage tech leaders to get involved and join the conversation. A great opportunity to start is at the "C-Suite Summit and Industry Think Tank" on October 28th.    We need YOU to be part of our effort to keep Austin at the top. #Austin #AustinTech #Technology