Austin Next

In honor of the The Board Walks' 100th walk this past weekend, we are rereleasing our episode with Board Walks Founder Elle Beecher.Episode Originally Aired September 12, 2023----------------------Fostering connectivity within an innovation ecosystem is crucial for its ongoing vitality and growth. Often revolutionary concepts emerge from the most unforeseen origins. My guest, Elle Beecher, founded The Board Walks, where community and innovation unite through a simple yet powerful concept—a five-mile walk. In this episode, we explore this social experiment, examine how these walks serve as catalysts for creative collisions, and bring back the intellectual dynamism of Paris in the ‘20s. Episode HighlightsDrawing inspiration from the 1920s Parisian cafe culture, Elle crafted The Board Walks to ignite creative collisions in Austin, offering a fresh, organic approach to networking.Curiosity stands at the heart of Elle's vision; she champions the idea that bringing together inquisitive minds sparks deeper, more meaningful dialogues.Though spontaneous in nature, The Board Walks are intentionally designed with playbooks and guidelines to foster genuine connections and fruitful discussions.Overheard dialogues during the walks resonate with Austin's innovative aura, reminiscent of Paul Graham's "eavesdropping quality" notion from his 2008 Cities essay.The walks serve as a platform for attendees to not only build professional relationships but also to delve into personal narratives and aspirations.Given its success in Austin, Elle envisions taking The Board Walks to other cities, like San Francisco, while ensuring the preservation of its foundational values and communal essence.What’s next Austin? “More creative collisions that will bring about Paris in the 20s energy.”“Cities and Ambition” by Paul GrahamElle Beecher: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, InstagramThe Board Walks: Website, X/Twitter, Instagram -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The future of defense and warfare has always been linked to technological change, from the discovery of fire to the Bronze Age to the Nuclear Age to now the AI Age. My guest today is Charlie Burgoyne, Founder and CEO of both Valkyrie and their newest spinout Andromeda, who joins me to discuss the future of warfare going forward. But we don't stop there as we explore every rabbit hole in search of Truth. Andromeda synthesizes large volumes of information quickly and accurately, helping users understand the interconnected context to make informed decisions.Pop culture and media narratives of innovation, from Terminator to Data to Her to Oppenheimer, shape how the public views, embraces, or fears technological waves.History has shown that industry and defense have always been intertwined, with modern tech entrepreneurs playing roles similar to industrialists of the past in advancing defense capabilities.Probabilistic thinking is essential in defense decision-making, especially where high levels of computation can easily mask high levels of uncertainties.What's Next Austin"I think that we're going to see a big push to support the intelligence community the way we've seen a big push to support the defense community. I think that an equivalent to AFC is coming on the intelligence side."Accountability in Age of LLMS at SXSW by Charlie BurgoyneValkyrie: Website, Facebook, InstagramAndromeda: Website -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The only constant in Austin seems to be change. Whether that be the people moving here, the buildings defining our skyline, or the startups being founded and funded. Today, my guest is Krishna Srinivasan, founding Partner of LiveOak Ventures. We will explore what it means to invest in Texas startups yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Episode HighlightsThe need for early-stage venture capital in Texas led to the founding of LiveOak Ventures, which has a multi-segment approach focused on Texas-based entrepreneurs.Krishna identifies three types of founders now in Austin: experienced local entrepreneurs, successful founders from other markets relocating to Austin, and new residents inspired by the city's quality of life to start businesses here.Despite significant progress in startup formation and mid-level scaling, Austin faces gaps in experienced talent for managing large-scale, nine-figure+ companies and in securing substantial late stage venture capital.What's Next Austin?"Tremendous areas of promise and excitement where Austin takes all these newfound riches, when I say riches, newfound talent and with its traditional strengths and vertical markets to go to the next wave of and continuing this amazing wave of new company formation, growth, and scaling."Krishna Srinivasan: LinkedInLiveOak Ventures: Website, X/Twitter, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this episode, recorded at the Austin Data Science Salon, I sit down with Cheryl Sew Hoy, CEO and Founder of Tiny Health. Tiny Health is a pioneer in gut microbiome testing, providing critical health insights for moms and babies during the first 1,000 days. We dive into the current buzz around AI and machine learning, discussing the tailwinds and challenges founders face when raising venture capital. Cheryl shares her journey and insights, highlighting what VCs are looking for in today's dynamic environment.Cheryl Sew Hoy: X/Twitter, LinkedInTiny Health: Website, X/Twitter, LinkedInData Science Salon: Website, X/Twitter, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

How does a nonprofit innovate and scale its mission? Joining me today is Alice Pomponio, Managing Director of BrightEdge, the venture arm of the American Cancer Society, to discuss the intersection of venture capital and nonprofit work. Is this approach a unique case, or part of a new wave of strategies catalyzing the defeat of cancer and other societal challenges?Episode HighlightsBrightEdge, the innovation and venture capital arm of the American Cancer Society (ACS), aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical application, creating a new funding source for the nonprofit.ACS has allocated over $5 billion to 25,000 researchers and 50 Nobel laureates, significantly influencing global cancer research.Capitalizing on the ACS’s extensive partnership network and volume of grants, BrightEdge enhances its deal flow and supports innovative cancer care solutions, ranging from therapeutics to care delivery.The newly announced Texas Accelerator by ACS highlights the strategic importance of the region in advancing national cancer research efforts, leveraging local capabilities, and enhancing ACS's impact through innovative cancer care approaches.What's Next?"Bright Edge is investing in innovation for impact. So we are really excited about reporting on our impact performance. We're excited about the accelerators taking flight and we're excited about building community"Alice Pomponio: LinkedIn, X/TwitterBrightEdge: Website, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

I am diving back into the quantum realm where the stakes are high and the potential for innovation is even higher. Joining me is Scott Faris, a seasoned expert in the field, to unravel the complexities and opportunities of quantum technology. We explore how this revolutionary tech is shaping the future of global industries and national security, and why Austin is at the forefront of this next wave.Episode HighlightsAmidst escalating geopolitical tensions, the US, China, and other nations are racing to define the future, positioning quantum technology as a critical battleground where securing a first-mover advantage may determine long-term global dominance.Quantum technology leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to manipulate atomic and subatomic particles, unlocking new levels of precision.Even while quantum computing is still in development, quantum technology enhances capabilities in sensing, timing, and communications, setting new standards for accuracy and speed.Austin is poised as a key player in quantum technology, bolstered by its history with semiconductor manufacturing, a deep tech industry presence, and an ecosystem that efficiently supports scaling complex technologies.What's Next, Austin?"I think next Austin, everyone says this, everyone wants to be this. It is the epicenter of the technology industry in the United States in my view. It is what Silicon Valley once was and priced its way out of and politicized its way out of it. You need that as an economic engine for this country to be successful...Austin has all the right ingredients to exist at that scale. It's scale of creative, it's scale of industrial, it's scale of capital."Scott Faris: LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

As we enter the Bio Century, AI innovations are becoming pivotal in shaping the future of biology and medicine. In this episode, I am joined by Micha Breakstone, the founder and CEO of Somite.ai, who is at the forefront of integrating AI with stem cell biology. Together, we explore the intersection of AI and health, its history, and its impact on startups and enterprises alike.Episode HighlightsAI innovations are transforming biology and medicine, paving the way for revolutionary advances in disease understanding, diagnostics, and treatments.Somite.ai, aiming to be the OpenAI for stem cells, is developing a platform to map cell trajectories and guide pluripotent stem cells to become targeted cells for therapeutic use.AlphaFold's understanding of protein folding represented a major breakthrough, deepening our scientific understanding and serving as a clear example of AI’s potential impact on biology. The evolving landscape is creating tension between traditional asset-focused strategies and AI-driven platform business models, prompting questions about where the true value of these companies lies.What's Next, Austin?"I would absolutely love to see Austin become a force of nature in moving innovation forward."Micha Breakstone: LinkedIn, X/TwitterSomite.AI: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In the midst of the streaming wars, a battle rages over the future of how we watch and interact with media. Joining me is Blake Sabatinelli, CEO of Atmosphere, to navigate the changes in consumer expectations, the future of the industry, and how Austin is quietly becoming a real player.Episode HighlightsAtmosphere is designed to enhance communal environments with curated content intended to replace muted TV, currently reaching 137 million people monthly across 65,000 businesses.The streaming industry is currently navigating an 'era of churn,' with likely consolidation ahead to enhance profitability and user experience, while Netflix remains well-positioned to thrive in this era through its expansive content library.Roku's move to Austin, the building of new of film studios, and companies like Atmosphere's innovating in the space exemplify the region's growth as a media hub, at the intersection of creativity and technological advancement. What's Next Austin?"I believe fundamentally that within the next 10 years, Austin will become a hub for creative use of AI. The companies that help drive it and the creatives that are around it, I think that will spur another revolution in this city."Blake Sabatinelli: LinkedIn, X/Twitter Atmosphere: Website, Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

What makes innovation ecosystems thrive and can the learnings of one hub be applied to another? Today I am joined by Isaiah Taylor, a founder building in the Gundo, and John Coogan, who has done his own deep dive on the hub, to discuss all things Gundo. We explore its rise, what makes the region unique, its future, and the first principles that other hubs should be thinking about.Episode HighlightsStretching from Santa Monica to Long Beach and encompassing more than just El Segundo, the Gundo stands out as a broad hub for aerospace, defense, and hard tech, where a "small town Americana" vibe thrives.The Gundo attracts companies and individuals focused on solving complex challenges with atoms, not just bits, embodying a hardcore ethos that underscores a commitment to ambitious tech innovation.With its recent viral fame, the Gundo now faces the challenge of maintaining its innovation ethos amidst the pressures of increased visibility and expectations.Key lessons that can be brought to other regional ecosystems include the importance of not being apologetic about their core strengths and ambitions, coupled with the impactful role of strong personalities.What's Next?John Coogan "Startups were like in chaos...And in the midst of all that, there's like this small group of like five or so guys that are just like, we're going to go a very different direction. We're going to go off and do this thing. And, and it was like, so counter cultural that it, everyone just fell in love with it. Everyone just loves it online."Isaiah Taylor "I think what's next for the Gundo is we each have a company here has a lot of unbelievably ambitious things to pull off and we have to work extremely hard on it...here's a lot of people thinking about us the Gundo is the spot. And I think probably what's next for the the people who are here is making sure that people don't get overheated with it."Gundo Deep Dive by John CooganIsaiah Taylor: LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Valar Atomics, Why HydrocarbonsJohn Coogan: LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Website, YouTube -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

E-commerce is reshaping how we do business, but where do we stand four years after lockdowns pushed everything online? I'm joined by Roei Yellin, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of 8fig, to dissect the current state of the industry. We'll explore whether we've returned to previous trends, settled into a new normal, the impact of Chinese competitors, and of course everyone’s favorite buzzword, AI.Episode Highlights8fig is a growth platform that combines financial planning and direct financing, uniquely supporting e-commerce sellers in areas where traditional bank lending falls short.Despite a transient spike during the pandemic, the e-commerce industry has resumed its steady, long-term growth, reflecting an increasingly digital consumer base.The maturing e-commerce market is raising barriers to entry and increasing competition, necessitating strategic and efficient business operations.The emergence of Chinese e-commerce platforms is introducing new competitive dynamics, with consumers becoming increasingly comfortable ordering products from these platforms.What's Next Austin?"So the reason we came and we built the office in Austin was because it's a very strong hub for e-commerce sellers...Austin is also becoming a hub for the creative space. So online creators, podcasters, YouTube creators, Instagram influencers are all coming to Austin together. I think there will be a very interesting mix between the two"Roei Yellin: LinkedIn8fig: Website, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

How we live, work, and innovate is changing, transforming not only our interactions within cities but also how regions interact with each other. In this episode, we welcome back Richard Florida to explore his concept of the Meta City. We discuss and dissect how the physical and digital relationships between regions are rooted in historical connections and the emerging ecosystem models of today.Episode HighlightsThe Meta City represents an evolution of the spatial division of labor, expanding beyond urban/suburban distinctions to digitally connect distant cities with unique economic specializations into a global network.Informed by LinkedIn data on skilled professionals' mobility, the Meta City concept was born out of an attempt to understand remote work's impact and instead uncovered new linkages that redefine the connections between cities.The relationship between Austin-Silicon Valley, Miami-New York, and Nashville-Los Angeles exemplifies these interconnected ecosystems, where talent and innovation flow is not only a result of their historical and cultural ties but also significantly enhanced in the digital connectivity era of the Meta City.What's Next Austin?"Linking innovation, university research, high-tech ecosystems, startup ecosystems with popular culture innovation, and music, and all lifestyle, and not only music but outdoor recreation, all the things I like with now a production component. So it's kind of a more full-fledged model. So I like that. You know, I think what next for Austin, just keep doing what you're doing."The Rise of the Meta CityRichard Florida: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

As we navigate the tumultuous currents of the startup world, we're thrilled to welcome back Peter Walker, Carta’s Head of Insights. He comes with a treasure trove of data shedding light on the twists and turns of 2023 and what may lie ahead in 2024. We see the impact on the national level, from pre-seed to late stage, and how it is affecting founders and funders from Austin to Silicon Valley.Episode HighlightsDespite talks about 2023 being the worst year in a decade for startup fundraising, the reality was more about the severe whiplash being felt from the highs of 2021/2022, as significant capital was still being deployed.With the high number of bridge rounds and the leveling off of capital raised, questions remained about whether the market has hit bottom or if there are still less viable startups to churn through.Amidst the flight to quality, startups are increasingly striving for runway and self-sufficiency, whether with new AI tools, creative hiring, or greater efficiency.Austin was ranked as the number five market for total capital raised and performed well across a variety of industries, demonstrating a broad-based ecosystem that sets it apart from other growing ecosystems.What's Next Austin?"Is the difference between Austin and, LA, New York, Boston, San Francisco, merely a question of scale? What percentage of people who have a lot of disposable income take some of that and put it into startups? Maybe that's the scale. That's like the next part up. And candidly, I think Austin could probably surpass places like LA in that without too much difficulty over the next three or five years."Startups & Statistics: Analyzing 2023's Story & Anticipating 2024 SlidesPeter Walker: LinkedIn, Twitter, The Data Minute NewsletterCarta: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

How does innovation show up at SXSW? Is it all carefully crafted, or the result of spontaneous interactions among artists, musicians, technologists, and more? That is the key question that we dive into with Monica Sack and Chris Valentine, key organizers of the festival. We break down specific programs like Pitch and the Innovation Awards, explore how the conference fosters serendipity, and discuss how the spirit of Austin is always present. Episode HighlightsSXSW facilitates creative collisions by bringing together diverse industries and encouraging attendees to explore content outside their daily work.SXSW's Pitch Competitions and Innovation Awards highlight innovators from startups to established firms, showcasing groundbreaking ideas and helping create over $20B in company value.Austin's influence is reflected in the content, with health topics booming post-Dell Med School launch and transportation themes possibly paving the way for Tesla's arrival.What's Next Austin?Monica: A renaissance of the food space...Austin's going to be the place where it gets to redefine the food experience.Chris: Austin is a city that is continually changing and evolving, but in an exciting way. I feel like that we're one of the most, probably one of the best cities in the world to live, to work, to play in and I feel like we're kind of ahead of the curve. Monica Sack: LinkedInChris Valentine: LinkedIn, X/TwitterSXSW: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Is an entrepreneur a high-status position or are true innovators actually counter-cultural icons? This intriguing question forms the heart of my conversation with Tyler Norwood, Managing Partner at Antler. We discuss the role and impact of accelerators, the shift towards physical verticals and its implications for regional ecosystems, and the defining moments that shape generations of builders.Episode HighlightsAntler's accelerator model is an eight-week, intensive evaluation program for founders, focusing on practical assessments over traditional business planning, culminating in a potential investment.True disruptive innovation is inherently countercultural as it challenges established norms and appeals to those intrinsically motivated rather than by external status.The Texas corridor's continued rise as global economic powerhouse is driven by the innovation surge in physical domains like energy, semiconductors, and space exploration.The stagnation in productivity over the last 50 years may be attributed to the absence of 'frontier moments' that ignite public imagination, emphasizing the crucial role of inspiration in driving progress.Ambitious projects like space exploration not only achieve technological feats but also inspire future generations, while conversely, those who don't witness such achievements may doubt the possibility of innovation.What's Next Austin?In the next five to 10 years, Austin is going to have a surprising amount of really large, very successful, very innovative companies sprout up here.Tyler Norwood: LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Podcasts - Early Days, The DealAntler: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter (Global), X/Twitter (US), -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The next phase of AI's evolution focuses on its convergence with the real world and the built environment, a key theme in my discussion with Amir Husain, Founder and CEO of SparkCognition. We explore the intersection of digital bits and physical atoms, examining the implications and challenges of creating solutions in this space, the progression of AI hardware, and Austin's potential as a hub for autonomy.Episode HighlightsSparkCognition aims to develop an AI-powered operating system for the global $100 trillion existing infrastructure and the upcoming $100 trillion.The unpredictability and rarity of real-world events, such as machinery failures, introduce unique complexities in applying AI to physical systems, necessitating innovative approaches to data and modeling.Crucial for effective interaction with the physical world, multimodal AI integrates varied data types, such as temperature, vibration, and vision, thereby enhancing real-world applications.Edge AI is essential for real-time, autonomous decision-making, embedded locally within hardware, especially in high-stakes scenarios like defense and aviation, where cloud access is often unreliable or unavailable.What's Next Austin?“I would like Austin to be the birthplace…within which this new type of technology is formed, where systems that can take care of themselves, that are entirely self-contained, that can run on their own, optimize themselves, resolve issues within themselves to the maximum degree possible, can become the new infrastructure of this planet. And if that is a gift that Austin can give to the world, it would be one of the greatest gifts ever.”Amir Husain: Website, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Generative AI for Leaders SparkCognition: Website, X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

We shift focus from the broad, macro-level implications of AI to its tangible effects on the ground, as Austin increasingly becomes a hub for educational innovation. Joining me are Principal Keith Moore of Austin's Campbell Elementary and Jules Beesley from Creative Action. We discuss their efforts in bringing AI and other cutting-edge technologies to their scholars, emphasizing the importance of providing access to these tools and technologies for students today and their impact on our future.Episode HighlightsThe goal of integrating AI in early education is to create access and provide opportunities for learning and exploring new technologies.They strive to integrate the latest tools, keeping pace with their rapid evolution while ensuring effective learning experiences for students​​.Demonstrating endless imagination, 4th graders created audio-visual poems combining their written and spoken words with striking images, while 5th graders produced science shows, integrating curriculum topics with personal creativity​​.Austin's education market is increasingly becoming a hub for experimentation, characterized by the emergence of creative groups, unique partnerships, and new schools/universities, all offering diverse paradigms in education and technology.What's Next Austin?Principal Moore: Greater opportunities for scholars, through increasing the use of technology, in these wonderful ways, to connect core curriculum to the arts.Mr. Beesley: How can we use these tools to tell stories, to use our imaginations, as well as explore issues of how we create.Campbell Elementary School: Website, InstagramCreative Action -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by Byron Reese, author of 'We are Agora,' and Brett Hurt, serial entrepreneur, to explore the intersections of superorganisms, technology, and human potential. The ideas presented in Byron's book, serve as a springboard to discuss how evolving technologies shape our future and the unfolding narrative of humanity.Episode HighlightsByron new book "We are Agora" explores superorganisms, drawing parallels between natural examples like beehives and emergent entities from human activity.The concept of Agora is debated in relation to Adam Smith's invisible hand, free will, and human evolution, highlighting both the areas of convergence and divergence.Human knowledge progression is traced from DNA to language to writing to the printing press to the internet, and now AI, each phase enhancing our ability to build upon previous knowledge.The role of individual kindness and positive human actions is emphasized as crucial in sustaining and advancing the societal superorganism.What’s Next?Byron: “We will spread to a billion planets, and we'll populate each of them with a billion people. and each of those billion people will be empowered to live their best possible life… Every Da Vinci will paint their Mona Lisa. Every Marie Curie would make her discoveries. Everybody would be empowered to achieve the most that they could they could”Brett: “Along the way of shooting high like, whether it's colonizing other planets, where it's inventing AGI, whether it's merging with the machines, whatever it is, we will invent so many things that are so bewilderingly great and make humanity better than ever before. That's our natural destiny”The 4 Billion-Year History of AI’s Large Language Models by Byron Reese & Brett HurtWe are Agora by Byron ReeseByron Reese: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter Brett Hurt: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, data.world -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The impetus for this episode was a recent viral tweet stating that "Austin desperately needs another real pre-seed fund." This sparked fierce debate around the health and scalability of Austin's earliest-stage investing landscape. Looking to settle the controversy, I interviewed two Austin-based VCs laser-focused on pre-seed and seed - Avalanche VC's Katelyn Donnelly and Clutch VC's Rajiv Bala. We discuss how we define the stages, the evolution of the Austin market, and what trends they saw this year and heading into next.Episode HighlightsAvalanche VC invests in the first institutional round of companies transforming how people learn, earn, and own. Their focus areas include edtech, future of work, SaaS for small businesses, and companies related to home ownership or data ownership.Clutch VC is a pre-seed and seed stage fund focused on Texas B2B software businesses. They aim to be the first institutional money in, participating in angel rounds up to $2 million pre-seed rounds.The pre-seed round definition is usually less than $2 million raised, no revenue or early revenue/pilots. Seed rounds are around $3-5 million raised with $500k-$1.5 million ARR.There is a lack of dedicated, local pre-seed funds in Austin compared to ecosystems like Seattle. More diverse early-stage managers are needed in Austin to cover the variety of companies starting up.Katelyn observes a variety of small firms and solo GPs in Austin with vertical focuses, contrasting this with more generalist early-stage funds in other regions.Rajiv provides a historical perspective on venture capital in Texas, highlighting the evolution from telecom and semiconductor to software and the shift of VC focus to Austin post-dot-com crash.What’s next Austin?Rajiv: “I am just so excited about the opportunity set of the companies that are going to be built here in the next decade. I think the next $10 billion, $100 billion company is going to come out of Austin.”Katelyn: “I've been using the word ‘Austin's Scenius which is a combination of ‘genius’ plus ‘scene.’ I just feel this momentum of this collective genius in Austin, which is mixing and percolating and coming together for maker weekends and building things and trying things out. I think there's going to be amazing companies that are coming out of Austin, and they will be started next year and the year after that.”Katelyn Donnelly: Linktree, LinkedIn, X/TwitterAvalanche VC: Website, LinkedIn, X/TwitterRajiv Bala: LinkedIn, X/TwitterClutch VC: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

As Austin continues to attract leading tech players and establish itself as a magnet for innovation, the role of new entrants becomes increasingly pivotal in shaping its future. In this episode, I talk with Kevin Parakkattu, Partner at Plug and Play, to explore their distinct approach to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. We cover a range of topics including the effects of their strategies on local markets, why Austin’s manufacturing, bio/health, and aerospace/defense sectors are key focus areas, and the broader implications for tech development and regional innovation.Episode HighlightsPlug and Play's unique model combines physical space, corporate innovation, and venture capital to foster startup growth and ecosystem development.Evolving from real estate to venture capital with early stakes in Google and PayPal, Plug and Play has now accelerated over 2,500 startups worldwide, including more than 35 unicorns.Shortly after initiating their program in Alberta, their presence has already prompted notable local shifts, with three cohort companies relocating and four establishing second headquarters.Austin's corporate growth, increasing number of unicorns, and tech promise were decisive in its selection as a new Plug and Play hub, with an emphasis on the region's emerging strengths in advanced manufacturing, bio/health, and aerospace/defense sectors.Locating Plug and Play in Cedar Park, outside the central core of Austin, mirrors the region's evolution into a multi-hub area. This choice aligns with the needs of specific industries, as exemplified by the practicality of "You can’t build a rocket downtown."As Austin's innovation landscape rapidly evolves, there's a growing focus on merging new ideas from recent transplants with local expertise, balancing the infusion of fresh attitudes while preserving the region's unique character.What’s next Austin? “Plug and Play in Cedar Park, where we will become the innovation hub of the region.” Kevin Parakkattu: LinkedIn, X/TwitterPlug and Play: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

An update since our original episode aired on May 9, 2023: The University of Austin is now accepting applications for their first undergraduate class starting fall 2024. To mark this milestone, we are resharing our interview with founding president Panos Kanelos. The University of Austin is a new and promising institution set to open its doors to full time students in just over a year. The university is the brainchild of a few individuals who believe that an institution based on a new model is necessary. The school is committed to freedom of inquiry, a core tenet of any great university, that allows for the pursuit of truth. Today’s guest is the founding president, Pano Kanelos, a distinguished academic that had a successful tenure at St. John's College. We discuss the university's mission, building new institutions, and how they fit within Austin’s education and innovation ecosystems.Episode HighlightsThe University of Austin aims to become a new center for innovation and academic freedom in the city.UATX aspires to become the "Stanford to Berkeley" for Austin, complementing the University of Texas.By working closely with industry leaders, the university seeks to co-develop programs, offer internships, and provide support for student-led projects.The Polaris Project emphasizes real-world application and impact on pressing global problems, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among students.They want to inspire new institutions around the world by proving that it’s possible to build a new university todayWhat’s next Austin? “A dozen years from now, there is a thriving campus in the Austin area that is attracting scholars, practitioners, and young people from across the country and across the world who are building things that we haven't yet dreamed of.”University of Austin: Website, Undergraduate Application, X/Twitter, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Roy Spence is the co-founder and chairman of GSD&M, an Austin-based advertising agency. With his significant background in the advertising industry, Roy and his team have played a pivotal role in shaping Austin's reputation as a city of ideas and innovation. Roy is also the founder of Make It Movement, a non-profit organization that helps young people discover their own purpose. In this episode, we will delve into Roy's journey as a business leader and advertising pioneer, exploring the early days of GSD&M, how he navigated the challenges of preserving the core values and purpose of Austin, the role of large events in shaping Austin's narrative, and his vision for the future of Austin. The episode will also shed light on Roy's thoughts on the intersection of purpose, values, and business.Original episode aired January 17, 2023Episode HighlightsThe fundamental challenge that Austin faces with our hypergrowth is navigating the tension between persevering the core and stimulating progressThe original GSD&M Plan - Stay together; Stay in Austin; Make a difference; & Get RichAustin will continue punching above our weight if we evolve from not just a city of innovation, but to city of new ideas.The Make It Movement is about letting young people discover what they could become great at and let them start learning to become great. Whether it's a lawyer or whether it's a welder.What's next Austin - "We got to rediscover what made us. I think Austin should do a citywide purpose project"Roy Spence GSD&M: Website, LinkedIn, X/TwitterMake It Movement: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, YouTube -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Today I explore how AI is reshaping learning and challenging traditional expertise. Through my own experiences with my 10-year-old son, we'll look at the potential of AI as a new educational frontier. Don't miss this intimate journey into the transformative impact of technology on the next generation.Episode HighlightsAs new technology empowers not just a new wave of entrepreneurs, it is also challenging traditional expertise, and raising questions about the role of AI in shaping the next generation.With AI, a 10-year-old navigates vocabulary lessons, receives a tailored educational thought partner with ChatGPT, and explores startup dynamics through a bespoke interactive game.AI's role in education foretells democratized access to knowledge and a potential overturning of the traditional teaching paradigmWhat’s Next? “Whether it be the “Non Creative Creative Class”, the “Non Scientist Researcher”, the AI natives or as my son is starting to call us the ChatGPTers, this quickly approaching new era is going to be powered by those who are fearless, curious, and ready to explore.”The Tech Tipping point w/Whurley & Brett HurtDecentralized Science and the Future of DiscoveryHow AI & Automation are Creating a New Wave of Entrepreneurs w/ Sameer Gulati -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this special solo episode, I dive into what makes Austin not just another 'Silicon Something' and about how we can transform into a generational ecosystem. After defining our region’s superpowers, I introduce a new mental model that synthesizes Austin's eclectic influences, from bleeding-edge technology to advanced manufacturing to the intellectual and creative spheres. All of this puts us on path to offer a promising vision for What’s Next Austin.Episode HighlightsAs cities worldwide strive to become the next Silicon Valley, adopting monikers like "Silicon Hills" in Austin, the real key to becoming a superstar innovation hub lies in leveraging unique local "superpowers" and assets.Among Austin's 'superpowers' are its ability to invent and then deploy groundbreaking technologies locally, such as 3D-printed neighborhoods, and to radiate a 'cool factor' via iconic events like SXSW and brands like Yeti, as well as excelling in physical innovations like electric vehicles, advanced semiconductors, and rockets.In stark contrast to more hierarchical ecosystems that resemble an 'onion,' Austin's open networks and culture of collaboration make room for creative collisions, fostering a dynamic and accessible environment.A new framework is introduced that positions Austin as a unique blend of Silicon Valley's technological prowess, 1950s Detroit's manufacturing ingenuity, and 1920s Paris's intellectual and creative richness.What's Next Austin? "In the longer term, our focus should be on increasing the density of founders, funders, and innovators within our region. Just like in ancient Athens or Renaissance Florence, I want to bump into the next Socrates or Da Vinci as I take a walk through Austin."📘Zero to One by Peter Thiel 📘Startup Communities by Brad Feld 🎙️The Cities that Shaped Us w/Chelsea Follett 📘Centers of Progress by Chelsea Follett 🎙️There’s Always an Us in Austin w/Roy Spence 🎙️ Catalyzing Innovation in Austin w/Kaitlyn DeBernardo & Aaron Perman 🎙️The Future of Innovation: Austin and the New Creative Class w/Richard Florida 📘Rise of the Creative Class by Richard Florida 🎙️Can A Simple Walk Revolutionize Networking w/Elle Beecher -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this live episode from the Texas Venture Crawl, I'm joined by Kaitlyn DeBernardo of Next Coast Ventures and Aaron Perman of S3 Ventures to delve into Austin's entrepreneurial landscape. We unpack the shifts in venture capital operating models, the essential role of community in innovation, as well as the forces that both fuel and challenge Austin's ongoing growth.Episode HighlightsNext Coast Ventures is an early-stage generalist venture firm in Austin with $500 million under management focused mainly on Series A, but will invest in Seed and Series B. S3 Ventures is an Austin-based venture capital firm with $900 million under management, investing in B2B software, consumer digital experiences, and healthcare tech at Seed, Series A, and Series B.The ubiquity of AI tools like Co-Pilots and ChatGPT allow companies to build faster than before making true technical innovation and product moats even more vital.The VC platform role has grown to provide hands-on support to portfolio companies beyond just capital, especially for early-stage firms. Support spans talent, marketing, operations, and expertise like finance.Venture capitalists are catalyzing long-term ecosystem growth by offering mentorship, making key introductions, and providing strategic advice to startups and founders, irrespective of their investment relationship. This broader engagement enriches the ecosystem creating a pipeline of future opportunities.What’s next Austin?Aaron - “I think growth and scale…we're one of the few markets that hasn't seen a drop off. I really do feel like the gains Austin has made have been pretty well cemented, and it's almost given us a whole other foundation to go build on for the next decade.Kaitlyn - “I'm super excited about all things digital health right now—the addition of Dell Medical School, recent edition of new labs in town…the backdrop, the talent. I think there's going to be a real kind of step change in some digital health companies coming out of Austin.”Aaron Perman: LinkedIn, S3 Ventures: Website, LinkedIn, X/TwitterKaitlyn DeBernardo: LinkedIn, Next Coast Ventures: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter The Power of Platform: How VC Platform Teams Contribute to Outsized Fund Returns -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In today's rapidly evolving entrepreneurial landscape, technology is the great equalizer, opening new avenues for innovation and challenging traditional notions of business scalability. We sit down with Sameer Gulati, CPO at ZenBusiness, to explore how the company is empowering startups on their business journey. We examine the impact of recent innovations on the entrepreneurial environment and delve into the rapid shifts in competition and remote work.Episode HighlightsTechnology is having a transformative impact on the entrepreneurial landscape, enabling a new wave of business ventures through accessible tech stacks and digital tools like Generative AI.ZenBusiness positions itself as the K-12 level for early-stage businesses, offering specialized tools and services that guide startups through their formative years until they're ready for more specialized software.The rise of platforms like ZenBusiness raises questions about the changing dynamics of small business scalability and regional competition.The concept of a '1-button company' could revolutionize not just the startup phase but the entire lifecycle of running a business.In a compelling example of eating their own dog food, ZenBusiness encourages team members to launch side hustles, serving as a real-world testbed for the company’s product offerings. Despite having a majority of their workforce based in Austin, ZenBusiness's commitment to a remote work culture is so strong that even local social gatherings are rare.What’s Next Austin? “Austin has shown that as an ecosystem, as a talent pool, as a well-connected city with ambition, it certainly has the potential to be the place which creates not just the next set of unicorns but also decacorns. I'm optimistic about that. We believe that we can be one of those.” Sameer Gulati: LinkedIn, X/TwitterZenBusiness: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

What makes a city truly great? In this episode, we dive into the tapestry of cities that have shaped human history with Chelsea Follett, author of 'Centers of Progress: 40 Cities That Changed the World.' From the invention of writing to the digital revolutions in modern metropolises, we explore the key factors that have allowed cities to become centers of progress, innovation, and enduring impact. Episode HighlightsThe book looks at 40 cities throughout history that made major contributions to human progress, starting with ancient cities like Jericho that developed agriculture to modern cities like San Francisco that drove the digital revolution.Many of the featured centers of progress reached their peak during periods of peace and stability, often characterized by open trade, effective governance, and intellectual freedom.Paris' intellectual vibrancy in the Enlightenment and the 1920s and Cambridge's enduring scientific contributions highlight that being a center of progress can be a lasting trait for cities.The extraordinary concentration of genius in Athens and Florence led to a cross-pollination of ideas that still resonates today.Despite its smaller size, Edinburgh has made outsized contributions to various fields, thanks to its robust educational system and culture of intellectual curiosity.What’s next? In March 2024, the Cato Institute plans to release a companion volume titled "Heroes of Progress" about individuals who made significant contributions to progress and changed the world.Chelsea Follett: LinkedIn, X/TwitterCato Institute: Website, LinkedIn, X/TwitterHumanProgress.org: Website, Facebook, X/Twitter Centers of Progress: 40 Cities That Changed the World -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

What is decentralized science and what will be its impact on research and innovation? Joined by experts from Arcadia Science, VitaDAO, and the Foresight Institute, we discuss the challenges posed by traditional scientific models and the rise of alternative approaches. From new funding mechanisms to the transformative potential of AI, we explore the evolving landscape of research and the promise it holds for the future. Episode HighlightsDriven by a quest for faster breakthroughs, collaboration, and democratization, decentralized science is on the rise. It's a counter to traditional models—like tenure and strict lab hierarchies—that restrict autonomy and potentially dampen innovation.Are scientific advancements speeding up or stagnating? The insights reveal that there is no simple answer as there are questions about how we measure innovation itself.Through a diversity of new funding mechanisms through prizes, fellowships, or grants, there's a strong push to support bold projects that might be overlooked by traditional institutions.Arcadia Science merges open science with for-profit models to accelerate research and ensure swift dissemination of discoveries.VitaDAO harnesses blockchain for scientific governance, creating an inclusive and permissionless platform for collaborative research funding and exploration.Foresight champions frontier technologies, such as nanotechnology, fostering collaborations and offering diverse enabling platforms suited to each field's unique needs.What’s Next?Seemay Chou emphasizes that in the future, the distinction between decentralized and centralized science may blur, as decentralized approaches become more common. Vincent Weisser highlights the increasing role of AI in scientific progress. He envisions a future where AI, particularly multimodal AI, becomes a significant driver of scientific discoveries. Allison Duettmann predicts that more countries worldwide may establish private and decentralized alternatives to traditional governmental funding for scientific research. Seemay Chou: LinkedIn, X/TwitterArcadia Science: Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, X/Twitter Vincent Weisser: Website, LinkedIn, X/TwitterVitaDAO: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter Allison Duettmann: LinkedIn, X/TwitterForesight Institute: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter Understanding science funding in tech, 2011-2021 by Nadia AsparouhovaEngines of Creation by Eric Drexler -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Fostering connectivity within an innovation ecosystem is crucial for its ongoing vitality and growth. Often revolutionary concepts emerge from the most unforeseen origins. My guest, Elle Beecher, founded The Board Walks, where community and innovation unite through a simple yet powerful concept—a five-mile walk. In this episode, we explore this social experiment, examine how these walks serve as catalysts for creative collisions, and bring back the intellectual dynamism of Paris in the ‘20s. Episode HighlightsDrawing inspiration from the 1920s Parisian cafe culture, Elle crafted The Board Walks to ignite creative collisions in Austin, offering a fresh, organic approach to networking.Curiosity stands at the heart of Elle's vision; she champions the idea that bringing together inquisitive minds sparks deeper, more meaningful dialogues.Though spontaneous in nature, The Board Walks are intentionally designed with playbooks and guidelines to foster genuine connections and fruitful discussions.Overheard dialogues during the walks resonate with Austin's innovative aura, reminiscent of Paul Graham's "eavesdropping quality" notion from his 2008 Cities essay.The walks serve as a platform for attendees to not only build professional relationships but also to delve into personal narratives and aspirations.Given its success in Austin, Elle envisions taking The Board Walks to other cities, like San Francisco, while ensuring the preservation of its foundational values and communal essence.What’s next Austin? “More creative collisions that will bring about Paris in the 20s energy.”Elle Beecher: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, InstagramThe Board Walks: Website, X/Twitter, Instagram “Cities and Ambition” by Paul Graham -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Innovation ecosystems thrive not just on groundbreaking ideas, but also on the stories that bring them to life. In this episode, I chat with Walt Maciborski, the main anchor for CBS Austin News and an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist. We dive into Austin's tech transformation from its humble beginnings to today's mix of tech giants and startups. Our conversation also explores the profound influence of narratives in shaping Austin's tech identity and its promising future as a 'Technopolis.' Episode HighlightsWalt's deep-rooted connection to Austin's tech scene dates back to the 1990s. From the Dell surge to the dot-com downturn, and now to today's groundbreaking startups, his journalistic journey gives him a unique vantage point on Austin's evolution.Austin's tech landscape thrives with firms like ICON, Lazarus 3D, Focused Energy, Paradromics, Hylio, and Apptronik, showcasing a blend of innovation and real-world impact."In 'Tech This Out,' Walt highlights both vital and lesser-known tech stories of Austin, emphasizing engaging, uplifting coverage over adversarial journalism.Narratives not only captivate but also attract investors and top-tier talent, driving a region's growth.Media serves a twofold purpose in any ecosystem's narrative: capturing its evolution and simultaneously shaping its trajectory. The key is crafting stories that celebrate triumphs while critically navigating challenges.What’s next Austin? “There's going to be an explosion here in the next year. I predict there's going to be a sense that we're not Silicon Hills. We're not the also-ran. There's going to be things coming out of Austin where they're going to say, ‘Wow, Austin Tech.’ The Austin Technopolis is its own thing. It's not something that's an also-ran or were trying to be in the shadow of Silicon Hills or Silicon Valley.”Walt Maciborski: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this episode, we unpack the idea that innovation transcends the mere creation of new solutions. Through the lens of healthcare, and with insights from Dr. Isaac Turner, Co-founder and CTO of Curative, we delve into two key areas: how payment design can redefine user interactions, and the intricacies of diffusing groundbreaking innovations to ensure they're not only invented but also effectively adopted and utilized. While our discussions pivot around healthcare, the insights and challenges resonate across industries.Episode HighlightsCurative pivoted from COVID testing and vaccination programs to a vision to reshape the health insurance sector, emphasizing patient-centric care and efficiency.Central to Curative's approach is removing barriers to care. By eliminating copays, deductibles, and coinsurance for in-network services, and deploying non-clinical “care navigators” to assist members, they streamline the healthcare experience, encouraging patients to actively seek and manage their care.The distinct paradox for insurers lies is benefits like preventative care. Immediate financial returns are minimal and might even accrue to competitors due to customer turnover, while overall they are better for the patient and long term plan fiscal health. Obesity drugs such as Ozempic/Wegovy and advancements like cancer liquid biopsies highlight the intricacies of the diffusion of innovation in healthcare. Success hinges on aligning the interests of patients, providers, and payers, ensuring these solutions not only penetrate the market but also become accessible, adopted, and effectively utilize.Austin's dynamic growth, varied employment sectors, and a supportive healthcare regulatory backdrop made it Curative's prime choice as an innovation hub.What’s next Austin? “We want to bring better benefits to more Austinites — expanding our footprint and getting the message out so that they can have zero-dollar coverage”Dr. Isaac Turner: LinkedIn, X/TwitterCurative: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, YouTube, Facebook: -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this episode, we dive deep into the AI wave and the nexus between academic research and commercial applications. Joining us is Risto Miikkulainen, an esteemed computer science professor at the University of Texas at Austin and AVP of Evolutionary Intelligence at Cognizant Technology Solutions. Together, we explore the journey to the current AI boom, delve into the era of digital natives, and assess Austin's pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.Episode HighlightsThe recent explosion of progress in AI has been powered primarily by scaling up existing models with massive amounts of data and compute, rather than fundamental breakthroughs in new techniques.Unlike previous waves of technology adoption, these AI tools were in the hands of consumers before the enterprise, allowing for more fearless experimentation. In a real-world example, Jason's nine-year-old son created nonsensical prompts in Midjourney, yielding fascinating results that facilitated creative thinking and provided unique insights into the AI. The integration of AI into educational platforms like Khan Academy, along with decentralized research tools, raises the intriguing possibility of fostering 'citizen scientists.' However, there is still an open question about how fully this vision could be realized. Risto's current work specializes in using AI to create 'digital twins' of patients, enabling precise simulations to test and optimize various treatment strategies for conditions like stroke and dementia.UT Austin's new online master's programs extend its AI expertise globally while also potentially attracting more talent to Austin and aligning education with local industry needs.What’s next Austin? “We have lots of faculty and bright students who are learning about AI. Austin has a thriving startup community that hopefully will grow as a result. And one more factor is the medical school that was started. There are great opportunities, even for these large language models and generative AI in that domain. Try to encourage the AI folks and the medical folks to get together and identify these opportunities. That could be something that becomes a strength in Austin and we can become a world leader in it.”Risto Miikkulainen: Website, LinkedInConstant Therapy Health: WebsiteBoston University Center for Brain Recovery: Website AI Empowers Researchers to Bring Precision Medicine to Post-stroke Speech and Cognitive Rehabilitation -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Why is Austin leading the charge as a beacon for creative minds and how are cities like it rewriting the blueprint for our economic future? Dive into this episode with Richard Florida, the trailblazer behind the "Creative Class" theory. As we explore Austin's magnetic pull and its broader implications for cities from Madison to Nashville, we'll uncover the intersection of traditional industries, tech-driven innovation, and the burgeoning global creator economy. Episode HighlightsRichard Florida developed the concept of the Creative Class to describe talented, highly skilled workers in technology, business, arts, and other innovative fields.The initial spark for the insights, theories, and eventual book “Rise of the Creative Class” stemmed from questioning why graduates from Carnegie Mellon were opting to move to Austin over Pittsburgh.Numerous heartland regions have the right foundation to adopt the Austin model, blending high-tech innovation in both the digital and physical realms. These cities stand uniquely positioned to bring together innovation, technology, and manufacturing revitalizing America's industrial foundation.Austin and Nashville represent the next phase of the Creative Class evolution, emerging as pivotal centers for the burgeoning creator economy, characterized by a seamless blend of technology, music/culture, and digital storytelling.What’s Next Austin? “I think Austin is part of this remaking of America around innovation and lifestyle, but with a real application to remaking our industrial base.” Richard Florida: Website, LinkedIn, X/TwitterRichard Florida’s Books: Rise of the Creative Class, The Breakthrough Illusion, Beyond Mass Production, The New Urban Crisis -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The startup ecosystem in Austin is experiencing a dynamic transformation, influenced by an influx of talent and marked changes in fundraising trends. Carta, an equity management platform that offers a distinctive lens into private market data, holds a unique vantage point to observe these shifts and more. Peter Walker, who helms Carta's Insights Team, joins us in this episode to shed light on the current landscape of US startup funding, the challenges of 2023, the intricacies of Austin's startup trajectory and its rising status as an epicenter for innovation and venture capital.Episode HighlightsCarta manages cap tables and equity for 38,000 startups, giving them unique insights into startup fundraising, valuations, employees, and compensation. This data covers about 50% of US startup funding.The fundraising environment in 2023 has been challenging for startups with activity significantly down from the 2021/2022 bubble, more down rounds and bridge rounds, though AI is an area still seeing excitement.Austin has around 380 pre-seed startups on Carta, with 175 seed and 174 series A. The numbers dramatically decrease in later rounds as the region is still is a maturing market and Silicon Valley still dominates Series C and beyond stage companies.74% of Series A rounds in Austin in Q2 2023 were bridge rounds, above the 44%-56% bridge round rate seen in other top regions, showing the high impact of the bubble on Austin startups.Diversification across sectors is an advantage for Austin versus other regions more dependent on specific verticals like biotech or SaaS. This diversity makes Austin better positioned to withstand downturns impacting individual sectors.Growth drivers like university talent, experienced angels, connector events, and an influx of talent from other regions position Austin for continued growth into a top-tier startup hub.What’s Next Austin? “I don't get the sense that it needs to prove itself anymore as a great place for venture capital and startups. Now, what it has to do is double down on some of the deepening things that happen in places like the bay and elsewhere. Is there enough density of interesting people who are excited about hard problems that want to get together and talk nerdy stuff to each other? And I think that's the place that Austin is at now, where that's like the last bit of ecosystem you turn around and you say, there's so much new stuff happening here.”Carta & Austin Next Austin's Innovation Landscape 1H 2023 Review Slides Peter Walker: LinkedIn, TwitterCarta: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

How do defined tracks and cultural status symbols passed on from previous generations affect a person’s life choices? When we break with those paths is that being self-employed, an entrepreneur, a creative, or something else? In this episode, we challenge the traditional notions of career paths and entrepreneurial journeys, with thought leader and author of "The Pathless Path" Paul Millerd. The conversation delves into his unconventional road to professional and creative fulfillment, how technology is creating more opportunity for people to follow the Pathless Path, and the role of storytellers & creatives in innovation ecosystems like Austin. Episode HighlightsPaul highlights the concepts from his book "The Pathless Path" that challenge traditional career paths and encourage unique, individual journeys in our evolving economy.Paul emphasizes the significant shift in work and career trajectories due to changing economic trends and advancements in technology, heralding new opportunities for autonomy and creativity.Alternative funding methods like the Thiel Fellowship and Emergent Ventures provide support for unconventional ideas and experiments, reshaping solopreneurship and entrepreneurship beyond just traditional VC-backed startups.The conversation underscores the role creatives historically have played in innovation ecosystems and how today that role is also being filled by digital storytellers, comedians, podcasters, creators, YouTubers, and Instagrammers. As Austin continues its rapid growth, rising costs pose a challenge to its creative scene, but acknowledging these obstacles allows for the formulation of strategies to maintain an inclusive and accessible hub for creativity and innovation.What’s next, Austin? “I actually do think storytellers, creators, YouTubers, Instagrammers, they're sort of underrated. They're storytellers that can link those different worlds. I think creative people are very natural at shifting between ideas and crowds and groups. Austin has been able to cultivate a scene around that, and I think it will continue to emerge and grow. What will it look like in ten years? The history of Austin is that scenes have always emerged and sort of faded away. So, what is the next scene? How do you keep cultivating that environment? Is it going to become too expensive to nurture and cultivate those scenes? I don't know. But yeah, it's going to be interesting to watch.”Paul Millerd: Website, Podcast, YouTube, X/TwitterThe Pathless Path -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this culminating episode of Austin Next's first era, Jason engages with AndiBot, the AI-powered chatbot that amalgamates the insights of 19 innovation thinkers. Together, they explore AndiBot’s perspectives on how Austin can ascend to a superstar innovation hub. Later, Michael joins in for a reflective discussion on the AI's capabilities and the insights shared. Plus, don’t miss our special announcement that marks the beginning of a new chapter for Austin Next.Episode HighlightsThe Austin Next Dynamic Innovation ChatBot, or AndiBot, is an AI-powered chatbot anchored on ChatGPT, and is powered by a “hivemind” that brings together the intellectual prowess of innovation trailblazers such as Clayton Christensen, Everett Rogers, and Mariana Mazzucato. Tasked with unraveling insights and forging new pathways, AndiBot endeavors to illuminate the steps necessary for Austin to transition from a thriving ecosystem to a superstar innovation hub.Characterizing an innovation superstar hub, AndiBot outlines the quintessential traits: setting global trends, attracting a diverse talent pool, nurturing groundbreaking innovations, fostering a spirited entrepreneurial culture, establishing global collaborations, and achieving brand ubiquity in innovation.AndiBot evaluates Austin’s innovation ecosystem at 7.5 with Silicon Valley as the pinnacle scoring a 10. She commends Austin's startup landscape, academic strength, and appeal to tech giants, but signals the imperatives of escalating startup density, talent diversity, capital influx, and global network expansion.Jason and Michael reflect on the AndiBot interview and discuss the shift from coding to prompting in AI technology, signaling the emergence of more sophisticated and intuitive user interfaces.Exploring Austin's startup landscape, they articulate the connection between productivity and external perception, proposing that a boost in perceived value could stimulate infrastructural improvements.Jason spotlights Austin’s ability to “punch above its weight” noting the discrepancies between Austin's startup infrastructure rank (25th in the country) and its high ranking in exit values (6th in the nation, 9th globally) according to a recent Dealroom report.This episode marks a transition as Michael is taking a step back from the podcast and will return as the occasional guest.What’s next Austin? “I honestly believe only good things are going to happen next. I think we're going to have a recession nationwide within the next six months. But Austin, as we've discussed, is the last in and the first out. We need to keep Austin weird. It has worked so far for this town.”Episode LinksThe Next Generation of Tech Ecosystems Report by Dealroom -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this episode, we dive into the world of patient capital and its potential to bring about transformative changes in climate technology. Joining us is David J. Neff, Operating Partner at Ecliptic Capital, who sheds light on Ecliptic's forward-thinking climatetech investment strategy, how they find innovations, and Austin's future as a hub for the sector.Episode HighlightsEcliptic Capital champions climatetech by prioritizing investments in adaptation, building and electrification, and then climate-friendly materials, aiming for long-term impact on climate issues and sustainable innovation.David outlines a triad for university tech transfer success: forging ties with venture capital, aligning mutual goals, and employing discerning professionals to sift groundbreaking technology from incremental improvements.The episode tackles the intricate regulatory landscape in climatetech, spotlighting the prolonged time to market and evolving environmental regulations as challenges.David emphasizes Austin's potential to transcend its software and SaaS prowess and emerge as a stronghold for climate technology and material science innovation.What’s next for Ecliptic Capital? “I think what's next for Ecliptic Capital is continuing a laser focus on really working with our founders, the people we've deployed capital to you. So I think we're continuing to do that. I think in fall of this year, we'll start talking about fund two and raising for fund two with very similar thesis.”What’s next Austin? “I hope people are thinking about climate. And the climate crisis is one of the fundamental biggest problems of this generation and the next generation. They quit that big tech job to go work on climate and I hope I see a lot more of that in Austin. It would make me very, very happy and our kids and our grandkids very happy that that's the problem you chose to work on.”Episode linksDavid J. Neff: LinkedIn, TwitterEcliptic Capital: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterEmbracing Systemic Complexity: The Ecliptic Capital Climate Thesis -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this episode, we take a discerning look at Startup Genome's Annual Ecosystem Report, seeking to comprehend what the data reveals about Austin's innovation landscape, while also critically examining and challenging it where discrepancies arise. Forrest Wright, Research Assessment Lead at Startup Genome, joins us to decode the metrics and shed light on Austin’s present and future trajectory in the innovation sector.Episode HighlightsStartup Genome's insightful report evaluates 290+ global startup ecosystems by scrutinizing six pivotal metrics: performance, funding, market reach, connectedness, talent, and knowledge.Despite a global 35% decline in startup funding in 2022, an unexpected trend emerged - the amount of funding per startup saw a significant surge, with AI cementing its position as a leading sector.Singapore's meteoric rise in the rankings from 18th to 8th is attributed to an influx of venture capital funding, the creation of 4 billion-dollar exits, and the emergence of 18 unicorns, including Coda Payments, which secured an impressive $690M in Series C. Demonstrating resilience and harboring potential for growth, Austin holds steady at 25th in the rankings despite a 30% fall in large-scale exits, countered by its burgeoning count of 12 unicorns.Breyer Capital, Bedrock Capital, and 8VC are among the heavyweights moving to Austin, signaling a strong belief in its ecosystem. This migration starkly contrasts Startup Genome's more retrospective rankings and the forward-looking confidence expressed by these industry leaders.What’s next Austin? “The future is really bright. I think it actually bodes really well for Austin is you have these stalwart AI companies already there like SparkCognition, Mythic, and Tethr. I think they've all raised north of a hundred million dollars and some of them much more than that. And so I think this is a lot of built-in institutional knowledge that's going to be a real advantage for Austin compared to a lot of companies that are starting now to kind of jump on the bandwagon. Austin's going to have a real advantage there.”Episode LinksForrest Wright: LinkedInStartup Genome: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterStartup Genome Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023 -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In this special crossover episode of Austin Next and Austin Tech Connect, we welcome Lou Senko, the Chief Availability Officer at Q2 Software. Lou, an industry veteran with over two decades of experience in spearheading enterprise-wide solutions, enlightens us about Q2's mission-driven approach. We explore Q2's dynamic role in innovation, its extensive engagement with the vibrant Austin community, and its strategic focus on fostering a sustainable future for digital banking.Episode HighlightsQ2 Software democratizes digital banking, giving local and regional banks and credit unions a competitive edge against their larger counterparts.Lou Senko, in his role as Chief Availability Officer, guarantees secure and seamless banking experiences, accessible anytime, anywhere, across various devices and networks.Q2's innovation studio serves as a bustling marketplace and accelerator, offering pre-packaged, customizable solutions from a range of startups, allowing swift system integration.Q2 is deeply embedded in the Austin community. It holds the naming rights to the Austin FC stadium, runs the Dream Starter competition that provides a $100,000 grant to local start-ups, and contributes both financially and through volunteers to local charities.Community, Collaboration, or Conversation? “I think the collaboration though, if I think about my day and how we work through where we want to go, where we want to be, what good looks like on our journey to get there. It's through collaboration. Our staff can choose to work wherever they want to work. They choose to work at Q2 because, again, for 11 years in a row we've been, the best place to work.”What’s Next? “It's all about the customer. We're seeing people see value in digital platforms. I think the ecosphere, the ecosystems will continue to grow. I think you're going to see much, much tighter integration with the way banks and credit unions bring services to market, that there's going to be a bunch of FinTech names attached to all this.”Episode linksLou Senko: LinkedInQ2 Software: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterThom Singer: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterAustin Tech Connect Podcast -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The transportation landscape in Austin is rapidly transforming with the advent of electric and autonomous vehicles. Taking a pioneering stance, Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, is already offering the public the chance to experience their self-driving vehicles. Leading this revolution in Austin is Michael Staples, Cruise's General Manager for the region. In this episode, we explore the exciting advancements in autonomous vehicle technology happening here.Episode HighlightsAustin was chosen for its dynamic tech ecosystem, welcoming attitude towards innovation, and regulatory environment conducive to the development of self-driving technologies.Staples underlines Cruise's use of thorough safety studies, such as the 'Million Mile' report, to boost public trust and showcase their dedication to regulators.By focusing on downtown nightlife, Cruise aims to better understand the needs of service workers, students, and young professionals, using less congested conditions to optimize their autonomous technology.The upcoming Origin, a rider-centric vehicle with luxury amenities, a cargo unit, and wheelchair accessibility, represents a significant evolution from Cruise's current Chevy Bolt.Increasing fleet size is a central strategy for Cruise in Austin, with goals to shorten wait times and broaden service coverage across the Austin Metro area.Cruise's long-term vision includes giving back to communities by minimizing the need for parking spaces and saving users' time through efficient, autonomous transportation.What’s next? “We expect to launch the Origin experience to the public later this year. We're excited to service some customers and you're going to see a lot of our Bolts running around. We're going to be expanding the market as well. We'll be able to slowly service more Austinites. So eventually we can get rides from our homes across town.”Episode LinksMichael Staples: LinkedIn Cruise Self-Driving Cars: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Cruise 1 Million Mile Report -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

We welcome back tech pioneers Brett Hurt and William “whurley” Hurley for a deep dive into the transformative influence of technological convergence. Drawing from their vast experiences, Brett and Whurley shed light on the intersection of advanced techs, such as generative AI and quantum computing, that are rapidly redefining our world. In our engaging discussion, we uncover the profound implications these emergent technologies have on industries, their role in supercharging productivity, and how they could catalyze an unprecedented surge in startup creation.Episode HighlightsThe conversation highlights a pivotal tech convergence, where AI intersects with quantum computing, Big Data, data privacy, and every other fundamental platform that has come before. Generative AI's rapid rise has been met with excitement and unease, calls for political regulation, all amidst highly divergent dystopian and utopian views.Echoing similar themes, Brett envisions AI as potentially the "biggest startup and job creation engine we've ever seen," while whurley posits it leading to a "rise of the non-creative creative class," amplifying the transformative potential of the technology.Brett highlights the importance of creativity for engineers in the AI era, suggesting that those who can combine their technical skills with imagination will thrive, while those who can't may face commoditization.Whurley’s recent dialogues with DC leaders underscores Austin's growing influence in shaping national technology policy and wider industry trends.What’s next Austin?Brett Hurt: “I think that we're going to have an absolute explosion in the number of startups created. And as an effect of that, a derivative explosion in the number of jobs...I really want Austin to be the leader of that.” William “whurley” Hurley: “Everybody's talented, everybody plays an instrument, everybody paints or does art or they sculpt or whatever. It is a very creative city. So when you take those kinds of people and you give them this kind of power...like absolutely, Austin is next. If we're lucky.”Episode linksWilliam “whurley” Hurley: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter, StrangeworksBrett Hurt: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter, data.world -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Doug Stoakley, co-founder and president of ClearCam, joins us for an Austin Next Spotlight. He shares the story of how ClearCam was founded and its most recent funding round.Episode Highlights:ClearCam is a revolutionary medical device that aims to solve the problem of dirty cameras in laparoscopic surgeriesThey just closed their Seed Series 3, raising over $4 million with a post-money valuation of $18.5 millionThe University of Texas at Austin continues to drive innovation as ClearCam was the second investment of UT’s new seed fund With the new funding, the team is now leaning into commercialization and expanding its product lineEpisode linksDoug Stoakley: LinkedInClearCam: Website, Facebook, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The University of Austin is a new and promising institution set to open its doors to full time students in just over a year. The university is the brainchild of a few individuals who believe that an institution based on a new model is necessary. The school is committed to freedom of inquiry, a core tenet of any great university, that allows for the pursuit of truth. Today’s guest is the founding president, Pano Kanelos, a distinguished academic that had a successful tenure at St. John's College. We discuss the university's mission, building new institutions, and how they fit within Austin’s education and innovation ecosystems.Episode HighlightsThe University of Austin aims to become a new center for innovation and academic freedom in the city.UATX aspires to become the "Stanford to Berkeley" for Austin, complementing the University of Texas.By working closely with industry leaders, the university seeks to co-develop programs, offer internships, and provide support for student-led projects.The Polaris Project emphasizes real-world application and impact on pressing global problems, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among students.They want to inspire new institutions around the world by proving that it’s possible to build a new university todayWhat’s next Austin? “A dozen years from now, there is a thriving campus in the Austin area that is attracting scholars, practitioners, and young people from across the country and across the world who are building things that we haven't yet dreamed of.”Episode linksUniversity of Austin: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The world of technology is expanding, and we're seeing a convergence of deep tech with traditional software and computation. Today, we're speaking with Andrew Busey, co-founder of Form Bio and Colossal Biosciences, two companies that sit at this intersection. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Andrew has been a driving force behind some of the internet's most significant technologies. Andrew’s career has taken him through several pivotal moments in tech history, including the early days of the internet, gaming, AI, and now bio.Episode HighlightsAndrew’s career spanned key tech products such as Mosaic (the first web browser), iChat (the first web-based chat system), and Zynga (one the most popular gaming companies of the social media era)Software entrepreneurs are increasingly applying techniques, business models, and more to the bio, quantum, and AI fieldsHis approach is to make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups “…software is either the chocolate or the peanut butter and then I'm finding some other thing to combine with it to make something that tastes great and is novel”Form Bio, the first spinout from Colossal Biosciences, aims to solve the badly managed data issue in the biotech industryAI's impact on business and society is shifting toward distributed vertical intelligenceThe availability of remote work technology may lead to a more distributed talent pool and impact the future of Austin as a tech hubWhat’s next Austin? “I think the big thing we're gonna see is fabs and Musk-related companies evolving here and how that affects the mix of things will be very interesting.”Episode linksAndrew Busey: Twitter, LinkedInForm Bio: Website, Twitter, LinkedInColossal Biosciences: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Are the cities in the Texas Triangle on the right track to success? With their expansive population growth and focus on economic growth, the cities of the Texas Triangle have been on an upward trajectory in recent years. To answer these questions and more, we welcome back to the show Cullum Clark, director of the George W. Bush Institute and SMU's Economic Growth Initiative. Cullum discusses the Texas Triangle and its implications for economic growth, infrastructure, and housing.Episode HighlightsThe Texas Triangle has been more successful in balancing growth while preserving the unique character and identity of each city. Every county across the San Antonio and Austin metros grew, while the core urban counties in Houston and Dallas lost population.Cullum's key for regions is to prioritize education, human capital, livability, and being business-friendly to attract and retain talent and companies.Austin's multi-hub economy has a diverse industry base with a unique mix of a big public university, the state capital, and the biggest tourist destination. What’s next Austin? “I think that when you look at everything that's working in 21st Century America, Austin truly has it all. To be a place that kind of benefits from being a kind of, having a cultural cool factor, benefits from being a center of tech benefits from being a major higher ed center. There is an economic anchor as well. I'm absolutely as bullish as I could be and I would encourage others to be as well. The future of the Texas Triangle is very bright.”Episode linksCullum Clark: Twitter, WebsiteGeorge W. Bush Center: WebsiteThe Texas Triangle: An Emerging Metropolitan Model in the Lone Star State -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Generative AI has been a hot topic in the tech world in recent years, and Austin is staking its claim with Jasper AI, a local unicorn making waves in the industry. Today, we had the pleasure of talking to Austin Distel, Senior Director of Marketing at Jasper AI, to shed some light on the topic. During our conversation, we discussed where Jasper AI fits in the tech stack, how Austin's tech ecosystem is playing a role in this area, and what the future holds for generative AI as a vital part of innovation.Episode HighlightsAustin Distel believes that generative AI is a growing industry and that collaboration among companies is beneficial.The responsible use of AI and mindful consideration of ethical concerns in content creation is a growing area of discussion.Jasper AI is focused on creating new, unique, and original content based on data-driven insights to help businesses make decisions.Jasper's goal is to augment human creativity, not replace it.There is potential for the technology to impact industries beyond e-commerce and advertising, such as fashion and entertainment.The generative AI ecosystem is still growing and there is a lot of potential for innovation.What’s next Austin? “Today the generative AI is the smallest it'll ever be. It's growing. It's gonna be part of our ecosystem more and more and more. And so that just means that there's more opportunity. I think we're all gonna make each other better. So that's why I would love to get into the same room. Let's have conversations, let's make our products better together, and maybe team up.”Episode linksAustin Distel: Twitter, LinkedInJasper AI: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Clay Johnston, CMO and Co-Founder of Harbor Health, proposed a vision of health that would give people more knowledge and control over their care options. Harbor Health was born during Dr. Johnston’s time as the inaugural Dean of the Dell Med School and took its place in Austin’s growing Bio + Health ecosystem. We discuss his time as dean, innovation in healthcare business models, and Austin’s future in this sector. Episode HighlightsAs the inaugural Dean of the Dell Med School at UT Austin, Dr. Johnston got an up-close look at the business of health and experimented with new models.Harbor Health's mission is to redesign the healthcare system to achieve better health outcomes and reduce wasteful healthcare spending.The financial structure of Harbor Health, which moves away from the standard fee for service allows people to make decisions about their healthcare, while understanding the financial impact of their choices.Amazon's acquisition of One Medical and PillPack creates new competition in the primary care & consumer space, putting them head-to-head with companies like CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens.Austin is primed for digital health innovation, including new ways of delivering services and designing care.What’s Next Austin? “Our plan is to grow. Our plan is to provide a real option for people in Austin that doesn't just look and feel different, isn't just about convenience, but really is embracing a new approach to the health system about empowering our members. I know we've grown rapidly, but we have plenty of capacity for folks who are ready to have a new kind of care.”Episode linksClay Johnston: Twitter, LinkedInHarbor Health: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

This is a topic that we have had many conversations about off-air and thought it might be interesting and worthwhile to record and share with our listeners. We talk about downtown Austin's role within a multi-hub innovation region, the tension between physical proximity and remote work and their impact agglomeration effects, and the scale that only a central business district can bring. Episode HighlightsAustin is evolving as a multi-hub innovation metro with growth happening from Bastrop to Georgetown to San Macros in addition to the continued convergence of the Austin San Antonio mega region. Not all industries work in a central business district given space, price, and types of talent i.e., manufacturing doesn’t work downtown, while software development fits very well.Intellectual density is key for a thriving innovation ecosystem and there is a challenge building that density in a physically larger region and with the growth and continued demand for remote workThe potential of downtown Austin becoming a central location for cross-sector convergence, and how the entertainment district, arts, and parks can be used to drive creative collisions.What’s next downtown Austin?Michael: “Downtown is going to continue to be the kind of vibrant Austin-specific area that it always has been. Come back to me in two years where we are on the other side of this and all these companies are growing, all these companies are putting more people downtown, as well as other places the residential towers are opening and people are moving there.” Jason: “As downtown embraces and understands truly what its role in that ecosystem is I think then it's going to thrive at a new inflection point as we are hitting a new inflection point in Austin.” -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Austin Next takes you on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes journey of SXSW 2023, showcasing the city's innovation-driven culture. Michael is the newbie this year, so we get his first-timer impressions. We had the pleasure of interviewing five companies making an impact at the festival: NeuraLight, Gigaroo, EverCase, Thrive360, and Eden Data. Our discussions center on their cutting-edge products, their experiences at SXSW, and their future goals. We also caught up with J&J Innovation again to discuss their sponsorship and activity.Episode HighlightsAustin shows up at SXSW in as many ways as there are companies, whether they are looking for promotion, funding, sales, or just winning the innovation competitions, the Austin innovation community supports and needs SXSW.SXSW Innovation Award Finalist NeuraLight's ocular signature technology for revolutionizing neurodegenerative disease diagnosis and treatment.SXSW Pitch Finalist Gigaroo is an app that connects Gen Z job seekers with ideal positions via customized questionnaires.SXSW Pitch Finalist EverCase has innovated food preservation that reduces food waste by keeping food at freezing temperatures without ice formation.Thrive360 offers mental health and self-care experiences from practicing doctors and therapists in 2D and virtual reality, with B2B and B2C platforms.Eden Data is a cybersecurity company that provides security and compliance expertise on subscription for startups and scale-ups.J&J sponsored the Health and MedTech Track and is committed to accelerating healthcare solutions with technology and a growing presence in Austin. Episode LinksSXSW YouTube playlistNeuralight: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Micha BreakstoneGigaroo: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Adir OdenEverCase: Website, LinkedIn, Paul LevinsThrive360: Website, LinkedIn, Christy LamkaEden Data: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Taylor HersomJ&J Innovation: Website, Twitter, Stacy Feld LinkedIn, Stacy Feld Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, delves into the role the organization plays in shaping the future of Austin's workforce. We'll explore how Workforce Solutions Capital Area supports the local workforce, what is the state of the talent market today, and how the region is balancing the constant shifts of supply and demand for labor and skills.Episode HighlightsWorkforce Solutions Capital Area supports individuals in finding jobs by providing career guidance, scholarships, and outsourcing services to employers and companies by providing labor market information and investing in talent pipelinesRecent partnership with Austin Transit Partnership aims to plan for jobs created by infrastructure and mobility projects in Austin, building up the local talent poolWorkforce Solutions Capital Area also collaborates with other workforce boards in Texas and sees the region as a super region for job opportunitiesInnovative companies recognize the value of starting talent development earlier and investing in the local communityFive growing sectors with high demand for talent are healthcare, IT, manufacturing, skilled trades & construction, and mobility & infrastructureWhat's next Austin? “Keep your eye on mobility and infrastructure. I think that this is what's next and what's big for Austin with approximately 25 billion coming to our community. Are we going to implement this money business as usual, or are we going to see it as an opportunity to really grow Austinite’s skills?”Episode LinksTamara Atkinson: LinkedInWorkforce Solutions Capital Area: Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Join us for an exciting week at SXSW 2023. We're going to as many panels, meetups, activations, and events as we can. While we won't have a new podcast episode, catch us on Twitter and YouTube as we explore why innovators choose SXSW, how the Austin ecosystem shines, and catch up with some of our prior guests. Stay tuned to find out what's next for Austin! -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack