Austin Next

We are changing up the format this week as we are flying without a net and without a guest. This time is just a conversation between our hosts. Jason had the opportunity to attend SXSW. Hear one point of view on how Austin was represented at the festival. What we learned, what caught our eye, and how we are already thinking about SXSW 2023. Here’s how SXSW influenced...What's Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

We are hitting the road again and learning about all the other "emerging" ecosystems. This time we are heading to the Southeast and making pitstops in Atlanta and Nashville. We are joined by Blake Patton, Managing Partner Tech Square Ventures, and Brian Moyer, President and CEO at the Greater Nashville Technology Council to discuss their regions. We discuss their history, what's the secret sauce that is driving their growth, and how are they adapting to the changing dynamics of work and innovation. What's next everywhere else! -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

This is another in our Unique to Austin series where we look at what gives Austin its special sauce. There is nothing more unique about Austin than SXSW. Over the past 30 years, Austin has grown, matured, and adapted to everything new, and SXSW has as well. Today, after two years of dealing with the pandemic, SXSW is back and it’s live. From March 11 through the 20th, there will be hundreds of presentations across dozens of topics, as well as workshops, seminars, screenings, and of course music. Today we are joined by Hugh Forrest, SXSW's Chief Programming Officer to talk about the event's history, this year's event, how it integrates/mirrors/supports the Austin ecosystem, and what the future holds. SXSW helps define...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

A key enabler of Austin’s growth are the unique institutions, events, and infrastructure that only exists in our region. In 2018, Army Futures Command chose our city as its base of operations. We wanted to learn why, how it connects with our broader innovation ecosystem, and what role it plays in empowering our future growth. We spoke with Brance Hudzietz, Corporate Ventures lead and Entrepreneur in Residence for The Army Applications Laboratory a division of the Army Futures Command to help answer these questions. What's unique to Austin creates...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Over the course of the pandemic, migration trends already taking place were accelerated. It’s an open secret that the middle of the US is now a key engine of our nation’s growth. We’ve seen the ups and downs economically, mostly tied to manufacturing. But today, places like Austin, Denver, Chicago, and Nashville are tech and innovation hubs as well. We wanted to explore the growth and changes in this region in more detail, and so we are joined by Dale Buss, the founder and executive director of The Flyover Coalition. -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Austin is not the only ecosystem in the news as the next big thing. The past few years have seen massive disruption, geographic migration, and increased capital flows outside of the traditional big innovation centers of Silicon Valley, New York, Los Angeles, and Boston. We want to see what these other growing regions are up to, what's accelerating their next phase, and what can we learn from each other? We are joined by Jackie DiMonte Partner at Chicago Ventures, Charlie Lass Founder and CEO of Dallas Inc, and Fred Grier the former Technology and Life Science Reporter of the San Diego Business Journal to discuss their respective regions. What's next everywhere else! -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

For Austin to solidify its role as the next great innovation powerhouse, we must research what has come before and what are the trends pushing us forward. One area of study that greatly affects our future is the exploration of the very nature of progress itself…what is it, what drives it, and how does it affect our region’s future? Today we are talking with Jason Crawford, Founder and CEO of the Roots of Progress, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a new philosophy of progress. How we view innovation and progress lays the foundation for...What's Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

We continue our conversations about talent, who companies need and how to get them. Are we positioned for the future needs of our region and its sectors? We’ve talked about the pipeline, we’ve discussed middle management, it’s time to turn to executive talent. More than any time in the past, it is the decision-making prowess of a senior team that drives its success, or its failure. Top tier talent isn’t grown overnight. The question for Austin firms is do you nurture your internal talent, recruit to the region, or is it the dog eat dog world of Austin companies pulling from the same local pool. To help us understand how Central Texas businesses are dealing with this challenge is Lisa Novak, VP Employee Experience at data.world. How does executive talent shape...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Talent remains a hot topic in everyone of our discussions. Do we have enough workers, do we have the right skill sets, how are we positioned for the future needs of the region and sectors? We have demand for high end manufacturing workers, more frontline healthcare staff, and other more stereotypical blue collars. Migration is one method to grow our talent base, but the other and likely more sustainable is to develop our homegrown labor force. Today we speak with Garrett Groves, Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives for the Austin Community College District on how they are building this talent pipeline for the region. The next generation of workers will drive...What's next Austin. -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Everyone we have interviewed on the podcast has mentioned talent as a key issue facing Austin as it quickly ramps up its innovation ecosystem. And a big part of that is developing mid-level managers that can make decisions and propel businesses forward. Joining us is Bjorn Billhardt, CEO of Abilitie to discuss how we are training these managers and the talent battle the region faces. The next generation of leaders will drive...What's next Austin. -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Over the course of this podcast, we have explored the Austin ecosystem from a variety of different angles. The sectors here, the major trends, and the entrepreneurial support system. One question that has percolated through has been why has Austin continued to punch above its weight when it comes to funding, startups, growth, etc. What is it about Austin that is resonating beyond our borders? Today we explore our observations of the Austin Narrative and the regional superpowers that are underlying it with Amber Gunst, CEO of the Austin Technology council.The stories that travel are helping shape…. What’s Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The innovation space is wider and more expansive than the traditional tech verticals. It extends to the food we eat, the health/beauty solutions we use, the products we utilize to clean our home, and many more. Joining us is Kirstin Ross, Managing Director of SKU a CPG focused accelerator here in AustinAustin's reach expands beyond the city into every store and for every consumer...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The space race runs through Texas now. All types of rockets, satellites, control software, and the underlying infrastructure of the industry are being created and grown here in Austin. Our Austin Sector Deep Dive Series continues with Melanie Stricklan, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace & Michael Ciannilli NASA's Director of the Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program. Is the final frontier...What's Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Austin is more than the live music capital of the world or the latest tech-wonderland. Central Texas has a notable and growing manufacturing base as well. Today, we’re going to go deeper into this part of our home and try to better understand where our manufacturing industry comes from and where it’s going. Joining us is Ed Latson, Executive Director of the Austin Regional Manufacturing Association.We build things in Austin...What's next Austin -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Venture capital is just one source of funding available to early-stage companies. These sources both compete with and complement VC money. They range from existing methods such as angels and debt vehicles to new sources like crowdfunding. Austin is home to a growing variety of options for this alternative capital and so we are going to try something new with this episode. In this episode, we have 4 mini-interviews with individuals that are active in this space. Nick Spiller, fundraising coach and host of the Beta Business podcast; Rick Timmins, former board chair of CTAN; Elizabeth Jennings, Board Member for SWAN Impact Network; and Kyle Robertson, entrepreneur, and free-agent investor. They provide a look at the organizations and players in town and also provide differing perspectives on the fundraising environment. With capital flowing we can move towards...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

As we continue our look at the Austin capital environment, we turn to the newcomers to the region. Over the past 18 months, we have had numerous VC firms either opening up offices here or an outright move. This influx of capital is one of the many drivers for why 2021 has been a historic year in Austin startup fundraising. In this episode, we talk with Garheng Kong, Founder and Managing Partner of HealthQuest Capital. HealthQuest is one of those new firms that has newly put a presence in the Austin region. Drawing new capital into the ecosystem is a driving force of...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The fuel that makes startups grow has always been capital. This is produced from revenue, debt, angels, crowdfunding, and venture capital. Austin has seen a record year in both funds being raised and companies raising rounds. Not only have the funds been flying, but new investors have decided to make the region their home. In this episode, we are starting our series on the Austin capital environment. How it evolved, where the funding is being deployed, and what the future holds. We start with a long-time local VC, Brian Smith Managing Director of S3 Ventures. Knowing where the capital is flowing will help us answer...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

We interview Amos Schwartzfarb, Managing Director of TechStars Austin about how private incubators support the innovation ecosystem here in Central TX. -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

History has shown that a strong university is a key element for an innovation ecosystem to thrive. The good news is that Austin is the home of the University of Texas, one of the largest and strongest universities in the US, and I’m not just talking about football. -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The pandemic opened a lot of people's eyes to the importance of the life sciences industry. The 21st century is being called the bio century and Austin has the opportunity to be right in the middle of that next wave. We continue our Austin Sector Deep Dive Series with Scott Collins, President BioAustinCTX The next generation of innovation in health will drive forward...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The Live Music Capital of the world is one of many slogans for our fine city. Music is just one of many forms of media that have been taking hold in the region. This includes film, gaming, and yes podcasting too. One fascinating collision between our growing media footprint and our technology hub is mediatech. We continue our Austin Sector Deep Dive Series with Paul O'Brien, CEO of MediaTech Ventures. This burgeoning sector helps shape the narrative of...What's Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

One of the strengths of the Austin innovation ecosystem is the wide sector diversification that plays within our region. All of these different industries provide multiple shots on goals for future unicorns, a hedge against a downturn in any single market, and opportunities for interesting and unique collaborations. We are going to break open the silos and provide a glimpse into each of these sectors. In today's episode, we are going to start with one of the newest technologies Blockchain/Crypto with Lee Bratcher, President of the Texas Blockchain Council. Each of these industries provides its own path to...What's Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

The building blocks of any ecosystem are the companies that have been founded or migrated here; however, it is the mortar between those blocks that makes a strong foundation. The mortar of an ecosystem is the people, culture, and ideas that flow throughout. Today we are speaking with Thom Singer, the Human Connection Catalyst on how the movement, interaction, and creative collisions of talent and innovation are changing, adapting, and growing in the region. With this solid bedrock for future growth...What's next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

We talk a lot about how Austin is transforming into the next great innovation powerhouse, but how do you define a growing innovation powerhouse. What do the academics say are the right ways to measure an ecosystem’s growth and how does Austin stack up. In this episode, we speak with Ross Devol, President and CEO of Heartland Forward. We talk about his latest research, where Austin ranks, and what trends are creating both headwinds and tailwinds for our community. Understanding the data helps us understand…What’s Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

No innovation ecosystem exists in a silo and one of the significant growth drivers are the companies that are deciding to move here from other regions. Whether it is a satellite office or a new headquarters, these organizations have a big impact on the local community. In this episode, we talk with Jason Ball the President and CEO of the Round Rock Chamber on who is coming here, what is driving the transition, and the challenges they face once here. It’s the marriage of our home-grown enterprises with the continued inflow of new companies that sets the stage for…What’s Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Episode 2: Interview with Marc Nathan Part of the evolution of Austin into the next great innovation powerhouse is the change in the types of companies that are being started here. The history of Austin is deeply connected to personal computers, enterprise software, and semiconductors. Today the next generation of companies are coming from CPG, consumer technology, life sciences, media tech, space, and more. We have a growing number of unicorns and “soonicrons.” Marc Nathan, a local player and reporter, on the startup ecosystem, walks us through who those companies are and how they are changing the landscape of what it means to be a startup in Austin. Understanding what is being built will help us answer…What’s Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Before we can see what’s next for Austin, we have to know where we have been. To walk us through the history of the Austin innovation ecosystem, we interviewed John Sibley Butler from UT Austin. Professor Butler has been a part of the ecosystem for decades and sees the various waves of growth. Come listen for the history lesson that will help us answer…. What’s Next Austin? -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack