Austin did not accidentally become a technology hub. The Austin tech community happened because people, over many years, chose to show up, collaborate, and build something bigger than their own companies and careers. That is what I mean by “community by design, not by default.” When I speak to organizations about the importance of “Human Interaction” (H.I.), the whole message is about how community, collaboration, and conversations can solve all problems.
When we talk about the future of Austin’s tech communiity, we are really talking about the bridges we are building for the next generation to cross. The founders, engineers, product leaders, and operators who are in middle school and college today will be the ones launching the next wave of companies here. The question is simple. Will we hand them a solid foundation, or will we expect them to start from scratch.
A healthy tech community does not just celebrate today’s unicorns. It makes intentional investments in long term trust. That looks like senior leaders mentoring first time founders. Established companies opening doors for early stage startups. Executives taking time to speak on campus, join roundtables, and share what they have learned. It is the mindset that says “I am benefiting from the bridges someone else built for me, now it is my turn to add a plank or two.”
At the Austin Technology Council, we see this spirit every time people gather for our roundtables, summits, and hallway conversations. The real power is not just the panel or the keynote, it is the introductions, the shared war stories, and the sense that “we are in this together”. Those relationships are the infrastructure that holds up a strong tech ecosystem. You cannot buy that with a single incentive package or a one time marketing campaign. It comes from years of people choosing community as part of their business strategy.
Designing community means asking different questions. Instead of “What do I get out of this event”, we ask “Who can I encourage, connect, or learn from today”. Instead of “How do I protect my turf”, we ask “Where can our organizations collaborate”. When companies, investors, educators, and civic leaders approach Austin this way, our region becomes more resilient. Talent stays rooted. Capital stays interested. Opportunities multiply.
Most importantly, the next generation sees a model worth continuing. When they watch today’s leaders share their time, open their networks, and care about the broader community, they learn that success is not just personal. It is shared. They inherit not only a growing tech scene, but also a culture of collaboration that makes growth sustainable.
Community by design is not a slogan. It is a daily choice to participate in building something that will outlast any one of us. My invitation to everyone in Austin tech is simple. Think about the bridges that helped you get where you are, then ask what small action you can take this month to build a bridge for someone else. If we keep doing that, the future of Austin’s tech community will be in very good hands.
As long as I am in this role at ATC, and long after I have moved on….I will make my passion for the Austin tech community a main topic. When I was coming up in my career, there were several people in the community who told me that when you reach a level of success, you need to find ways to give back to those who follow behind. Give a hand up. Deliver a boost. Send the elevator back down. Regardless of what you call it, community cannot exist without those who volunteer time, treasure, and talent. We need to be sure that stays part of the Austin culture.
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Thom Singer is the CEO at the Austin Technology Council and believes deeply in the need for people to come together to help create the future of the community.