Positive Stories From Austin’s Tech Ecosystem
Lately, there’s been a wave of national press pointing out the “flaws” of Austin… usually quoting people who moved here, didn’t get what they wanted, and left. They gripe about traffic, the heat, public transportation, or not getting funding. These stories grab headlines because they go against the decades of Austin being named one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family.
After a recent article that painted a bleak picture of tech in Central Texas, ATC has decided it’s time to highlight a different perspective; real stories from people who came to Austin and found more than they expected. Most of us who live here chose this city and love it. Sure, it’s not perfect, but the people who call Austin home are invested in making it better.
This is the first installment of “Austin Tech Stories.” Not just the million-dollar success tales/// but stories from anyone working in and around our tech ecosystem.
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From Yuliya Semak, President & CEO of SIMARGL llc
Austin is a city where innovation and technology are built on a foundation of centuries of experience and support.
It was COVID time; everybody got locked in their homes. The world became divided and so close. It was an era of virtual events and networking all over the world. Promptly, in your virtual room, appeared people from all the farthest corners of the world.
After one of the events, I got a phone call, and an elderly female voice asked: You have a technology company, right?
- Yes, I have been in IT for 20 years; how may I help you?
The lady said she was a Texas Notary, and she wanted to become an online notary to notarize on a video call, like the one where she met me, but she needed a digital certificate, and the Secretary of State told her she needed to get one from a technology company, so she called.
- Yes, of course, we are working to make them right now. May I call you back when they are ready?
I answered, having no idea what she was talking about. It took me another year to find out what it is and how it works, and I got verification from the Texas Secretary of State that we built exactly what they required. Public Key Infrastructure for Texas Notaries comes alive.
That phone call brought my business to Austin, Texas, and I found a lot of friends here and moved my whole family into the heart of Texas, the center of innovation and technology.
Since that time, we have had more licenses and are now offering full service for Texas businesses; when you enroll in a new or renewed notary, TXNotaryForm.com has helped you from day one, starting with notary bonds, notary supplies, and a Digital certificate x.509 and electronic seal.
TXNotaryForm.com is a place where technology is backed up with hundreds of years of experience from the Old Republic Surety Bond company.
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From Thom Singer, CEO at the Austin Technology Council
I moved to Austin in 1991, planning to stay for three years. And by 1994, there were early signs of something special happening in Central Texas. I was selling advertising for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, and it became clear that Austin’s tech scene was beginning to emerge. I stayed.
Over the years, I’ve had an eclectic career… mostly in business development for law firms, banks, and consulting firms that served tech companies (before I became a professional keynote speaker). I networked like my future depended on it, because it did. I’ve been lucky to live through one of the most incredible stories of tech growth in modern history. This region has expanded from 700,000 people to more than 2.5 million, and Austin has grown from a quirky college town to a global innovation hub.
But with all that growth has come new challenges. The cost of living, traffic, and rapid development can make it hard for newcomers to find their footing. What concerns me most is that it’s harder now to assimilate into the business community than it used to be. In the early days, you could meet almost anyone. Today, too many leaders sit behind virtual gates.
Therefore, as the CEO of the Austin Technology Council, I feel a responsibility to help our ecosystem stay true to what made it thrive: community, collaboration, and real conversations. I believe Austin is still a city where, if you’re patient and show up consistently, you can build a world-class network. We are still a place for startups, growing companies, and tech giants… and most people here are open, friendly, and eager to help.
I’ve been fortunate to raise my family here and build friendships that span decades. The future of Austin depends on the next generation. If those now in their 30s and 40s embrace the spirit of connection, mentorship, and welcome, this city will continue to thrive.
Austin’s secret sauce is no secret: it’s the people
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What is your Austin Tech Story? We would love to share your 250-300 word essay about what makes Austin great. Why is Central Texas still the place for tech? Why did you stay? How can Austin’s best days be in the future? Send you stories to Thom@AustinTechnologyCouncil.org