For more than 30 years, Austin has grown into one of the world’s most admired technology hubs. From scrappy startups to globally recognized giants, we’ve celebrated countless success stories. But if we want to continue building Austin’s tech future, we can’t just admire the past… we have to show up for what’s next.
At the Austin Technology Council, we believe the real work is still ahead of us. Austin is not a finished product. We are not done. While we’ve attracted talent, capital, and attention, the evolution of a thriving, self-sustaining tech hub is far from complete. And that’s good news. It means there’s still room and a real need for bold thinking, brave leadership, and collaborative momentum.
Just like in a startup, the early wins matter, but scaling is where the pressure mounts. Austin is in that scaling phase. We’re no longer the underdog, but we’re not yet the top-tier tech ecosystem we could become. That requires intentional effort from all of us; entrepreneurs, executives, investors, civic leaders, service providers, and everyday contributors who believe in this city.
What It Takes to Build a Great Company (And a Great Tech Community)
Ask any founder what it takes to grow a startup, and you’ll hear a familiar set of themes:
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A clear vision of what the future could be
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Relentless determination to push through uncertainty
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Wise advisors to challenge assumptions and offer guidance
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Tangible support—both moral encouragement and financial backing
These same ingredients are essential for building Austin’s tech future.
We need leaders with vision… not just for their companies, but for the broader community. People who believe that Austin can be the most connected, innovative, and inclusive place to build a career or company in tech. That vision doesn’t live in a single organization or a few voices… it lives in all of us.
We need determination… not just to scale companies, but to show up for the long haul. Building an ecosystem takes years of consistency, collaboration, and shared ownership.
We need advisors… those who’ve built before, and those who are building now. This is where ATC plays a powerful role. We convene people across generations, industries, and experiences to learn from each other. We’re not in the business of gatekeeping. We’re in the business of table-setting, so more people can pull up a chair.
And yes, we need support. That means investing in programs, partnerships, and policy work that strengthens the community infrastructure for everyone in tech—whether you’re a founder, a software engineer, a people leader, or just getting started.
Let’s Not Mistake Progress for Arrival
The temptation in a fast-growing city is to assume we’ve already made it. We have big companies here. We’ve had some IPOs. We’ve had our share of exits and accolades. But just like a startup that raises a Series B, success at one stage doesn’t guarantee success at the next.
Austin needs to keep its startup soul and develop a scale-up mindset.
We need to retain our culture of creativity and hustle while also building systems and connections that support companies becoming major employers. That’s how we go from being a place to build a startup to being the place to grow a global company.
At ATC, we’re creating space for both. We celebrate the legacy of those who laid the foundation. We spotlight the founders chasing the next big win. And we bring together leaders from large employers who want to be part of mentoring, investing, and shaping Austin’s tech future.
This Is a Call to Action For Austin’s Tech Future
If you care about Austin, we need you to participate. Not just in your company, but in the community that supports innovation.
You don’t have to be a unicorn founder to make a difference. You don’t have to lead a Fortune 500 to matter. But if you’ve got experience, ideas, or a desire to help shape what comes next… we invite you to get involved.
ATC can be your platform. Our events, roundtables, and programs are built to connect people who believe in the power of collaboration. And we are a 33 year old non-profit that is ready for a fresh set of leaders to build on the past. We can be whatever you want to make ATC… and Austin can be whatever you want to make it in the next 30 years. We’re not chasing headlines. We’re building Austin’s tech future one conversation, one partnership, and one initiative at a time.
For over fifty years our civic and business leaders showed up and made things happen. We need that same civic minded leadership attitude from the tech titans who are no emerging into leaders. You have to show up. You can’t lead by hanging with your close, like-minded, friends who sit around a pool and drink bourbon. You lead by example.