I just celebrated my third anniversary as CEO of the Austin Technology Council, and the past three years have been nothing short of an education… not just about what’s really going on in our community, but about myself as a person and a leader.
It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve made decisions I’m proud of, and I’ve missed opportunities to accelerate change and growth. The most important lesson I’ve learned, from my own actions and by observing others, is that leadership requires honesty… about who you are, about what’s happening around you, and about what’s really possible.
Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword in Austin; it’s the only way both an individual and a community can thrive.
From College Town to Tech Powerhouse
When I arrived in Austin 34 years ago, this was a college town and the seat of Texas government. By the mid-90s, it was clear technology would change everything. What unfolded over the next three decades was nothing short of remarkable: an entire community transformed… yet still managing to keep most of its heart.
I’ve had the privilege of watching entrepreneurs and leaders embrace this growth with enthusiasm. They showed up. They networked. They mentored. They weren’t just chasing money; they wanted to be part of a movement. Austin’s tech story is a white paper for how to build a community.
A Front Row Seat to the Transformation
In the early ’90s, I sold advertising for the Chamber of Commerce publications… a job that gave me a front-row seat to the deals, the people, and the energy driving Austin forward. By the end of the decade, I was marketing director for the largest tech law firm in the city, working closely with companies getting funded and going public.
I wasn’t one of the entrepreneurs making the headlines, but Austin didn’t operate on closed doors and exclusive lists. The leaders here believed in creating seats at the table. You didn’t need to be “anointed” to participate.
The Big Turning Points in Austin’s Tech Story
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The Foundation Builders: The University of Texas, IBM, Texas Instruments, Trilogy, Dell, and others were anchors in Austin’s early tech economy.
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The Startup Catalysts: Austin Technology Incubator, Capital Factory and other incubators put Austin on the map for entrepreneurs from around the country.
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The Boom Surge :Between 2017 and 2024, a flood of new residents brought energy but also a challenge: integration. Some newcomers arrived with genuine enthusiasm for Austin’s community spirit, but others skipped the slow process of falling in love with the city and instead focused only on personal gain.
The Quiet Giants of Today
Austin’s tech story isn’t just hardware or software anymore. We’re a leader in med-tech, fintech, AI, deep tech, and space technology. Even less obvious sectors, like ocean innovation (blue-tech), have surprising footprints here. Many innovators chose Austin because it’s a great place to live and raise a family… and they were drawn by the vibe.
Unfortunately, national often misses this depth, focusing on vanity metrics instead of the real work being done in science and innovation.
The Cultural Crossroads
Austin’s secret weapon has always been people who care about the whole community. But big-city habits are creeping in: private dinners replacing public forums, leaders sticking to their own circles, and an increasing “what’s in it for me?” mentality.
That’s not just an Austin problem. it’s a societal one, but here it risks chipping away at what made this city different. The solution is not wishing for a return to the past; it’s building a future where successful leaders actively stand up for collaboration and lead by example.
Lessons from Collaboration
The founding of the Austin Technology Council in 1992 was a textbook example of collaboration: entrepreneurs, companies, universities, the chamber, and civic-minded individuals joining forces to grow the tech industry. The software leaders of the ’90s understood that success for one could mean prosperity for many.
That spirit is what we need to recapture. Pro-capitalism doesn’t mean anti-community. The two thrive together when we focus on shaping the ecosystem for the next generation.
Relationships That Last
From my own career, I can tell you that the people who show up… at events, in mentorship programs, at networking gatherings are the ones who make the difference. Some of my most valuable relationships today were built decades ago. Even when I was on the road for my speaking career, those connections stayed alive, and they’re now helping guide ATC’s future.
The Narrative We Need to Tell of Austin’s Tech Story
National media sometimes paints Austin’s tech boom as a recent blip. In reality, it’s been building since the 1950s and solidified in the ’80s and ’90s. This isn’t a flash in the pan; it’s the work of generations.
And I believe the best days of Austin are still ahead… but only if we recommit to the values that got us here: shared purpose, hard work, and a willingness to believe in something bigger than ourselves. Austin’s tech story over the next ten and twenty years will be written by the decisions made today.
A Call to Action
If you’re part of this community, ask yourself: Are you showing up? Are you giving back? Are you looking for ways to connect with people outside your usual circles? Be authentic in your answers. We need YOU to be involved in shaping the next decade of Austin’s tech scene.
Because in Austin, the future doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we make it happen.
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Article by Thom Singer. Singer is the CEO of the Austin Technology Council and a professional keynote speaker.