Hint: There’s No Single Answer. And That’s a Good Thing.
One of the most common questions we hear at the Austin Technology Council is, “What’s the best networking in Austin tech?”
It’s a fair question, but the honest answer is this: there is no single best networking group in Austin. That’s not a cop-out. It’s actually a reflection of what makes this city’s innovation ecosystem thrive. The Austin tech community is wide, diverse, and multi-layered. And the “best” networking depends on who you are, what you’re building, and what kind of people you want to meet.
At ATC, we’ve spent 33 years helping people make meaningful connections; across industries, across roles, and across generations. We are proud of our long-standing role in bringing Austin’s business and technology leaders together. But we would never claim to be the only game in town, or even the best for every person. That’s not how ecosystems work.
Healthy ecosystems are not built around hierarchies or gatekeepers. They thrive when many people, organizations, and leaders contribute to the whole. What undermines a community is when one group tries to be all things to all people… or worse, when competition replaces collaboration.
Fortunately, that’s not the dominant mindset in Austin.
Yes, there are occasional eye rolls or opinions about which groups are “too basic” or “too advanced” depending on who you talk to. But for the most part, Austin is filled with people who genuinely care about the city, the community, and the future of our innovation economy. This civic-minded culture is part of what made Austin special over the past 30 years, and it’s exactly what will make it successful in the next 30.
If you’re looking to get more involved in the Austin tech scene, our advice is simple: engage with two or three groups that fit your personality, your goals, and your industry focus. And be open to occasionally showing up at events outside your comfort zone. You never know where the next great idea, mentor, or opportunity might come from.
Real leaders show up. And you don’t need to be a funded founder to be a leader. Anyone can lead in Austin. That’s part of the city’s secret sauce. From the early days to today, this tech community has been shaped by people from all backgrounds, industries, and levels of financial standing who chose to get involved.
Just look at the names in the Austin Tech Hall of Fame. You’ll see a cross section of entrepreneurs, engineers, mentors, service providers, policy advocates, and behind-the-scenes community builders. Different industries. Different paths. All showing up in their own way, and all helping to move Austin forward.
So if you’re chasing the one group that will instantly get you connected, you may be chasing windmills. There is no shortcut. The way to build a strong network in Austin is the same as it’s always been: Get out. Meet people. Follow up. Ask for help and advice. Give help and advice. Champion others.
Austin doesn’t need more influencers. We need more contributors.
We need more people who lift others up.
We need more people who show up with purpose.
And that is how the best networking in Austin tech really happens.
We hope to see you at an event soon.
—The Austin Technology Council
Check out our Austin Tech Community Calendar for the latest ATC events and many events from other groups in our tech ecosystem.