Welcome to the Austin Tech Scene
You’ve arrived in one of the most dynamic and innovative tech communities in the world. Whether you’re a startup founder, software engineer, marketer, or investor, there’s room here for you. But if you’re new, it can be a little overwhelming. You may have heard that the Austin tech scene has a friendly vibe, and it does, but with three times the population we had just 30 years ago, it’s no longer the tight circle it once was.
The good news is that we’re still a community. A real one. With real people who show up, connect, collaborate, and care. You just have to be intentional about how you plug in.
Own Your Networking
You’ve got to own it. This is no longer a town where people automatically bring you into the fold just because you’re here. That might have worked in the early days, but today success in the Austin tech community comes from showing up and following up. People are busy. Not everyone you want to meet is going to be at the happy hour, the breakfast panel, or the big conference.
There are circles within circles here. Public events, member-only meetups, private dinners, curated roundtables. You might not be on those inner lists right away, and that is okay. Start where you are and keep going. If you come to three events and don’t meet your crowd, go to three more. There are so many smart, generous people here. You will find them. Do not prejudge whom you want to meet.
Join the Right Organizations – The Austin Tech Scene
If you want to build relationships quickly, do not just wander into town hoping to bump into the right people. The Austin tech scene has many organizations doing the hard work of creating community. Join them. Want to know what is the best networking in Austin tech? (Hint, there is no single answer … and that is a good thing!).
Start with the Austin Technology Council. Yes, we are biased (this is written for the ATC blog), but ATC has been a voice of Austin tech since 1992. We host monthly roundtables, the C-Suite Summit, the Gateway Happy Hour (to kick off SXSW), the Austin Tech Hall of Fame, and public-private forums on everything from workforce development to AI. We bring together founders, executives, engineers, and service providers. If you want to meet people who are building things in Austin, we’re here for you.
The Austin Chamber of Commerce is a pillar of the broader business community. Their work supports local companies across many industries and connects the dots between tech, civic engagement, education, and economic development.
Opportunity Austin is a separate initiative focused on regional economic development. For over 20 years they have been driving job creation, industry attraction, and talent retention. Their work has helped ensure that Austin’s tech sector is not only growing but thriving.
If you’re looking for startup energy, check out Capital Factory. Located in the heart of downtown, it is the center of gravity for early-stage founders and venture activity. Capital Factory offers events, mentoring, coworking, and investor connections. If you’re in the startup world, you should be walking through their doors. Additionally, check out the Austin Technology Incubator, the Founders Institute, and other groups if you are in the startup relm and seeking mentorship. Austin has many options to help you launch your company..
There are many more great groups and programs that can help you build your network and your reputation.
Austin Women in Technology is a standout organization supporting women across all areas of tech with mentoring, community, and leadership development. The Austin Forum on Technology and Society offers monthly events that bring people together to explore how technology intersects with big ideas and current issues. Austin Tech Week is a citywide celebration (held in the fall) of entrepreneurship and innovation that includes panels, pitch events, and endless chances to connect. If you new to town, explore F.I.E.S.T.A., this group calls itself Ellis Island for newcomers. Do not miss the Association for Corporate Growth (not just tech focused, but they have great events). There are so many great groups serving our tech ecosystem, that we cannot list them all – but the ATC Community Calendar invites other tech / business non-profits to list their events on our website.
There are also peer groups for deeper engagement like EO Austin, YPO, Vistage, and C2. If you’re in a leadership role and want to surround yourself with other decision makers, these circles are worth exploring.
Be Curious and Make the First Move
The Austin tech scene still has an approachable spirit if you lean into it. We’ve seen first-timers strike up hallway conversations that turn into business partnerships. The person sitting next to you at a breakfast event might be a future investor, collaborator, or friend. But the only way to unlock those connections is to actually talk to people.
If you wait for people to approach you, you’ll be waiting a long time. Be the one who introduces yourself, asks a question, and follows up. Opportunities don’t come from just being in the room. They come from being present in the room. Look for ways to engage and support the local organizations… most are actively seeking members, sponsors, and volunteers.
The Scene Has Changed, but the Heart Is Still Here
Austin has changed. We’re bigger now. Some of the people you want to meet don’t go to public events anymore. That used to be one of Austin’s best features… no matter who you were, you could show up and bump into just about anyone. That still happens sometimes, but today there are more closed-door events and private gatherings. If you are new, you might not get invited at first. Do not let that discourage you.
This city was built by people who showed up. That part of the culture is still alive and well.
You belong here. But belonging doesn’t come from watching. It comes from participating. Find your groups, find your rhythm, and keep showing up. Before long, you won’t feel new at all.