Austin Technology Council

As We Look to the New Year: Why Getting Involved with ATC Matters As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what makes the Austin Technology Council (ATC) such a vital part of our community—and why your involvement is more important than ever. In a world where digital communication often replaces personal connection, organizations like ATC serve as a bridge, bringing people together in meaningful ways. We’re not just about networking; we’re about creating a thriving tech ecosystem where leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs can collaborate, solve problems, and spark new ideas. Here’s why getting involved with ATC matters: ? Community Strengthens Business: Austin’s tech community thrives because we support one another. Your participation helps ATC grow its impact, whether through attending events, contributing to discussions, or becoming an advocate for innovation. ? Uncommon Connections Lead to Opportunity: Every meeting, every handshake, and every conversation at an ATC event is a chance to build relationships that lead to business growth and personal success. ? Your Voice Shapes the Future: As we tackle big challenges in 2025—whether it’s workforce development, advocacy, or keeping Austin a top place for tech—your involvement ensures the solutions reflect our community’s collective needs. Make 2025 a year of connection, collaboration, and conversations. Join us in strengthening Austin’s tech community and helping ATC create even more opportunities for innovation and impact. We need members and sponsors or we can’t do what we do. Get involved today—because together, we’re building something extraordinary. #AustinTech #ATC #UncommonConnections

What Do You Want From Austin’s Tech Ecosystem? (From Friday's ATC Newsletter) ? What makes a tech community thrive? Austin's tech ecosystem is often described as?vibrant, innovative, and growing. But when you dig deeper, you quickly realize that people have very different ideas about what our tech community is?really?about—and what they want it to be. ? Longtime Austinites who’ve worked in and around tech for decades often have a different perspective than those who moved here in the last few years. That’s natural—our experiences shape how we view the world. But those varied viewpoints can make it challenging to create a cohesive sense of community and collaboration. And the truth is,?Austin’s tech ecosystem will only thrive if we’re willing to have the hard?conversations?about what we want it to look like—and work together to make that vision a reality. ? ATC is connected to tech council leaders from across North America (via our participation in Technology Councils of North America (TECNA)) and while these cities are all different, one thing is consistent: we’re all trying to figure out what our communities truly need. Some are in the early stages of building their tech scene; others are facing challenges of rapid growth.?No matter the city, the struggle to align diverse perspectives is universal. ? In Austin, we have a lot going for us.?But the key to sustaining our success is listening—really listening—to each other. ATC has no agenda on how to shape the community.?Our goal is to foster a sense of collaboration and connection. To do that, we need your help. ? What is Austin to you??What do you want from this tech ecosystem? We are not asking these questions rhetorically— we want to know. Please leave a comment, send an email, or stop ? Thom Singer, CSP ?? or one of our board members at an event, or let’s grab coffee and chat. This role of Austin Technology Council is too important—and too challenging—to go it alone.?Your input and ideas are critical. ? Together, we can create a tech community that reflects the best of what Austin is—and what it can become. #Austin #AustinTech #AustinTechnologyCouncil

Reinvention is the spark that keeps companies, organizations, and communities alive and thriving. It’s not about erasing the past but building on it, adapting to new challenges, and finding innovative ways to stay relevant. The magic of reinvention lies in our uniquely human ability to imagine a different future and make it happen. In Austin’s tech community, reinvention isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. From startups pivoting their business models to established companies embracing cutting-edge technologies, we see it every day. The same is true for individuals who take bold steps to redefine their careers or embrace fresh perspectives. Reinvention isn’t easy, but it’s essential. It’s how we grow, how we solve problems, and how we ensure that what we build today remains meaningful tomorrow. What are the best examples of reinvention you in our community? (this is reposted from today’s ATC newsletter. Are you subscribed to the newsletter… Each week short email shares ideas about the future of Austin, something inspirational, and a list of our events and other tech organizations’ events that are upcoming! Get on the list! And we need your company’s support as we look to expand our offerings in the new year!!) #austin #reinvent #austintech

The next generation of Austin’s tech visionaries might not be the loudest in the room today. ?? But if we’re going to move forward, we need fresh voices, fresh ideas, and fresh perspectives leading the way. It’s time to create spaces that uplift all voices, especially the ones who are quietly driving innovation and redefining what’s possible. The Austin Technology Council wants to see us all unite to build a tech community that values diversity of thought and empowers tomorrow’s leaders to step forward and make an impact. If you know an up and coming civic-minded leader- they need not wait to add their voice to the conversations about the future of Central Texas. Now is the right time for them to begin to share ideas. #FutureLeaders #AustinTech #Innovation #AustinTechnologyCouncil #LeadTheWay #NewVoices

This morning was the Austin Technology Council’s November Roundtable Breakfast, sponsored and hosted by Wise - with an insightful session led by Isabel Naidoo, Chief People Officer at Wise, on “Lessons from Building a Sustainable People-Centric Company”. With a strong crowd and an engaging, interactive presentation, the morning was packed with valuable takeaways on fostering a people-first approach in business. As we look ahead to 2025, we invite you and your company to join us. Our tech community thrives on active participation— our tech ecosystem is better when you show up! #austin #austintech

Last chance to register for tomorrow’s ATC November roundtable . This will be the last in person event for 2024 for the Austin Technology Council. If all year you have said “I should go to one of the ATC breakfasts”…. Now is the time. Hosted by Wise in their office in the Domain- this will be good networking and education. The topic is “Lessons from Building a Sustainable Peoplr-Centric Company” presented by the Chief People Officer at Wise - Isabel Naidoo. Register at the ATC website. Thanks to all who have supported ATC in 2024… We look forward to next year and some amazing programming to serve our Austin Tech ecosystem!!! #austin

Hey Austin Tech Community!! Two things from ATC: 1. Wednesday 11/13 is the November Roundtable Breakfast. Hosted by Wise. All the info is at the ATC website. Sign up today! This is our last in-person event of 2024 …. so if all year, you’ve been thinking about attending one of our events… Don’t miss this one! 2. The newest episode of the “Austin Tech Connect” podcast features of the interview with Kathi Haralson - executive director at Pop-Up Birthday. If you’re not familiar with this charity… You should check out this interview… They are doing awesome things to help kids in foster care (thanks to Razat Gaurav and Planview for the introduction to this great organization). We appreciate everyone who has supported ATC over the past 12 months… We have some big plans for 2025, but we cannot do it alone. Make sure your company is a member of ATC! #austintech

Last night ATC had a happy hour for our “Ambassadors” and our Board of Directors. Special thanks to Weaver for hosting the event. The ATC Ambassador Program was created to give special networking and community building opportunities for people in the companies who sponsor ATC events. We could never host events if it for the local TECH companies, law, firms, banks, credit unions, consultancies, accounting firms, PR firms, and others. So we created the Ambassadors so they could quarterly meet and establish better connections in the community. As we look to 2025 we will be seeking unique ways to celebrate the Ambassadors with special Roundtable lunches, happy hours, and maybe some special hands on event (open to ideas). Thanks to all the companies who sponsored ATC in 2024… We look forward to having one or more of your team members participate in the ambassador events next year! If your company is interested in sponsoring an ATC event… We have some great events coming up next year… And you get added to the ambassador program! Also, your tech company has a leader who would like to get some board experience… We are looking to expand the board in the new year

Next week is our last ATC in person event of 2024..... the November Roundtable Breakfast. Wednesday, November 13th 8:30-10:00 AM. "Lessons from Building a Sustainable People-Centric Company" will be hosted at the offices of Wise in the Domain. It will feature a great presentation by Isabel Naidoo - the Chief People Officer at Wise. If you have not yet been to an ATC in-person event in 2024....but have said "Oh, these look like good events, and I should go check it out"....Do it for this breakfast. Or.... who on your team do you always think needs to engage and network more in the Austin tech scene? ..... Send them to this breakfast. Special thanks to Wise for being the sponsor and host of this breakfast. ATC is working to provide a variety of events that will help our tech community via education, networking/community, and advocacy. We are a grassroots organization, which means we need YOU and YOUR COMPANY to show up and engage. We want this tech community to have a place where everyone is invited to attend and everyone's voice is welcome. Please help spread the word about our November breakfast. More info can always be found on the ATC website.

Get ready to dive into the latest episodes of the Austin Tech Connect podcast! If you haven’t tuned in yet, here’s what you’ve been missing: Two weeks ago- ? Taylor Capito, an incredible guest, shares insights into her company, GenRAIT, and the innovative work they’re doing. This conversation is a must for anyone looking to stay ahead in the tech space. Last week- ? The audio recording from the 2024 “C-Suite Summit and Industry Think Tank” panel is now live! Gain valuable perspectives on the current state of funding for small and midsize tech companies—an essential topic for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders alike. Thanks to the panel Linda Ginac (TalentGuard) , Andrew Cozewith (MUFG), Jenifer Smith (Latham & Watkins) , and Andrew Vogeley (Sapphire Ventures). Don’t miss out on these thought-provoking discussions. You can find Austin Tech Connect on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Start listening today and keep your finger on the pulse of Austin’s tech ecosystem! #austintech