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Startup Casa 2025: A Day to Remember! ??. Thank you to the 700+ attendees—3x last year’s inaugural event—who made this day special! We loved reconnecting, welcoming new friends, and celebrating the Latino startup ecosystem. From engaging panels and speakers to fun activities, a CPG expo, and amazing food & drinks, the day was filled with inspiration and opportunity—all under a bright (sometimes too sunny) Austin sky. ?? A few highlights: ?? AI Speed Networking Kicking off bright & early, founders, investors, & mentors grabbed coffee and jumped into rapid one-on-one conversations about AI innovation. Huge thanks to all the participants and to Danny Navarro for kicking it off! ? Casa Café Back by popular demand, Progeny Coffee brought their farm-to-cup goodness with a pop-up coffee shop. The Café became the morning hotspot, where attendees caught up and turned casual chats into opportunities. ??? Latina Luncheon & Live Podcast We were honored to host a live recording of Moneda Moves with Lyanne Alfaro, featuring: Maria Jose Palacio (Progeny Coffee) Eneida Roman (Amplify LatinX) Jessica Salinas (New Media Ventures (NMV)) They shared their journeys, challenges, & wins, reinforcing why representation and community matter. ??? Government & Policy Panel How can policy shape the future of Latino entrepreneurship? Our expert panelists didn’t hold back: Lili Gangas (Kapor Center/Foundation) Miguel Algarin (Living Cities) Jesús Salas (Slauson & Co.) Maryam Janani-Flores (Former EDA Chief of Staff) They kept it real and even got a bit “spicy”, diving into how government support (or lack of it) impacts startups—and how we can advocate for change. ?? Latino Startup Ecosystem Panel Jennifer Garcia (LBAN/Latino Business Action Network) led a dynamic discussion with: Adrian J. (AJ) DeLeón, M.Ed. (Innovare) Andres Morin (VamosVentures) Diego Barajas (Morgan Stanley) Braving the heat, attendees enjoyed a panel packed with insights on scaling Latino-led startups. ?? Startup Mercado Inspired by a lively Latin plaza, this was a space to discover and celebrate Latino-founded brands. From chocolate-covered chicharrones to adaptive women’s undergarments, every product reflected ingenuity and cultural pride. The Mercado also featured interactive experiences: Airbrush tattoos, 360 photos with Lowrider motorcycles, Lawn games, Paletas & tropical fruit carts, Taco trucks & more... Huge thanks to all the CPG leaders who made this a standout moment! ?? ICON Awards We closed the day by honoring visionary Latino leaders shaping entrepreneurship. Julian Castro delivered an inspiring keynote before we celebrated: Isabel Casillas Guzman Maxeme Tuchman Eduardo Medina Their personal stories left a lasting impact. ?? Fiesta! And of course, we ended the night with music and dancing! ???? A live Latin band, a DJ, and an energetic salsa lesson by Carolina Prieto turned the evening into a full-blown party. Startup Casa is home for the Latino Startup Community!

?? We’re excited for Mercado at Startup Casa on Friday, March 7th in Austin! Step into a setting reminiscent of your favorite plaza in Latinoamérica, featuring the Startup CPG Expo with brands and products you won’t want to miss. Enjoy interactive activities like ?? airbrush tattoos, ?? photos with lowrider motorcycles, ?? lawn games, tropical treats from ?? paleta and fruit carts, a ?? taco truck, beverages, and more… Startup Casa runs from 10 AM to 11 PM CST, but the Mercado experience is from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM CST, so don’t miss out—?? register today for Startup Casa via the Luma page (https://lu.ma/3secv5lz) and come meet these fantastic CPG brands! Armonía Bayjoo Carne Shabu Churros la Catrina Hess Street Foods Hutto Soap PinkFlamingoCandle Shop LC Springrose Temazcal Life The Grill-eria The Jefas Thoughtful Snacks Villa Atelier We can’t wait to celebrate with you all tomorrow at Startup Casa! ?? Elvia Perez Jorge M. Calderon Monica Hoyos Martens Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA

JUST IN! Startup Casa 2025 Keynote Announced! Join us at Startup Casa this Friday, March 7th, for a special evening celebrating the vibrant Latino startup ecosystem. We’re honored to welcome Julian Castro as our keynote speaker during the ICON Award ceremony. Julian will kick off the night by sharing his journey before helping us recognize our ICON awardees Isabel Guzman, Maxeme Tuchman, and Eduardo Medina— distinguished Latino founders and field builders making remarkable contributions as innovators and community leaders. Don't miss this inspiring celebration of impact, leadership, and entrepreneurship! Register now to secure your spot: bit.ly/startupcasa25 Jorge M. Calderon Monica Hoyos Martens Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Elvia Perez Latino Community Foundation Google for Startups J.P. Morgan Living Cities Morgan Stanley

?? Startup Casa 2025 is Just Around the Corner! ?? Join us on Friday, March 7th, in Austin, TX for an unforgettable day celebrating Latino innovation! Hosted by Inicio, in partnership with Google for Startups, J.P. Morgan, Living Cities, and The Cotto Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, this event is packed with insightful panels, networking opportunities, and a full-on fiesta! Must-Attend Panels: Women's Luncheon & Live Podcast by Moneda Moves – Hear from inspiring Latina leaders shaping the startup world. Eneida Roman, Jessica Salinas, Maria Jose Palacio - Moderated by Lyanne Alfaro Government Panel: Startup Innovation & Policy – Learn how government partnerships can drive startup growth. Jesús Salas, Maryam Janani-Flores, Miguel Algarin - Moderated by Lili Gangas Latino Startup Ecosystem: Success & Learnings – Gain insights from top investors and founders on scaling Latino startups. Adrian J. (AJ) DeLeón, M.Ed., Andres Morin, Diego Barajas - Moderated by Jennifer Garcia What else to expect: ? Casa Café Kickoff – Pop-up coffee bar by Progeny Coffee ?? AI Founder/Investor Speed Networking ??? CPG Startup Expo in a Mercado-style setting ?? Live Music & Salsa Lessons ?? Inicio ICON Award Ceremony Come celebrate and connect with funders, founders, field builders & friends while engaging with some of the brightest minds in the Latino startup ecosystem. ?? Request to join now: bit.ly/startupcasa25 #StartupCasa #LatinoStartups #VentureCapital #Austin #SXSW Elvia Perez Jorge M. Calderon Monica Hoyos Martens Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA

Join us in celebrating the 2025 ICON Award winners at Startup Casa on March 7th in Austin (adjacent to SXSW)—for a special ceremony dedicated to showcasing the talented and vibrant Latino startup ecosystem. This year, we proudly honor Isabel Casillas Guzman, Maxeme Tuchman, and Eduardo Medina. The ICON Award recognizes distinguished Latino founders, funders and field-builders whose success is inspiring and who continue to make remarkable contributions as innovators and community leaders. Congratulations to all the awardees! Register here bit.ly/startupcasa25 to cheer them on and hear about their incredible journeys. Jorge M. Calderon Monica Hoyos Martens Elvia Perez Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA BetterUp Hispanics in Philanthropy

You had me at café! ?. Progeny Coffee is back as a pop-up coffee shop at Startup Casa on March 7th in Austin. Come for a sip or two and stay for a full day of Latino startup community festivities. ?? ?? Got an AI startup and want some feedback? Grab an espresso and join the AI funder/founder/mentor speed dating activity in the morning. (Fill out this interest form if you want in! https://lnkd.in/gA-kXkT6 ???? Want to catch up with an old friend or make new ones? Do it over a latte made with Colombian-sourced awesomeness. ?? Need a pick-me-up between panels in the afternoon? Yep, Progeny’s got something for you. It’s Latino Startup Day at Startup Casa—startupcasa.org. Register here for fun and inspiration today: bit.ly/startupcasa25. ?? Monica Hoyos Martens, Jacob (Jake) Lefker, Elvia Perez, Jorge M. Calderon Progeny Coffee, Maria Jose Palacio. #latinafounders, #startupforgood, #AI, #mentoring

?? Join us for a vibrant celebration of the Latino startup community during Mercado time at Startup Casa on Friday, March 7th in Austin! Step into a setting reminiscent of your favorite Latin plaza Mercado, featuring the Startup CPG Expo with brands and products you won’t want to miss. Enjoy interactive activities like ?? airbrush tattoos, ?? photos with lowrider motorcycles, ?? lawn games, tropical treats from ?? paleta and fruit carts, a ?? taco truck, beverages, and more… Startup Casa runs from 10 AM to 11 PM CST, but the Mercado experience is scheduled from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM CST, so don’t miss out—?? register today (bit.ly/startupcasa25) for Startup Casa. If you’re a CPG or related startup and want to be part of the Expo during Mercado, sign up through this ?? interest form: bit.ly/mercadoatcasa We can’t wait to celebrate with you all at Startup Casa! ?? Jorge M. Calderon, Jacob (Jake) Lefker, Monica Hoyos Martens, Elvia Perez #bettertogether, #latinostartupecosystem, #cpg

Got plans for SXSW 2025 this March? Looking for a mix of fun, learning, and endless opportunities to connect? We’ve got you covered! We believe collaboration is key to progress. We’re passionate about building bridges, sparking new ideas, and uniting the entrepreneurial community. That’s why we’re spotlighting must-attend events led by organizations we admire and often collaborate with—great people doing great things. Check out the details below, register, update your calendars, and get ready to experience SXSW like never before. You won’t want to miss it. We can’t wait to see you there! — ?? 2nd Annual Immersion Day:? March 5, 2025 By: Oracle NetSuite Accelerator & VC Practice George Ploss, Emily T. Davila 2:30-5:00 pm- Meet the Founders: A Private Investor Showcase 5:00-8:00 pm- Networking Reception Alongside FoundersX Registration: https://lnkd.in/g55iiAnK ?? Equitech Texas Welcome Breakfast:? March 7, 2025 By: Equitech, Modern Tender, UpSurge Baltimore Laurie Felker Jones Registration: bit.ly/equitech25 ?? La Casa Argentina:? March 7, 2025 By: Argentina-Texas Chamber of Commerce Registration: https://lnkd.in/gWM7Ft7e ?? THE LIGHT HOUSE:? March 8 & 9 By: The Tech We Want @thetechwewant ?#TheLightHouse2025 #TeamHuman? Aniyia L. Williams Registration: https://lnkd.in/dYFVGZYj ?? LBAN Networking Dinner:? March 8, 2025 By: Latino Business Action Network @LBANstrong???Jennifer Garcia Registration:? https://lnkd.in/gqSUWiiD ?? Espacio Latino, Innovation Hub:? March 8, 2025 By: WealthBuild.ai,?Wells Fargo, Univision Foundation Registration:? https://lnkd.in/gyNBsBjk ??Casa Tech Mex & PItch Competition:? March 9, 2025 By: Capital Factory Luis Martinez? Event Registration: https://lnkd.in/gT2hQ8_T Pitch Competition Application:? https://lnkd.in/edjNuC-i ?? Startup Casa:? March 7, 2025 By: Inicio, Google for Startups Living Cities, J.P. Morgan Danny Navarro, Brittney Glass, Jorge M. Calderon, Monica Hoyos Martens, Elvia Perez, Jacob (Jake) Lefker, Joe Scantlebury, Santiago Carrillo, Norris Williams, Frank Medrano, Kate Farrell Bair Registration: bit.ly/startupcasa25

We luv our startup community! Come see why on March 7th in Austin at Startup Casa (adjacent to SXSW)—a festive day celebrating the contributions, talent, and potential of the Latino startup community. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day today, know that you’re appreciated, and bring your positive vibes for the next memorable celebration: Latino Startup Day at Startup Casa! (learn more: startupcasa.org) ?? Register now for fun and inspiration: bit.ly/startupcasa25 Jorge M. Calderon Monica Hoyos Martens Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Elvia Perez

Nominate an Icon Awardee today! The Icon Award is a recognition by Inicio that will be presented through a live ceremony at La Startup Casa on March 7th in Austin, TX, during SXSW. Register to attend the event here: https://lu.ma/3secv5lz. Through a peer nomination process, we will celebrate inspiring Latino champions—founders, investors, field builders, or government leaders—whose accomplishments have helped inspire and advance the growth of the Latino startup community. The Icon Award serves as an inspiration for the next generation of Latino innovators, providing encouragement to diverse leaders currently shaping the startup ecosystem and showcasing the exceptional talent within our community. Nomination Due by Friday, January 17th - https://lnkd.in/ehFh8v7k Jorge M. Calderon Elvia Perez Jacob (Jake) Lefker, MBA Monica Hoyos Martens Edrizio De La Cruz James Gutierrez Karla Gallardo