What makes a meaningful ecosystem event apart from a great turnout?
Sure we had a lot of people but that's not the main point.
1. These are people who are doing real things in Central Texas (and all over the US for that matter - people FLEW in to be a part of this!). Established founders, real investors writing checks, clinicians who work deeply with industry in addition to having medical insights, phenomenal experts who can make a real difference, scientists, engineers, the list goes on.
2. Engagement on building the ecosystem together - my favorite part was getting up close and personal with the audience. Asking what their specific needs were. What initiatives would be meaningful in a practical way. SO many great responses to this. I took notes but if you had a burning comment that you want to follow up on - message me please.
3. The energy was awesome. The room was buzzing. People didn't want to stop talking with each other. Sure we got them to settle down and had a great panel but not without a lot of encouragement ;).
4. The recognition that we're at the start of a journey. A journey in which we not only want to go for, but we want to go FAST. Let's just put that out there. Even though I'm not a Max Verstappen fan, I did resonate when he said he's just not interested in being 2nd or 3rd in F1. We're not interested in being "on the list" either.
5. Amazing sponsors and industry support - more to come on that!
What's the next event? Come out to Austin Medtech Connect x Cup of Capital on Feb 2nd at 9 am! I'll put the link in the comments.
As always hats off to our awesome board:
Jeff Levine
Kristin H. Norton, PhD
Zain Kazmi
Jameil ‘Jay’ Pendleton?
Ishan Prakash
As well as to our panelists:
Maxwell Dordevic
Nick Travers
Zain Kazmi