Austin Next Newsletter #30
Austin's Ecosystem Finished 2023 Strong
Full year 2023 startup and VC data is published with Austin’s position and trajectory in the US innovation ecosystem becoming clear. We are knocking on the superstar hubs' doors. Knocking loudly!
In 2023, Austin secured $3.9B in funding, marking the third highest level of investment in its history, only surpassed by the Zero Interest Rate Policy (ZIRP) and COVID-driven bubble of 2021/2022.
Austin now ranks as the 6th largest hub in the US, according to Pitchbook:
But Austin's story goes beyond absolute dollars. It's one of consistent momentum, especially post-bubble. Alongside DC, Boston, and Silicon Valley, Austin is one of only four regions showing any growth when benchmarking today vs 2019.
On top of the overall investment and growth, Austin is also punching above its weight. According to Peter Walker's data from Carta, Austin is top 5 in four key verticals- SaaS, Hardware, Consumer, and EdTech, a stark contrast to DC, which leads in only two sectors despite its higher overall ranking.
In a sector that I follow closely, Austin ranked 9th for Bio + Health funding. It's quite remarkable that we're already in the top 10, but we must continue to focus on expanding our infrastructure, scaling our talent pool, and telling our story.
Just a few weeks into 2024, and Austin has already seen a ~$100M funding round, suggesting that 2024 could be another landmark year for the innovation ecosystem.
???Austin Next Podcast
We shift focus from the broad, macro-level implications of AI to its tangible effects on the ground, as Austin increasingly becomes a hub for educational innovation. Joining me are Principal Keith Moore of Austin's Campbell Elementary and Jules Beesley from Creative Action .
We discuss their efforts in bringing AI and other cutting-edge technologies to their scholars, emphasizing the importance of providing access to these tools and technologies for students today and their impact on our future.
??Episode Highlights??
??The goal of integrating AI in early education is to create access and provide opportunities for learning and exploring new technologies.
??They strive to integrate the latest tools, keeping pace with their rapid evolution while ensuring effective learning experiences for students.
??Demonstrating endless imagination, 4th graders created audio-visual poems combining their written and spoken words with striking images, while 5th graders produced science shows, integrating curriculum topics with personal creativity.
??Austin's education market is increasingly becoming a hub for experimentation, characterized by the emergence of creative groups, unique partnerships, and new schools/universities, all offering diverse paradigms in education and technology.
What’s Next?
Principal Moore: Greater opportunities for scholars, through increasing the use of technology, in these wonderful ways, to connect core curriculum to the arts.
Mr. Beesley: How can we use these tools to tell stories, to use our imaginations, as well as explore issues of how we create.
You can find the episode on Spotify, Apple, our Website,?or any of your other favorite podcast platforms!
??Recent & Upcoming Media/Appearances
Check out Walt Maciborski 's full "Tech this Out" Story on Emerald Cloud Lab with Co-Founder & Co-CEO D.J. Kleinbaum at this link.
???? Ready to rumble on the future of healthcare? Join me at the HealthTech Austin's Fight Club for a spirited debate that will be fun, festive, and educational, with only a few intellectual body blows
!I'll be stepping into the ring to champion the cause of AI Regulation in the face-off against AI Regulation.
It's more than a debate; it’s THE choice in front of us.
The convergence of Bio, Health & Tech is the future of our industry and the Austin innovation ecosystem. ?
So, how we approach AI and the other exponential technology waves that are hitting us is vitally important.
If you want a sneak peek of some of the arguments I plan to make, check out Bill Gurley’s amazing All-In Summit Presentation "2,851 Miles”
??? Mark your calendars for January 30th, 6:30-8:30 PM. RSVP here and pick a side!
What's Next?
Austin's transformation into a global innovation powerhouse is at the heart of Austin Next. We explore insights into the region's evolution and the building of robust ecosystems. Additionally, we delve into the potential impact of emerging trends, technologies, and their convergence. Austin, as our real-world case study, helps us aspire to better comprehend the true nature of innovation.
Strategic Office Networks, LLC and Advisor to the Autonomy Institute
10 个月Thank you Jason Scharf. Austin has some major challenges if it is to meet the demands of growth and geographic expansion of its workforce. Austin can't create the necessary transportation infrastructure to meet burgeoning demand. If Austin is to punch above its weight, leaders will need to align in support of an aggressive intelligence infrastructure program. Many communities make up Austin and intelligent infrastructure is critical in defining the region's future.