Austin Next Newsletter #31
Austin Rising Across Numerous Sectors
With the release of all the 2023 startup metrics & analysis, a common thread has emerged: Austin’s definitive rise in the rankings!
In a recent analysis by Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, Austin shines as the number 5 metro, a notable jump from last year’s number 7 position.
The strength of Austin's startup ecosystem isn't just its size, but also its sector diversity.
Here's a look at where Austin stands sector by sector:
?? Edtech: Number 3
?? Hardware: Number 4
?? SaaS, Consumer, and Fintech: Number 5
?? Biotech: Number 6
?? Med Devices: Number 8
? Energy: Number 9
Taxonomy is complex and no categorization is perfect, but this at least gives us an idea of the strengths and areas of momentum within the region.
???And as a special bonus: Peter will be joining me again on the Austin Next podcast for a comprehensive retrospective on 2023. We'll be reviewing the national trends and diving deep into the data to see what they tell us about the Austin innovation ecosystem.
???Austin Next Podcast ???
Is an entrepreneur a high-status position or are true innovators actually counter-cultural icons?
This intriguing question forms the heart of my conversation with Tyler Norwood , Managing Partner at Antler . We discuss the role and impact of accelerators, the shift towards physical verticals and its implications for regional ecosystems, and the defining moments that shape generations of builders.
??Episode Highlights??
??Antler's accelerator model is an eight-week, intensive evaluation program for founders, focusing on practical assessments over traditional business planning, culminating in a potential investment.
??True disruptive innovation is inherently countercultural as it challenges established norms and appeals to those intrinsically motivated rather than by external status.
??The Texas corridor's continued rise as global economic powerhouse is driven by the innovation surge in physical domains like energy, semiconductors, and space exploration.
??The stagnation in productivity over the last 50 years may be attributed to the absence of 'frontier moments' that ignite public imagination, emphasizing the crucial role of inspiration in driving progress.
??Ambitious projects like space exploration not only achieve technological feats but also inspire future generations, while conversely, those who don't witness such achievements may doubt the possibility of innovation.
What's Next Austin?
In the next five to 10 years, Austin is going to have a surprising amount of really large, very successful, very innovative companies sprout up here.
You can find the episode on Spotify, Apple, our Website,?or any of your other favorite podcast platforms!
??Recent Speaking Appearances
Healthtech Austin’s Fight Club last Tuesday had a great turnout and definitely lived up to its billing as a fun, festive, and educational event with only intellectual punches and ego bruises.
We explored deep and timely topics:
??End of Life Care (David Zuniga) vs. Medical Aid in Dying (Janis Powers)
??Value-Based Care (Steven Cutbirth, MBA, MSHCT) vs. High-Quality Care (Clifford Porter)
??More Physicians (Cesar Lopez) vs. More NPs & PAs (Serena Bumpus DNP RN NEA-BC)
??I enjoyed debating AI Innovation vs AI Regulation against John Moore III and was honored to emerge as the overall winner of the night.
Congratulations to Serena for clinching the People's Choice Award.
Thanks to the debate referees Dawn Delatte, Dominic Castillo, Mary Ann Roser, Adam Royal, and judges Rebekkah Schear, Harold Strong, Jake Childers, and Lamarque Polvado.
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.
Absolutely love the insight and discussions happening in Austin! ?? Tyler Norwood's central question really reminds me of what Steve Jobs said - Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. I believe your exploration into the role of accelerators and regional ecosystems is crucial for nurturing true innovators who can change the world. Looking forward to Peter's insights in the upcoming podcast! ???? Keep inspiring and pushing boundaries. #Innovation #Leadership #AustinNext
Early Stage Bio & Health Investor | Ecosystem MetaCognition Substack | Host of the Austin Next Podcast
1 年I would think that innovation debates would fit right into the culture that University of Austin is trying to build. Would you agree Lauren M. Postler, MSSW, Michael Strong, and Keri Waters?
Early Stage Bio & Health Investor | Ecosystem MetaCognition Substack | Host of the Austin Next Podcast
1 年I had so much fun being a part of HealthTech Austin's Fight Club. I hope we continue these types of events and bring people from across the spectrum. It creates a great opportunity for creative collisions. Seth Dockery ?? Jay Hartzell, Claudia Lucchinetti, Edward Latson, Ed Curtis, Roland Pe?a, Kevin Fincher, CS Freeland, ? Thom Singer, CSP ?? there should be more innovation debate style events in the city.