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Today we’re excited to launch the newest addition to the Built In network...Built In Austin!
Built In Austin is the first, all-inclusive, online hub for the Austin tech community. Please sign up and spend some time exploring, connecting and contributing — this community exists for you.
Austin was an obvious next market for Built In given its deep roots in technology, its ability to attract funding, the strong entrepreneurial support ecosystem, top university talent and a city where people want to both live and work.
Strong Foundation
In the 1980s, giants such as IBM, Dell, and Texas Instruments, and AMD carved out a tech niche here and commenced an influx of talent that has since exploded. In the ‘90s, startups such as Trivoli, Motiv, and Vignette maintained the regional focus on enterprise tech while adding an entrepreneurial cachet. A firm called Trilogy, in particular, helped shift a bit of the emphasis from hardware to software.
But only recently has Austin begun to fully come into its own as a home for startups – witness the billion-dollar exits of HomeAway, BazaarVoice, Indeed, and RetailMeNot. That's not to mention SXSW Interactive, the annual gathering that not only captures the nation’s fascination for one week each year, but helps establish the tone for tech worldwide.
Ability To Attract Funding
In 2013, Austin startups raised over $500 million. In 2014, that figure will be north of $1 billion. Between 2007 and 2012, Austin experienced 21.7% GDP growth, and as of 2013, available jobs had risen by 11.8% in the preceding six years. Austin is also home to Sparefoot, Spredfast, Subtle Data, and other million-dollar companies.
Strong Entrepreneurial Support Ecosystem
Austin provides fertile soil for continued growth, with Capital Factory, Techstars Austin, The Austin Technology Council, Austin Ventures, Live Oak Venture Partners, and their growing network of VCs maintaining a strong cashflow for the region's entrepreneurs. The founders of BazaarVoice, in particular, have established leverage much like that of the 'PayPal Mafia,' with five company veterans receiving Austin Ventures funding for other businesses since its exit. Over the past six years, Josh Baer has been connecting hungry tech entrepreneurs throughout Austin with their next venture and steering a different career path for many just entering the talent pool.
Top Talent
Austin is home to one of the leading universities in the nation, and because of its strong leaders like Bob Metcalfe, UT has been pushing the envelope when it comes to new innovation programs. The Longhorn Startup program, Austin Tech Incubator, McCombs School of Business, & the Longhorn Entrepreneurship Agency have been instrumental in channeling quality talent to the much-in-need area startups.
Great Place To Live and Work
Most importantly, Austin is simply a great place to live. 150 people move here every day and employment at tech companies has increased by 41% since 2001. Compared to San Francisco, office space is less than half as expensive. Affordable rents, low taxes, vibrant local culture, and warm weather will continue to coax in more movers, shakers, and doers in tech.
With that, I’d like to personally invite you to sign up and further discover your startup community on Built In Austin:
Once you're signed up:
- Get a job at an Austin tech company
- Find cool tech events
- Read news about Austin startups
- Find any Austin startup
- Complete your profile and get connected
Look forward to connecting with all of you,
Maria Christopoulos Katris
CEO
Built In
