Austin
Austin chapter

Austin Startup Community

As an ambitious tech founder in Austin, you understand the importance of making the right connections. Join Founders Network and become part of a carefully curated community of experienced Austin tech founders who can offer mentorship, collaborate on ideas, and provide the guidance you need to thrive in the vibrant startup ecosystem of Austin.

For nominated founders · Virtual · 30 min

Nominee Preview Q&A

Thursday, October 15 at 9:30 AM PT

A live Zoom for nominated founders: how Founders Network works, what happens next, and open Q&A.

Austin chapter

Our Local Leadership Team

Kevin Bradt
Chapter Director
Founder, Proptech Startup, CasaPerks
FN May 2021 Cohort

Auto-enrolled per Kevin direction on 2026-06-23. Please update via the Leadership profile flow with a current bio + photo.

Jason Collier
Chapter Director Emeritus
Founder, Scale Computing

Founder ● IT Evangelist ● Chief Technology Officer (CTO) ● Edge Computing Pioneer ● Hyperconvergence Thought Leader

Heather Rhyker
Membership Chair
Founder, Reffyy, Inc.
FN June 2024 Cohort

As a leadership coach, wellness expert, and longtime small business owner, I have seen firsthand how difficult it has become for people to determine who and what they can trust online. I am bringing that experience and market insight to Reffyy, a social trust engine building the expert and product intelligence layer for the future of online discovery. Reffyy combines verified expertise, trusted-network signals, and expert product insights to help people make better-informed decisions with greater confidence. Behind the user experience, we are building structured, explainable, AI-ready data infrastructure that connects experts, credentials, specialties, products, recommendations, and real-world trust. Our vision is to make trusted expertise more visible, useful, and actionable across consumer discovery, product intelligence, and emerging AI systems. Reffyy is creating the infrastructure to help people and technology recognize who has relevant expertise, what that expertise applies to, and how trust moves through real relationships.

A Founders Network member speaking at an event

The Austin startup scene

Nicknamed the “Silicon Hills”, Austin has rapidly emerged as a hotbed for startups and innovation. Home to unicorn status startups like SparkCognition, ICON, and the Zebra, Austin offers a fertile ground for innovation and a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. The city boasts a flourishing startup ecosystem, supported by a strong network of investors, mentors, and tech talent.

Founders Network in Austin

Founders Network understands the unique dynamics and opportunities Austin presents to startup founders. That’s why we provide a platform for Austin’s startup founders to connect, collaborate, and learn from a global community of their peers. Through our carefully curated events, mentorship program, and exclusive resources, we empower founders to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and tap into the limitless opportunities that the Austin startup community has to offer.

Founders listening at a Founders Network sessionFounders talking at a Founders Network eventA Founders Network roundtable
600+
Vetted tech founders
$5B+
Raised by members
55%
Serial founders
100+
Events a year

Austin resources and communities

Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its thriving tech and startup ecosystem. The city offers a range of resources and communities that support entrepreneurs and foster innovation.

Venture Capital Firms: Austin is home to notable venture capital firms that provide funding and support to startups. Firms such as Austin Ventures, Silverton Partners, and LiveOak Venture Partners actively invest in local startups and offer valuable mentorship and guidance.

Startup Incubators and Accelerators: Austin hosts several renowned startup incubators and accelerators that provide comprehensive support and resources. Capital Factory, Techstars Austin, and Austin Technology Incubator are prominent examples. These programs offer mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to a strong network of investors and industry experts.

Co-working Spaces: The city offers a variety of co-working spaces that cater to the needs of startups. Locations like WeWork, Capital Factory, and TechSpace provide flexible workspace solutions, networking opportunities, and access to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs.

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