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.
Nominee Preview Q&A
A live Zoom for nominated founders: how Founders Network works, what happens next, and open Q&A.
Upcoming Austin events
Our Local Leadership Team
Auto-enrolled per Kevin direction on 2026-06-23. Please update via the Leadership profile flow with a current bio + photo.
Founder ● IT Evangelist ● Chief Technology Officer (CTO) ● Edge Computing Pioneer ● Hyperconvergence Thought Leader
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.
The Austin startup scene
Austin startups raised a record $7.19 billion in venture funding in 2025, up 64.8% from $4.37 billion in 2024, according to Crunchbase News. Late-stage rounds made up $4 billion of that total.
The Startup Genome Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026 says Austin had the biggest leap of any North American ecosystem in its top 40, surging 12 places to #18. Startup Genome also puts Austin's ecosystem value at $107 billion and its seed and Series A funding at $4.1 billion for the second half of 2023 to 2025.
Founders Network in Austin
Founders Network is a peer mentorship community for tech startup founders. Membership is selective and by invitation, and founders request an invitation to be considered.
Members get mentorship from other founders, chapter events, and introductions to investors and founders across a global network. Chapters are run by volunteer member leaders, who are listed on this page.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin a good place to start a startup?
Austin startups raised a record $7.19 billion in 2025 per Crunchbase News, and Startup Genome's 2026 report moved Austin up 12 places to #18 globally.
How much venture funding do Austin startups raise?
Crunchbase reports $7.19 billion in 2025, compared with $4.37 billion in 2024. Deal count fell from 312 to 272, so the average round got larger.
How do I meet other founders in Austin?
Founders Network runs chapter events for Austin founders, led by volunteer members. Upcoming events are listed on this page.
What startup events are in Austin?
Upcoming Austin chapter events are listed on this page, including a Nominee Preview where you can meet current members and ask questions.
How do I join Founders Network in Austin?
Membership is selective and by invitation. You can request an invitation and we'll follow up.
Get an invitation to the community.
Founders Network is an invite-only peer mentorship community for tech startup founders. Drop your email — we'll take it from there.
No spam. We review every request individually.