Austin Next

Videos

Jan. 17, 2022

Mid-Management Talent with Bjorn Billhardt, CEO of Abilitie

Everyone we have interviewed on the podcast has mentioned talent as a key issue facing Austin as it quickly ramps up its innovation ecosystem. And a big part of that is developing mid-level managers that can make decisions and propel businesses forward. Joining us is Bjorn Billhardt, CEO of Abilitie…

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Jan. 10, 2022

Discussing the Austin Narrative with Amber Gunst, CEO of the Austin Technology Council

Over the course of this podcast, we have explored the Austin ecosystem from a variety of different angles. The sectors here, the major trends, and the entrepreneurial support system. One question that has percolated through has been why has Austin continued to punch above its weight when it comes to…

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Dec. 6, 2021

Austin Sector Deep Dive: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) with Kirstin Ross, Managing Director SKU

The innovation space is wider and more expansive than the traditional tech verticals. It extends to the food we eat, the health/beauty solutions we use, the products we utilize to clean our home, and many more. Joining us is Kirstin Ross, Managing Director of SKU a CPG focused accelerator here…

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Nov. 29, 2021

Austin Sector Deep Dive: Space with with Melanie Stricklan, CEO Slingshot Aerospace & Michael Cia...

The space race runs through Texas now. All types of rockets, satellites, control software, and the underlying infrastructure of the industry are being created and grown here in Austin. Our Austin Sector Deep Dive Series continues with Melanie Stricklan, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace & Michael Ciannilli NASA's Director of the…

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Nov. 15, 2021

Austin Sector Deep Dive: Manufacturing with Ed Latson, Executive Director Austin Regional Manufac...

Austin is more than the live music capital of the world or the latest tech-wonderland. Central Texas has a notable and growing manufacturing base as well. Today, we’re going to go deeper into this part of our home and try to better understand where our manufacturing industry comes from and…

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Nov. 8, 2021

The Austin Capital Environment #3: NonVC Sources of Startup Fundraising (Angels, Debt, Crowdfundi...

Venture capital is just one source of funding available to early-stage companies. These sources both compete with and complement VC money. They range from existing methods such as angels and debt vehicles to new sources like crowdfunding. Austin is home to a growing variety of options for this alternative capital…

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Nov. 1, 2021

The Austin Capital Environment #2: New to Austin VC with Garheng Kong, Founder and Managing Partn...

As we continue our look at the Austin capital environment, we turn to the newcomers to the region. Over the past 18 months, we have had numerous VC firms either opening up offices here or an outright move. This influx of capital is one of the many drivers for why…

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Oct. 25, 2021

The Austin Capital Environment #1: Homegrown Venture Capital with Brian Smith, Managing Director ...

The fuel that makes startups grow has always been capital. This is produced from revenue, debt, angels, crowdfunding, and venture capital. Austin has seen a record year in both funds being raised and companies raising rounds. Not only have the funds been flying, but new investors have decided to make…

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Oct. 18, 2021

Private Innovation Support Infrastructure with Amos Schwartzfarb, Managing Director of TechStars ...

We interview Amos Schwartzfarb, Managing Director of TechStars Austin about how private incubators support the innovation ecosystem here in Central TX. Support the show and check out our sponsors: Austin Private Wealth (https://austinprivatewealth.com/) Austin Next Links: Website (https://www.austinnextpodcast.com/), X/Twitter (https://twitter.com/AustinNxPodcast), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AustinNext), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonscharf/)

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Oct. 11, 2021

Academic Innovation Support Structures with Van Truskett and Ashley Jennings

History has shown that a strong university is a key element for an innovation ecosystem to thrive. The good news is that Austin is the home of the University of Texas, one of the largest and strongest universities in the US, and I’m not just talking about football. Support the…

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Oct. 4, 2021

Austin Sector Deep Dive: Life Sciences with Scott Collins, President BioAustinCTX

The pandemic opened a lot of people's eyes to the importance of the life sciences industry. The 21st century is being called the bio century and Austin has the opportunity to be right in the middle of that next wave. We continue our Austin Sector Deep Dive Series with Scott…

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Sept. 27, 2021

Austin Sector Deep Dive: MediaTech with Paul O'Brien, CEO MediaTech Ventures

The Live Music Capital of the world is one of many slogans for our fine city. Music is just one of many forms of media that have been taking hold in the region. This includes film, gaming, and yes podcasting too. One fascinating collision between our growing media footprint and…

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Sept. 15, 2021

Austin Sector Deep Dive: Blockchain and Crypto with Lee Bratcher, President Texas Blockchain Council

One of the strengths of the Austin innovation ecosystem is the wide sector diversification that plays within our region. All of these different industries provide multiple shots on goals for future unicorns, a hedge against a downturn in any single market, and opportunities for interesting and unique collaborations. We are…

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Sept. 6, 2021

The Austin Mortar, an interview with Thom Singer, the Human Connection Catalyst

The building blocks of any ecosystem are the companies that have been founded or migrated here; however, it is the mortar between those blocks that makes a strong foundation. The mortar of an ecosystem is the people, culture, and ideas that flow throughout. Today we are speaking with Thom Singer,…

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Aug. 23, 2021

Research Speaks with Ross Devol CEO of Heartland Forward Foundation

We talk a lot about how Austin is transforming into the next great innovation powerhouse, but how do you define a growing innovation powerhouse. What do the academics say are the right ways to measure an ecosystem’s growth and how does Austin stack up. In this episode, we speak with…

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Aug. 9, 2021

Who's coming to the Austin Metro with Jason Ball

No innovation ecosystem exists in a silo and one of the significant growth drivers are the companies that are deciding to move here from other regions. Whether it is a satellite office or a new headquarters, these organizations have a big impact on the local community. In this episode, we…

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July 26, 2021

Austin Now with Marc Nathan

Episode 2: Interview with Marc Nathan Part of the evolution of Austin into the next great innovation powerhouse is the change in the types of companies that are being started here. The history of Austin is deeply connected to personal computers, enterprise software, and semiconductors. Today the next generation of…

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July 12, 2021

History of the Austin Ecosystem with John Butler

Before we can see what’s next for Austin, we have to know where we have been. To walk us through the history of the Austin innovation ecosystem, we interviewed John Sibley Butler from UT Austin. Professor Butler has been a part of the ecosystem for decades and sees the various…

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June 26, 2021

Welcome to Austin Next

Over the last decade, Austin has exploded into the national consciousness as the next great innovation powerhouse. That has only accelerated over the past 18 months as talent, capital, and companies are making the move. Homegrown companies across the spectrum are becoming unicorns and having significant exits. Austin’s flywheel is…

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