🇺🇸
United States of America
Become a Startup Scout
in
at
Austin

Ready to become a game-changer in Austin? As a VC startup scout, you can make a real difference by identifying innovative local startups, plus you'll gain invaluable insights into the venture capital ecosystem.

About

Austin, Texas has grown into a significant hotbed of startup activity over the past decade. Known for its robust tech scene, the city is home to numerous startups and venture capital firms that are driving innovation. The city's thriving economy, top-notch talent pool, and low cost of living compared to other tech hubs make it an attractive location for new businesses.

One of Austin's most notable startup success stories is software company Bazaarvoice. Founded in 2005 by Brett Hurt and Brant Barton, the firm went public in 2012 and now serves clients across the globe. Meanwhile, WP Engine, a leading WordPress hosting provider, was founded in Austin in 2010 and has since become one of the city's most successful tech companies.

As for venture capital, Austin is home to significant firms including LiveOak Venture Partners and Silverton Partners, which have funded many of the city's most successful startups. These investors play a crucial role in supporting Austin's thriving startup ecosystem. For instance, S3 Ventures has been instrumental in funding many successful ventures in biotech, business software, and digital solutions.

Initiatives have also been put in place to foster Austin's startup ecosystem. In 2020, Google for Startups announced a new partnership with Capital Factory, a leading Austin tech hub, to support minority entrepreneurs. The partnership aims to provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and funding to underrepresented founders, highlighting Austin's commitment to diversity and inclusion within its tech community.

A unique feature of Austin's startup scene is its blend of tech and creativity, as evidenced by its popular SXSW (South by Southwest) festival, which brings together film, music, and interactive media and has become a major destination for tech startups and investors alike.

As a Scout, You Can...

Kickstart Your Venture Capital Career

Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.

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Help Your Ecosystem Thrive

Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.

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Earn a Share in Startups Without Investing in Them

Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.

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Monetise Your Content & Community

As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.

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Create a Fairer Society

By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.

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Help Friends Get Funded

Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.

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Grow Your Personal Brand

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Join as a Scout at Your University

Available Programs

Startup Investor?

Receive dealflow opportunities from individuals, startups, and innovations coming out of Austin – the city that celebrates creativity and entrepreneurism! Invest now and start building your portfolio.

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Scout Programs in Other Global Startup Hubs

Podcaster

Do you interview founders & startups? Take your conversation insights to the next level by scouting your favourite podcast guests.

Scout founders you interview →

Co-Working Space Organiser

Do you help run a co-working space as an organiser or a greeter? Do you come across interesting entrepreneurs and startups?

Scout startups you sit next to→

Event Organiser

Do you organise an event, conference, or trade show? Help your founder attendees get discovered.

Scout startups at your event →

Student

Are you active in the entrepreneurship club at your college? Doing an MBA? Or are you a PHD student at a technical university? Help your fellow students get funded.

Scout startups at your university →

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