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Austin startup ecosystem
Explore documented companies, programs, research institutions, and investors connected to Austin. Superscout does not promise local investment access.
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.
This month
On in Austin this month
30 startup events in the next 30 days, 9 this week, 26 free. The city as a calendar, with the hosts and venues that keep it full.
Today, Saturday, Oct 31
Founders Running Club
Founders Running Club · Estacionamiento Edward Rendon ParkFreeBuilder Hiking - Link Falls at Bull Creek
Physical AI Builders & Entrepreneurs · Link Falls at Bull CreekFreeTomorrow, Sunday, Nov 1
The Ai Implementation Club
Chrissy McDannell · Antler VCFree🤖 The AI Implementation Club: Special Edition at Gevity (North Austin)
Chrissy McDannell · Gevity: Social Wellness ClubFreeTuesday, Nov 3
Out in Tech Demo Night 5.0
Demo day · Michael Moran · Capital FactoryFreeRegular hostsChrissy McDannell · 3Michael Moran · 3Gianna Whitver · 2KindsMixers · 5Dinners · 4Meetups · 3
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Austin ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Listed as | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Tech Ecosystem Index | 2026 | Austin | #6 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Finance, Growth, Talent, Innovation |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | Austin–Round Rock Area | #16 | Up 2 | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) | GSER 2026 | Austin | #18 | Up 12 | C | Ecosystem, Performance, Finance, Talent, Innovation |
 Global Innovation Index: Innovation Cluster Ranking (formerly Science and Technology Clusters) | 2026 | Austin | #37 | No change | B | Innovation, Research, Activity |
 Global Cities Index | 2026 | Austin | #46 | No prior edition | B | Performance, Growth, Talent, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
426 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Austin
Investors 347
Investor
InvestorInvesting in innovative healthcare solutions.
InvestorEmpowering B2B SaaS startups for hyper-growth.
The 3 most prominent of 347. Browse all investors
Venture studios 45
Venture studioTransforming niche tech into enterprise solutions.
Venture studioRescuing and building startups for a better future.
Venture studioAccelerating professional services firms from launch to scale.
The 3 most prominent of 45. Browse all venture studios
Accelerators 23
AcceleratorSKU is an accelerator program based in Austin, Texas, focused on early-stage consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. It provides mentorship,…
AcceleratorNewchip Accelerator is an Austin-based organization that supports early-stage startups through its accelerator program, offering mentorship, resources,…
AcceleratorEmpowering small businesses for sustainable growth.
The 3 most prominent of 23. Browse all accelerators
Incubators 11
IncubatorEmpowering deep tech entrepreneurs since 1989.
IncubatorFostering open source software innovation.
IncubatorIncubating innovative tech startups.
The 3 most prominent of 11. Browse all incubators
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Austin
UniversityListed in 9 rankings
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Austin
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Austin
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Austin
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Austin
Discovery to Impact lists disclosure, licensing, proof-of-concept, and funding pathways for the UT community.
Source: Discovery to ImpactCapital Factory invites Texas deep-tech founders from seed through Series C to pitch its Texas Fund.
Source: Texas FundATI lists sustainability, healthcare, and microelectronics among its deep-tech startup focus areas.
Source: ApplyATI states that membership applications are rolling and open to any company, without a UT-affiliation requirement.
Source: ApplyUT Austin describes TExAN as an angel-investor network for UT-alumni-founded startups and links to a founder pitch application.
Source: Texas EntrepreneurshipUT Austin describes SEAL as a nine-week summer accelerator for campus startups ending with an investor and ecosystem-partner pitch.
Source: Texas Entrepreneurship
Questions about Austin
How does Austin rank as a startup ecosystem?
Austin is #16 of 1,473 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 5 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Austin?
347 investors based in Austin have a profile here, including 8VC, SANTÉ and GTMfund. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Austin?
Yes. Austin has 23 accelerators, 11 incubators and 45 venture studios on record, including SKU, Austin Technology Incubator and Morse..
Which universities are in Austin?
One university has a profile: University of Texas at Austin.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Austin
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118 km away
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141 km away
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236 km away
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281 km away
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