September 4, 2025 – The biggest moment in Texas innovation is about to arrive. On October 2, 2025, more than 20 co-host organizations across 10+ cities will power the 4th Annual Texas Venture Fest. It’s a statewide and simultaneous celebration for 3,000+ Texans convened by the ecosystem of entrepreneur support featuring networking and programming in the evening. As the largest Texas-focused experience in the history of the Lone Star State, this signature event amplifies each region’s unique startup & venture ecosystem while connecting them into one powerful statewide network.

This unique experience highlights how the largest state in the continental United States can collaborate as one unified force for innovation. The effort is driven by a diverse coalition of organizations such as: venture capital firms, emerging managers, accelerators, incubators, angel networks, universities, startup development organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development corporations, coworking hubs, membership clubs, and more—all building a connected and thriving ecosystem. There is also an open call for local and statewide sponsorship from various sectors, such as banks, law firms, accounting firms, recruiters, and more in order to meet the community’s diverse needs.

The Texas Venture Fest has rapidly evolved every year, outgrowing it’s name since inception. Starting in 2022 as the “Austin Venture Crawl,” the event drew 1,000+ attendees across multiple downtown Austin locations, supported by several Texas venture capital firms. Building on that success, the 2023 experience expanded 10X, adding 9 more cities, 40+ venture panelists, and around 2,000 Texans. In 2024, it grew to over 3,000 Texans and introduced the Texan’s Choice Awards.

The award winners are honored at Texas Venture Fest’s sister signature event—the 3rd Annual Texas Venture Gala & Forum, taking place in May 2026. This premier experience unites leaders from across the state under one roof, with daytime programming and an evening awards dinner celebrating Texas excellence.” Both sister signature experiences are supported by the Texas Venture Newsletter, a 2x a month curated list of events and resources featuring the Texas innovation ecosystem.

Message from Texas Venture Fest statewide sponsor, Justworks: Justworks is a technology company that levels the playing field for all small businesses. Through our software and as a partner, we help our customers take care of their teams, streamline their operations, and navigate the complex aspects of managing a workforce with confidence. To achieve this, we are uncompromising in our focus on building for small businesses and understanding their unique needs. Our flexible platform empowers them to assemble powerful self-service capabilities to meet their payroll, tax, HR, and compliance needs. Plus, we’ve got their back with 24/7 human support, on-demand expertise, and access to high-quality benefits designed for the modern workforce.

TEXAS VENTURE FEST CO-HOSTS

AUSTIN

Justworks’ Angie Neas: At Justworks, we understand that small business founders are the backbone of our communities. We’ve walked alongside countless entrepreneurs, experiencing firsthand the passion, dedication, and struggles it takes to build something from the ground up. That’s why we’re committed to providing the tools, support, and community that empower founders to focus on what they do best—growing their businesses. And a big reason why we align with great community-building events like Texas Venture Fest!

Silverton Partners’ Matt Saitta: At Silverton, we’ve seen firsthand how founders thrive when they’re part of a supportive community. Texas embodies an entrepreneurial spirit unlike anywhere else, rooted in collaboration and determination. That’s why we’re proud to support Texas Venture Fest, which celebrates that spirit and brings people together to build the future.

S3 Ventures’ Kathryn Deebel: Tacos and entrepreneurs? Count us in! Join S3 Ventures on October 2 from 5–8pm at Lil’ Woodrow’s for networking, tacos, and a celebration of Austin’s innovators during Texas Venture Fest.

Geek Ventures’ Sarah Romanko: At Geek Ventures, our mission is to drive equal opportunity for visionary immigrant entrepreneurs through capital and connections. Texas Venture Fest reflects this vision by bringing together diverse founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders to accelerate innovation. We are especially grateful to our Associate, Sarah Romanko, for serving as Chief of Staff for this year’s Fest and exemplifying the values we champion.

American Innovators Network: American Innovators Network (AIN) is proud to sponsor this year’s Texas Venture Fest and celebrate the entrepreneurs shaping the future of Texas. We believe Little Tech is the foundation of American greatness, and this event is a powerful showcase of that spirit. We look forward to connecting with innovators in Austin and across the state driving this next wave of opportunity.

FinStrat Management’s Founder & CEO Kristian Marquez: is proud to sponsor Texas Venture Fest: Austin 2025. As venture investors and financial experts, we accelerate seed-stage growth through both direct investment and outsourced services like CFO, controller, and bookkeeping. We look forward to connecting with the innovators and investors driving the vibrant Texas startup scene.

FIESTA: Cherie Werner FIESTA is thrilled to partner with the Texas Venture Alliance to host a dynamic reverse pitch featuring visionary angels and VCs. Eight funders will take the stage to showcase their funds and the impact they are making with founders. As part of our mission to create a home-away-from-home for founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and newcomers, FIESTA exists to ensure every founder feels seen, supported, and connected. Stay connected by subscribing to our newsletter, FIESTA Focus, and visiting us at FIESTA.community. https://fiesta.community

La Familia Foundation / VC Familia’s Eduardo Hernandez: Excited to bring together Austin's top Latine investors and founders to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month while building the connections needed to achieve LaFamilia Foundation's $1B investment goal by 2030.

512Financial: We are proud to call Austin home and to be part of the vibrant Texas startup community that makes Venture Fest possible. At 512Financial, we believe founders thrive when they are surrounded by the right people and resources. Swing by Red Fridge Society and Parlor & Yard to meet our team, make connections, and celebrate the incredible founders and investors who make this community special. In true Venture Fest spirit, we’re offering quick “Tarot for Startups” readings. Think of each reading as a personal consultation with seasoned fractional CFOs and HR pros, with insights into your financial future and team trajectory. With experience supporting 140+ startups and more than $250 million in capital raises and liquidity events, our insights run deeper than your average fortune teller. Grab a drink, meet the team, and see what the cards reveal for your company.

CEDAR PARK

Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin: Cedar Park has been a proud home to Firefly Aerospace and celebrated its successful landing on the moon and IPO earlier this year.  Like many other cities across Texas, we are grateful to be a community where the smartest people from all over the world are moving to build their businesses and a brighter future for us all. Thank you to the Texas Venture Fest for showcasing all the amazing innovation across the Lone Star State!

NORTH TEXAS

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross: Arlington is proud to host Texas Venture Fest for the second year, right here in the Entertainment District. With the Grand Prix of Arlington 2026 and World Cup matches coming, our city is emerging as a global destination not just for sports and entertainment, but for bold innovation and entrepreneurship too.

The Founders Arena’s CEO, Pamela Cryton: As The Founders Arena marks our second anniversary, we’ve been privileged to bring FinTech innovators from around the world to North Texas. Yet the most meaningful part has been becoming a true part of this incredible ecosystem. Texas Venture Fest is more than just an event — it’s a chance to ignite powerful conversations, uncover key insights, and build the lasting connections that will define the future of innovation in our community.

HILL COUNTRY

TheTownie.ai’s Katie Milton Jordan: We’re thrilled to showcase rural innovation on stage with high school students from Mason and Fredericksburg ISDs pitching their own ideas alongside leaders like Kimble County Judge Hal Rose and private equity firm founder Ron Ondechek, Jr. This community has really rallied behind the vision — with support from sponsors including Mason Bank, Menard Industrial Corporation, Yonker Meat Processing, Texas Regional Bank, AEIOU Students, Liters Inc., and more. It’s going to be an inspiring evening that celebrates both the next generation and the institutions that make the Hill Country such a powerful place to live and grow.”

ROUND ROCK

Round Rock Chamber’s Adriana Nunez: We’re thrilled to be part of Texas Venture Fest again this year and to share the launch of our new partnership with gener8tor. Together, we’re bringing an accelerator program to Round Rock that will help fuel our community’s innovation and entrepreneurship.

PLUGERVILLE

Pflugerville Community Development Corporation’s Adam Maxon: We’re incredibly excited to bring Venture Pfest 2025 to life here in Pflugerville with three days of dynamic panels, hands-on workshops, and an inspiring pitch competition. All free to attend and featuring more than 35 incredible speakers. We’re especially honored to welcome leaders like Stacey Rhone and Jasmin Brand, Founder of Her Texas, whose voices embody the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of our region. This festival will truly be Your Startup Launchpad.

EAST TEXAS

East Texas Technology and Innovation Coalition: We’re excited to once again partner with the Texas Venture Alliance to bring Texas Venture Fest to Tyler and the East Texas region. This year's event will be held in the Brew Room at True Vine Brewing Co., a home grown, entrepreneurial venture in the Tyler Mosaic District. Thanks in part to KnackForge, PCDworks, Tyler Junior College, Walk2Work Wellness Desk, and Palestine Economic Development Corporation, it will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, support ecosystem providers and funders from across the multi-county Northeast Texas Region for an evening of networking and collaboration. The Texas-themed event will feature two panels, "Entrepreneurs and Innovators", focused on the folks driving growth and "Funding for Founders", highlighting the resources available to finance the future. Alvie IV (who has East TX roots), the founder of Alvies Boots and Flip Flops has sponsored a pair of boots and flip flops for the door prize giveaway. Northeast Texas is a happenin' place. Come on by!

BUDA

Buda Economic Development Corporation’s Jacquie Martinez: Texas Venture Fest is an exciting opportunity to showcase Buda’s entrepreneurs through our ongoing HIVE Incubator Program, while also networking with startups and investors and hosting our BUDA-ful Small Business Expo and Pitch Competition,” said Jacquie Martinez, Assistant Director of Small Business Initiatives. “Together, these events not only celebrate our small businesses but also connect Buda’s innovation community with partners and thought leaders from across the state.”

LAREDO

MileOne International Business Assistance Center’s Cesar G Hernandez: MileOne is excited to participate in Texas Venture Fest 2025. Laredo, Texas is home to a dynamic and growing small business community, and engaging in a networking event of this caliber further affirms MileOne’s position as an emerging incubator dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs across the region.”

HOUSTON

Invincible & Latin Startups Global’s Jesse Martinez: Extremely excited to be hosting the 3rd Annual Texas Venture Fest Houston in collaboration with so many of our fellow Houston area tech founders, investors, and ecosystem partners as we gather in unison across other Texas cities.

EL PASO

Pioneers21’s CEO Laura Butler: Texas Venture Fest in El Paso embodies more than just a moment , it represents a movement: a rising tide of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators converging to build bridges, spotlight visionary speakers, and prove that no founder in the Lone Star State should ever feel alone. Together we turn regional ambition into statewide impact.

SAN ANTONIO

Emerge & Rises’s Lina Rugova: The event is cohosted by the Founder Institute San Antonio and Emerge and Rise with MC as Marcos Resendez ( CEO of 434 Media).

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation’s Nathan Burkhart: Texas Venture Fest lets the Valley tell its story alongside the rest of the state. We have hosted this experience for three years running, and every time the room fills with founders from the RGV and beyond. The eBridge Center was built for nights like this, bringing our cross-border market, our university talent, and our industrial base together in one place.