San Antonio Startup Week: A Hub for Innovators and Investors
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as over 2,000 entrepreneurs and investors gather for this year’s San Antonio Startup Week. This free conference is more than just an event; it’s a golden opportunity for individuals to network, pitch their brilliant ideas, and learn from some of the most successful founders and investors in the game.
The Emergence of San Antonio as a Tech Dynamo
One of the notable figures at the conference is Arlan Hamilton, the managing partner at Backstage Capital. With a keen eye on cities that often fly under the radar for tech innovation, Hamilton believes San Antonio is on the cusp of becoming a powerhouse. “I’m always interested in cities that are under the radar and aren’t the first place you think of when you think of tech innovation,” she said. Hamilton, a proud Texas native, is driven by her own experiences of food and housing insecurity. These experiences fuel her commitment to investing in startups and mentoring entrepreneurs on overcoming their fears of failure.
“If you’re chasing money, this is not the right place for you. It is a long game, but it can be so rewarding,” she emphasized. Hamilton isn’t just looking for financial gain; for her, the journey itself—everything learned and shared along the way—is equally important.
Startup Growth in San Antonio
Another voice of authority at the event was Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom, who proudly highlighted the significant growth within San Antonio’s startup scene. “Companies focusing on housing, health care, financial technology, and cybersecurity are experiencing the most growth,” he noted.
“It is this word ‘collaboration’,” Woodin added. “You’re seeing all sorts of different resources popping up that can help these founders, and the startups, and the entrepreneurs at any stage that they’re at.” The collaborative spirit of San Antonio’s community is evident, with various resources appearing to support innovators at all levels.
The Mission Behind Investment
Hamilton’s vision for investing in San Antonio extends beyond just economic growth; it’s also tied to her mission of inclusion. Her firm, Backstage Capital, has notably invested in over 200 startups founded by women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. “We’ve just been overlooked for so long,” she stated. “There’s an equal amount of value. It should have its place, it should have its resources and its showcase.”
What’s Next for San Antonio Startup Week?
As San Antonio Startup Week rolls on, there promises to be a plethora of events and sessions that anyone interested in entrepreneurship should not miss. The week will continue through Friday, offering a dynamic mix of pitch competitions, networking opportunities, and expert-led workshops. This is truly a time for entrepreneurs and innovators to shine in the spotlight.
Interested individuals can find out more about the week’s events and how they can participate, ensuring they don’t miss out on valuable opportunities to connect and grow. With excitement in the air, it’s clear that San Antonio is ready to make waves in the innovation landscape.
