San Antonio Tech Bloc Launches Exciting New Community Platform
Earlier this month, the streets of San Antonio were buzzing with excitement as the city’s only tech advocacy group, Tech Bloc, unveiled its brand-new website called the “Community Platform.” The launch took place at the chic Smoke Skybar, where attendees mingled, snapped selfies, and took part in the celebration of local tech innovation.
A Fresh Face, A Bright Future
Since stepping into the role of CEO last year, Ileana Gonzalez has been busy steering Tech Bloc, following in the footsteps of its first leader, David Heard, who led the organization for nearly a decade. Gonzalez has brought a renewed energy and vision to the nonprofit, introducing new initiatives aimed at fortifying San Antonio’s position within the global tech landscape. During the launch event, she expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s just everybody collaborating together and making San Antonio a place where we can thrive because of all the resources that we’re putting into one place. So, it’s been amazing.”
What is the “Community Platform”?
The newly launched “Community Platform” is designed to be a one-stop-shop for everyone involved in San Antonio’s tech scene. It provides members with resources, support, and invaluable networking opportunities — similar to a private social media space, think Facebook Group but specifically for tech enthusiasts and professionals. After five months of diligent work, the team has successfully rolled out a platform that more than 250 individuals have already signed up for, including 80 from local startups.
“This shows that people are excited and want to get involved again, even those who haven’t engaged with Tech Bloc for years,” Gonzalez remarked. Members can customize their experience based on their unique interests and roles, ensuring that they connect with like-minded individuals and resources through direct messaging and collaborative spaces.
Pioneering New Ground
Interestingly, Gonzalez mentioned that San Antonio’s platform may be among the first of its kind in the nation. “I’m actually finding out there’s no other city that has a platform and a nonprofit leading it this way,” she explained. This pioneering move sets San Antonio apart, creating a vibrant hub for tech professionals.
Building Support for Startups
Despite setbacks within the local tech industry, like the downsizing of Rackspace Technology Inc. and the sudden collapse of CodeUp, Gonzalez remains optimistic about the future. Tech Bloc is passionate about supporting startups, offering one of the most significant annual pitch competitions in the area, with over $100,000 in prizes.
The membership fees have recently seen a boost, moving from $25 to $50 for individual memberships. According to Gonzalez, this increase isn’t just a revenue boost; it’s aimed at sustaining the organization and offering members more resources than ever. “You can say it’s a change of model, but not really. For 50 bucks, you get access to so many resources,” she added.
Membership Tiers and Benefits
Tech Bloc offers three membership types to cater to different needs. Individual memberships provide access to the Community Platform, a dedicated newsletter, invitations to events, members-only workshops, a free Tech Bloc T-shirt, and a complimentary beverage at events. For startups, the $150 annual membership package grants additional perks, such as access to more than $350,000 in cloud credits with big players like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud, alongside networking opportunities and fundraising resources. On the enterprise level, memberships start at $25,000 and include promotional opportunities and speaking engagements for larger companies looking to partner with Tech Bloc.
A Look Ahead
With the momentum from the website launch, the next big event on Tech Bloc’s agenda is Tech Day, scheduled for November 15 at Port San Antonio. This exciting day will gather venture capitalists, startups, and larger tech firms, further solidifying San Antonio’s role in the tech industry. Gonzalez’s commitment to supporting grassroots efforts shows that the community is at the heart of what Tech Bloc stands for.
As the tech scene grows, San Antonio is gearing up to become a notable player in the landscape, and with Tech Bloc leading the charge, the future looks bright. So, if you’re a local tech enthusiast or entrepreneur, be sure to check them out!
